143rd Battle of the Blues ends in a draw   

S. Thomas’ College posted 142 for six wickets at stumps in their second essay as they defied their arch rivals Royal College to force a draw and retain the shield in the 143rd Battle of the Blues ended at the SSC on Saturday.

After restricting S. Thomas’ to 242 runs, Royal posted 219 for eight wickets declared but the boys from Mount Lavinia prevailed for more than 60 overs to make it a draw.

Skipper Ryan Fernando who could not make a big impression in the first innings came up with a decisive half century in the second innings. Fernando batted for almost three hours as he top scored with 74 runs (117 balls) inclusive of ten fours.