St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala led by Wanithe Wnninayake did creditably to overcome their rivals Maliyadeva College on the first innings at their Annual Big Match which was played at the Welegedere Stadium.
Maliyadeve skipper Damithe Silva who won the toss invited the Annites to take the first lease. The Annites did not disappoint their supporters and in 73.5 overs and little over 5 hours decleared their first innings at 307 for 7 wickets. The main scorers were Randeere Ranesinghe – 98, Tharinde Wijesinghe – 56 n.o., Kavindu Ranasinghe – 56, Pubudu Ganegame – 34, Vimukthi Bandare – 27. Kaveen Bandare -2/45, Damithe Silva – 2/97 were the pick of the bowling.
Maliyadeve College replied with 224 all out in 101.2 overs in a little over 6 hours. Damithe Silva 85, Brian Chandresene – 30, Kaveen Bandare – 30 played best. Pubudu Ganegame – 5/68, Kavindu Ranasinghe – 2/47, Piumal Singhewanse -2/54 took the bowling honours.
Annites in the second innings were 53 for no loss in 14 overs and 55 mts. Pubudu Ganegame - 22 n.o., Dineth Chandimal – 25 n.o.
While the Dialog Champion Trophy was shared at the drawn match a special panel declared: The Best Batsman – Randeere Ranasinghe (SAC), The Best Bowler – Pubudu Ganegame (SAC), The Man of the Match – Pubudu Ganegame (SAC)