Thomian skipper Upeka Fernando was the match-winner yesterday. After taking a risk by putting the Royalists into bat after winning the toss, he restricted Royal to 225 for 7 in the 50-overs, and in turn, helped his side knock up the required runs by hammering a quick-fire 84 in just 56 deliveries.
Upeka Fernando, opening the Thomian innings with Sumudu Perera, was in a belligerent mood. Given a 'life' when on 41 by Royal's wicket-keeper Andrew Perera off Harshana Rajakaruna, Fernando's half century came off only 32 balls with nine boundaries and a six. His explosive knock came to an end as soon as the field restrictions were removed at the end of the first 15 overs. By this time, he had slammed 15 fours and a six. He put on 68-runs for the opening wicket with Sumudu Perera who made 13 in only 6.4 overs.
Then there was a 52-run partnership that Fernando was involved with Janaka Siriwardene (18). There was a further 50-run stand for the unbroken fifth wicket between Nilanka Pieris (47) and Mishad Pieris (13) that sealed the fate for the Royalists. Nilanka Pieris too had a 'life' when Mubarak missed a simple catch at short mid-wicket off Harith Rajakaruna when only on six. He faced only 46 balls in his unbeaten knock.
Jehan Mubarak, Royal's No. 4 batsman, showed his class once again in the first session. He made a fine 62 off 72 deliveries with eight boundaries and a six. His 50 came in 63 balls with six fours and a six. Skipper Shanaka Perera too batted well to make 46 with three boundaries in 75 balls and these two batsmen (Mubarak and skipper Perera) put on 64-runs for the fourth wicket.
Special awards
S. Thomas' skipper Upeka Fernando was adjudged the Man of the Match, while the other individual awards went to Jehan Mubarak (Best Batsman - Royal), Upeka Fernando (Best Batsman - S. Thomas'), Jehan Mubarak (Best Bowler - Royal), Harshana Jayawardene (Best Bowler - S. Thomas') and Andrew Perera (Royal's wicket-keeper) as the best Fresher.
A former S. Thomas' and SSC all-rounder Ranil Abeynaike was the chief guest.