Thurstan break big match hoodoo
Thurstan College broke a 20- year- old stalemate after recording a convincing 10-wicket victory against traditional rivals Isipathana College at the 56th Battle of the Brothers, and claimed the B l a ck h a m Wijewardene Trophy, at the SSC grounds yesterday.
The name of Thurstan skipper Sandaru Dias would go down in the history of this big match for leading his side with an imposing performance as a left-arm spinner by claiming a match bag of 10 wickets. Thurstan was left with a simple task of accomplishing 38 runs with almost two sessions in hand and they aptly reached the winning target without losing a wicket.
Skipper Dias claimed six Isipathana scalps to have them bundled out for 144 runs in their second innings, after Thurstan posted a commanding 276. Thusrtan were 154-5 overnight and were already gained a lead of 110 runs.
For Thurstan Ranesh Silva turned the game into a memorable one, cracking 109 runs in 116 balls which was the highlight of the second day’s proceedings. Apart from Silva’s knock which comprised 14 boundaries, top order batsman Anju Karunanayake hit 70 runs facing 80 balls and hitting eight fours. Other Thurstan batsmen failed to make any impression which saw them end their innings resuming from their overnight score of 154- 5 with a formidable score of 276 runs in reply Isipathana’s score of 169 made on day one.
Isipathana batting too underwent some anxious moments as only their top three batsmen were able make useful contributions as Thurstan skipper Dias had them in a spot of bother. Dias who ended with a six wicket haul and his deputy Ayesh Harshana combined with effect to bowl Isipathana out for another low score of 144 runs. But Thurstan was unfortunate as they had a target of 34 runs for victory but was unable to take the field due to bad light.
Thurstan’s tally of wins of the series now moves up to six as against four of Isipathana with the rest ending in draws and no outright results has been recorded by either side since 1999. Isipathanians led by Krishantha Jayawardena registered big match’s last victory in 1999.
Having won the game last in 1992, Thurstanites were jubilant in breaking a 27- year- old win- less hoodoo. Their last win came under Mackenzie Perera in 1992.