Royal declare second innings, give Thomians a 342-run target

Royal College declared their second innings on their overnight score of 168 for 4, giving S. Thomas’ College a target of 342 to chase in the 144th Battle of the Blues, at the SSC grounds. 

With 95 overs slated for the day, the Thomians will have a long day with the bat and though a draw would see them retain the D. S. Senanayake Shield, they will face a Royal College bowling attack emboldened by the efforts of their batters. 

Royal College continued their domination on day two on Friday, ending in a commanding position on the back of a half-century from captain Dasis Manchanayake and an unbeaten 46 from Ramiru Perera. 

Having gained a massive 173-run advantage after bowling out the Thomians for 153 in their first innings, the Royalists scored at over six runs an over to add significantly to the lead.