Maharagama special correspondent
The newly prepared cricket turf of Pannipitiya Dharmapala Vidyalaya which costed Rs. 350,000 was declared open by retired Air Force chief and an old boy of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Mr. Oliver Ranasinghe recently.
This wicket was a gift to the school by the Old Dharmapalians Sports Club.
The Sri Lanka first test cricket captain Bandula Warnapura was in -charge of the preparation of the turf. He was also present at the opening ceremony.
The principal of the school addressing the gathering thanked the Old Dharmapalians Sports Club for this generous donation.
The chairman of the Old Dharmapalian Sports Club, Mr. V. S. Gunawardana and the secretary of the club, Mr. Sunil Panagoda also spoke.
Double ton by Jayasiri
Dilwin Mendis, Moratuwa sports correspondent
A fine double century by former Moratu Vidyalaya opener R. P. Jayasiri saw Moratuwa SC to comfortable first innings win over old Mazenodians in their Division Two BCCSL cricket match played recently.
The Mazenodians batting first were all out for 235 runs. P. Senevirathne scored a century and Prasanna Fernando baged 6 for 50.
Moratuwa SC in their turn piled up 353 runs for the lost of seven wickets before declaring. Jayasiri and Chintaka Fernando put on 141 runs for the fifth wicket and Fernando contributed 52. Rasan Pieris made a quick 35. J. Seneviratne was the most successful bowler for Mazenodians with 4 for 70. The visitors were 147 for 4 at close with Lanka Chintana unbeaten on 7.
Old Mazenodians 235 (P. Seneviratne 111, P. Fernando 6 for 50 and 147 for 4, L. Chintana 70 not out).
Moratuwa SC 353 for 7 declared (R. P. Jayasiri 211, C. Fernando 52, R. Pieris 35, J. Senevirathne 4 for 70).
Bartleets Mercantile 'B' Division champs
Bartleet Group emerged Mercantile 'B' division champions when they defeated defending runners-up HNB 'B' in the final at the P. Sara Stadium.
Bartleet group won the toss and invited their opponents to bat first. HNB were bowled out for 160 in 44 overs. Bartleet Group battled cautiously to reach their target for the loss of five wickets with three overs to spare. This victory saw Bartleet Group being promoted to the 'A' division.
HNB opener Damitha Hunukumbura made a fighting 55 but the others failed to support him. Bartleet skipper Sanjaya Rajapakse bowled his left arm leg spinners to capture 4 for 28. For Bartleets Ashan Ranaweera (48) and Dhammika Rajapakse (40) batted well to steer them to victory.
This tournament was sponsored by HNB and Mr. Rienzie Wijetilleke, Managing Director of HNB was the chief guest and gave away the awards.
HNB 160 all out in 44 overs (Damitha Hunukumbura 55, Nilan de Silva 20, Sanjaya Rajapakse 4/28).
Bartleets 161 for 5 in 44 overs. (Ashan Ranaweera 48, Dhammika Rajapakse 40 n.o., Anush Perera 2 /31).