Battle for semi-final berths today

The Under-23 Inter-Club Cricket Tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket has reached the final stages with the final round matches scheduled to be worked off today in 12 venues which will also be the clash for the four semi-final berths with the top four teams in the four groups qualifying.

In Group 'A' two teams -- Army SC and Badureliya CC are in contention. Army SC has secured 19 points from four wins while Badureliya CC has got 18 from the same amount of wins. Army SC are down to play BRC and Badureliya CC will meet Police SC and the winner of this match will qualify for one semi-final berth.

In Group 'B' the two teams in the race for the berth are Lankan CC and Air Force SC. Both teams have recorded 12 points each. Lankan CC will meet Panadura SC while Air Force SC will confront Chilaw Marians CC with the winner making it to the semi-final.

Defending champions Colts CC are assured of the semi-final berth from Group 'C' as they have accumulated 19 points from four matches and even if they lose their last match against NCC today it makes no difference.

An interesting tussle is on in Group 'D' with SSC and Tamil Union in the fray. Both teams have secured 24 points each but Tamil Union have finished their quota of matches. Unbeaten SSC has a match against Bloomfield which should be an easy outing.

The other six matches due to be played are of academic interest. The two semi-finals are scheduled to be played on October 7 with the winner of Group 'A' meeting the winner of Group 'D' and winner of Group 'C' clashing against winner of Group 'D'. The final is slotted to be played on October 11.