116th Battle of the North Vithusan, Ajay shine, Jaffna Central dominate day one

Jegatheeswaran Vithusan and Nishanthan Ajay shone with half tons for Jaffna Central College  against traditional rivals St. John’s College Jaffna on the first day’s play of the three day 116th Battle of the North big match played at the Central ground in Jaffna.

The pair made almost contrasting knocks with Vithusan making 74 in 102 balls inclusive of six boundaries and five sixes while Ajay hit 74 in 77 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes for Jaffna Central taking first lease of the wicket to make a formidable score of 279 runs.

Vithusan was involved in a valuable partnership of 83 runs for the second wicket with Matheeswaran Sansayan who chipped in with 42 runs. Though partnerships of any significance did not come thereafter, Ajay held on and associated in brief stands which helped to bolster the Centralites scoreboard before becoming the ninth victim of the innings.

The Johnians in their turn facing 17 overs ended the day on 43 for 3. The match will be continued today. 

-MSA

Results: 

Jaffna Central 279 (Nishanthan Ajay 74, Jegatheeswaran Vithusan 71, Matheeswaran Sansayan 42, Sutharshan Anushanth 27, Thakuthas Abilash 15: Yogathas Vithushan 4 for 70, Anton Abishel 3 for 67, Kirupananthan Kajakarnan 2 for 38)
St. John’s Jaffna 43 for 3 (Nesakumar Jezial 16 n.o.: Sudarshan Anushanth 2 for 26)