Kevin, Jehan guide Joes to the Quarters

A seventy seven run partnership for the ninth wicket between Kevin Fernando (55) and Jehan Fernandopulle (23 n.o) helped St. Joseph's to defeat Maris Stella College by 55 runs in an Under 13 pre-quarter final game at Darley Road.

Batting first the Josephians were off to a flying start with openers Revan Kelly (56) and Nipun Samarasinghe (26) putting on 65 runs for the first wicket. But after the openers departed Maris Stella strangled the Josephians with some tight bowling to reduce the hosts to 143 for 8 in the 35th over. However a fine 77 run stand between Kevin Fernando and Jehan Fernandopulle took the Josephians past the 200 run mark. Fernando was in cracking form as he hit three sixes and seven fours in a blistering 43 ball knock.

Chasing 228 for victory Maris Stella got off to a steady start to be 100 for 3 at the half way stage and were well on the way to their target. However Josephian spinners skipper Harin Cooray (5/31) and Jehan Fernadopulle (3/37) strangled the visitors with some intelli- gent bowling to bowl out Maris Stella for 172 in the 46th over.

St. Joseph's 227/9 in 45.2 overs (Nipun Samarasinghe 26,Revan Kelly 56, Jehan Daniel 28, Kevin Fernando 55 Jehan Fernandopulle 23 n o; Dilan Gamage 2/37,Sahindu Colombage 4/36, Lasith Croos Pulle 2/41)

Maris Stella 172 all out in 45.2 overs (Avishka Peiris 41,Sahindu Colombage 22, Lasith Croos Pulle 31,Sanka Gunathilake 27;Harin Cooray 5/31, Jehan Fernandopulle 3/37).