Moratuwa SC consolidate top position in Group B

Monday, 1 September 2025 02:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Maneendra Jayathilake top-scored for Moratuwa SC with a 67-ball 68

Moratuwa SC maintained their top position in Group B of the SLC Under-23 Inter-Club 2-Day Tournament with a first innings win against Navy SC at Welisara yesterday. It was their third win out of four matches.

Moratuwa SC, who had already obtained the first innings lead on Day One by dismissing Navy SC for 158 and then replying with 170-4, carried their total to 287 with fifties from Isula Niduwara (56 off 136 balls, 7 fours) and Maneendra Jayathilake (68 off 67 balls, 7 fours, 4 sixes). Left-arm seamer Janith Fernando was the pick of the Navy SC bowlers with 4/64.

Trailing by 119 runs, Navy SC put up a better batting display to score 244-9 declared, with Dinesh Jelon scoring 61 off 105 balls (9 fours) and off-spinner Sahan Kaushalya picking up 5/48 for Moratuwa SC, who made 6-1 in their second innings.

In the match begun at Air Force Grounds, Katunayake, exchanges were even, with Negombo CC at 217 and Leo CC replying with 71-4 to trail by 146 runs with six wickets in hand to gain a first innings lead. Two 70+ partnerships featured in Negombo CC’s innings – 77 for the third by skipper Kaveen Fernando (52 off 80 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) and Thathsara Eshan (38), and 72 for the eighth wicket by Hansaja Hiruna (37) and Lester Jayaweera (42). Spinners Poorna Kalhara and Oshada Gimhan took seven wickets between them. Of the four wickets lost by Leo CC, Shehan Pramod had captured 3/26.

The match continues today. – (ST)