86th BATTLE OF THE SAINTS : Jayakody’s century stands out on a day of mixed fortunes

(FASTNEWS | 86th BATTLE OF THE SAINTS) – The opening day of the 86th Battle of the Saints Josephian-Peterite big match, starred a mix of appalling run-outs, butter-fingered fielding and a delightful 100 not out from Dineth Jayakody, propelling them to the driver’s seat at stumps at the P. Sara Oval yesterday.

In fact, the Jayakody-Sadeesh Jayawardena duo, sharing a record 148-run stand for the fifth-wicket, paused the procession and firmly anchored their innings. The latter, seizing the opportunity, notched his maiden big match half century on the stroke of stumps.

Joes, in their response, began briskly with their captain and opening batsman Johanne de Zilva scoring rapidly. He batted with the same fire he had during his athletic fielding, when he pulled off a one-handed air-borne stunner. Nevertheless, the short-burst fire was doused by the lanky left-armer Vinuda Liyanage, who trapped him leg before wicket for 21 off 18.

Sheran Fonseka, with 1000+ runs in the season, perished adding only one run. Spinners coming into the attack nearly worked only for Dineth gifted a new lease of life.

Josephians winning the toss and inviting their counterparts to take first lease of the wicket squandered an iota of opportunities very early in the innings.

However, skipper cum right-arm fast De Zilva, ensured they were compensated, when he made the first inroad, removing Rishika Santhush for a single digit.

In quick succession, his move of giving spinners the new ball was instantly rewarded with Ashian Daniel getting Peterite captain and wicket-keeper Shannon Fernando very cheaply. The situation only deteriorated from bad to worse with a major mix-up and lack of communication dismissing a fumingly mad, Nipunaka Fonseka.

The mini-collapse triggered shockwaves in the Peterite camp, however, though, culprit for the run out, Lahiru Chethaka took his side to lunch without making more misery to them. The post-lunch session started in auspicious fashion, losing Kanishka Maduwantha. At the other end, Chethaka, however, stuck in the middle, scoring slowly and steadily.

With the partnership reading 80 runs and threatening to take control, Daniel was re-introduced again and as required delivered the goods by ending Chethaka’s superb knock of 64, inclusive of two bold sixes.

Dismal communication haunted them again in the running out of Wanuja Kumara two shy of a deserving half-ton.

With recognised batsmen, irresponsibly succumbing to the Joes, the lower-order was left with the Hobson’s choice of going for runs. Tail end batter Danal Hemananda entered and exited for a quick seven, inclusive of a six. In a coincidental finish, Peters were bowled out for 224, in exactly the last ball of the innings.

The match continues today on its second and final day. (DN)