Maris Stella seek to continue unbeaten run against President’s in semi-final  

Under 19 Division II Tier ‘B’ Cricket

Maris Stella College, Thimbirigaskatuwa and President’s College, Kotte will compete for a place in the final and a spot in the Tier ‘A’ category when they meet in the Under 19 Division II Tier ‘B’ semi-final today and tomorrow at Pannipitiya.

With the two finalists earning promotion to Tier ‘A’ category from next season teams entering the semi-finals are eager to book a berth in the final.

Maris Stella captained by Yohan Fernando are in the semi-final after pulling off 31 runs victory over Christ King, Ja Ela in the quarter-final. Vishwa Peiris and Fernando shared ten wickets between them in the second innings to achieve the victory. Peiris collected a match bag of 11 wickets, while wicketkeeper batsman Nadeesha Rajakaruna excelled with the bat, top scoring with 73 runs in the first innings.

Maris Stella reached the knockout stage as the champions of group ‘Y’ in the first round where they recorded five outright victories and three first innings wins.

President’s skipperd by Ishara Kanchana reached the semi-final with a first innings win over St. Thomas’ College Matale in the quarter-final. Kanchana’s four wicket haul and the unbeaten century (134 runs in 171 balls) were vital for President’s in the quarter-final as they batted for 100 overs.

President’s were the runners up in group ‘X’ in the first round where they registered four outright victories, a single first innings win and a first innings tie. In the other two matches they conceeded first innings defeats. (RF)

Teams:

Maris Stella College Thimbirigaskatuwa (from): Yohan Fernando (Captain), Sonal Nethmina (Vice Captain), Samod Appuhamy, Ravindu Rajapaksha, Shaveen Perera, Nadeesha Rajakaruna, Maneesha Nimsara, Senesh Panchama, Suwahas Yapa, Vishwa Peiris, Malindu Dissanayaka, Chanod Sansisa, Sadaru Anjana, Navanjaya Sadew, Omith Perera.

Officials:

Rev. Bro. Anthony Francis (Master in Charge), Mevan Fernando (Coach).

President’s College Kotte (from):

Ishara Kanchana (Captain), Dineth Arosha (Vice Captain), Malindu Rathnayake, Daham Nisshanka, Kaveesha Pilippuge, Chanul Jayawardane, Punsara Hanwella, Thisath Hettiarachchi, Nevinda Mahadevage, Shehanka Abeyrathne, Sewhas Gamage, Adheesha Perera, Hirun Ranasinghe, Nadila Kankanamge, Sasindu Muhandiramge, Yohara Weerasooriyarachchi, Hirusha Hewage, Ruvishka Cooray, Shanaka Paranamanna, Sithum Hettiarachchi.

Officials:

T.G. Achintha Udayanga (Master in Charge), Menaka Jayasinghe (Head Coach), Nirosh Ranathunga (Asst. Coach), Kavindu Samarathunga (Asst. Coach).