S. Thomas' continuing from the overnight score of 124 for 3 in reply to St. benedict's 111, batted just for one hour to declare on 212 for 5 at 11.00 a.m. with Ramesh Fernando unbeaten on 54.
St. Benedict's facing a first innings deficit of 101 runs were on 26 for 2 at lunch and lost another soon after to be 26 for 3.
It is at this stage skipper Tissera playing virtually a lone hand to defy the bowling almost to the end of play to score 97 with one six and 12 fours. N. Ratwatte bowled well to claim 4 for 41.
St. Benedict's 111 and 179 for 8 (R. Tissera 97, J. Saverimuthupulle 37, D. Silva 10, N. Ratwatte 4 for 41, R. Fernando 2 for 19, C. Gunewardene 1 for 17).
St. Thomas' 124 for 3 continued 212 for 5 (R. Fernando 54 not out, R. Mapatuna 32, J. Siriwardene 21 not out, P. Hewage 2 for 52, S. Karunanayake 1 for 3, P. Dissanayake 1 for 20, D. Perera 1 for 13).