116th Battle of the Maroons: narrow shave for Kingswood

Kingswood College had a narrow shave in their 116th Battle of Maroons encounter against Dharmaraja College which concluded at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium last weekend.

Set a target of 195 to win 45 overs the Randles Hills School ended on 153 for 9 to end the game in a draw avoiding a possible defeat at the hands of the Rajans.

Rajans are leading in the tally with 33 wins while Kingswood have won on 19 occasions while the balance 64 ending in draws. Rajans last won in 2015 under Tharusha Weragoda while the Randles Hill School wait has been too long since 1958 under Maurice Fernando.

Dharamaraja lost regular wickets in their first innings and in the end being shot out for 114, in their second innings made an early declaration at 213 for 7 leaving the Randles Hills School a challenging score of 195 for a win off 45 overs.

Kingswood in their first innings got into deep trouble losing half of their side for only 26 runs and recovered not only to score 132 but also to take a first innings lead in the process. Kingswood skipper, Amesh Rupasinghe stroked a brilliant unbeaten 66 inclusive of 6 boundaries and 1 huge six.

Pulindu Perera who scored over 1000 runs season proved he is a vital all-rounder when he won the Man of the Match award for his match bag of 9 for 99.

Brief Scores

• Dharmaraja first innings 114 in 39 overs: Isuru Pannala 25, Maleesha Rajakaruna 14, Onajith de Silva 12, Arosha Mahagedera 12, Kavindu Gunarathne 11. Kenula Pihillianga 3 for 19, Amesh Rupasinghe 3 for 30, Abdul Hakam 3 for 31
• Kingswood first innings: 132 in 51 overs: Amesh Rupasinghe 66 not out, Abdul Hakam 28, Kavija Gamage 18, Pulindu Perera 4 for 43
• Dharmaraja second innings: 213 for 7 dec in 55.4 overs: Nisala Abeyrathne 72, Thisaru Wanninanayke 31, Pulindu Perera 32, Oranjith de Silva 28. Amesh Rupasinghe 4 for 69
• Kingswood second innings 163 for 9 in 45 overs: Kavija Gamage 66, Adel Sheriff 36. Pulindu Perera 5 for 56, Nisala Abeyrathne 3 for 27 (SJ)