Sadev shines with half century as Thomians post 297

145th Battle of the Blues

by Reemus Fernando

Fresher Sadev Soysa produced his best performance of the season top scoring with 83 runs as S. Thomas’ posted 297 runs after being invited to bat first on day one of the 145th Battle of the Blues at the SSC ground on Thursday.

Opener Soysa and one down bat Dineth Goonewardene both scored half centuries and Mahith Perera, Nathan Caldera and Akash Fernando made useful contributions for S.Thomas’ to reach their eventual total.

Royal speedsters found the decision to bowl first backfiring as they toiled in vain during the first two sessions. The only success Royal had in the morning session was when skipper Sineth Jayawardane had Senadhi Bulankulame caught behind by Rehan Peiris for 13 runs.

Debutant Soysa and Dineth Gunewardene then added 66 runs either side of lunch before a soft dismissal ended the opener’s 134 ball stay. He scored 11 fours in his knock. Soysa had only a score of 38 as his best batting performance this season. He was solid during the morning session and looked set to score a debut century when Jayawardane snared him with his spin to offer Yenula Bandara an easy catch.

The Thomians were strongly placed at tea (174 for two) with Goonewardene and Mahith Perera adding a sensible partnership for the third wicket. But post tea session was a complete contrast as Jayawardane and Ramiru Perera shared eight wickets between them to take the rest of the Thomian wickets.

Gunawardene who received an early life (dropped by Nethwin Dharmaratne off Bulan Weeratunga) when he was 17 was dismissed by Perera who took a catch off his own bowling for 50. He struck eight fours in his 114- ball knock. Perera also accounted for Nathan Caldera who struck a solid 44 off 59 balls. Akash Fernando scored an aggressive 29 inclusive of two fours and two sixes before he was bowled by Ranuka Malaviarachchi.