Courtesy of Ranjan Anandappa – Sunday Observer

Two fine performances by Priyamal Perera (81 and a match bag of 5 for27) and Aravinda Akurugoda (match bag of 6 for 46) helped St.Joseph’s to beat Maris Stella College ,Negombo by 79 runs in the Under 19 school cricket encounter played at Darley Road yesterday.

The Joes batting first scored 266 for 6 declared on the first day with skipper Dylan Fernandopulle (38), Nirvana Abeysekera (70) and Priyamal Perera (81) doing the bulk of the scoring. Shehan Chaturanga bowled best for the Maristonians taking 5 for 91) Maris Stella in their first innings were 104 for 6 overnight but lost their last four wickets for 10 runs. Left arm leg spinner Aravinda Akurugoda ( 4 for 14) were the pick of the Josephian bowlers.

The Negombo school following on with a deficit of 152 runs fared no better in their second innings being dismissed for 94 facing 43.3 overs. Vihanga Ravishanker (25) and the first innings top scorer Chaturanga Rajapakse ( 18) were able to reach double figures.

St.Joseph’s 266 for 6 declared. (Duran de Alwis 23, Dylan Fernandopulle 38, Sadeera Samarawickrema 30, Nirvana Abeysekera 70, Priyamal Perera 81, Shehan Chaturanga 5 for 91)

Maris Stella 104 for 6 overnight 114 in 43.2 overs (Chaturanga Rajapaksa 61, Fabian Fernando 2 for 11, Aravinda Akurugoda 4 for 19, Priyamal Perera 3 for 2) and following on 94 all out ( Vihanga Ravishankar 25, Chaturanga Rajapaksa 18, Fabian Fernando 3 for 20, Priyamal Perera 2 for 25, Aravinda Akurugoda 2 for 27, Malshan Rodrigo 3 for 10)