87th Battle of the Saints Fonseka, Rupasinghe shine before rain ruins day one

 By M. Shamil Amit

St. Joseph’s College openers skipper Sheran Fonseka and Yesith Rupasinghe starred as the first day’s proceedings of their 87th Battle of the Saints encounter against St. Peter’s College played at the SSC ground was ruined by a heavy shower forcing umpires to call off the match due to wet outfield at 2:45 p.m. 
St. Joseph’s were on 233 for 6 having faced 55 overs when play was called off.

St. Joseph’s were invited to take first lease of the wicket by St. Peter’s College, and Foneska, who is deputizing for Dunith Wellalage, currently training with the Sri Lanka U-19 junior squad, along with Rupasinghe gave the Josephians a sound start putting on 120 runs before the stand-in captain was dismissed for 57.
Rupasinghe did not last long as he was sent back to the pavilion four runs later having made 52. From there on Hiran Jayasundara took over as he along with Mithira Thenura added 33 runs for the third wicket.
They lost wickets at regular intervals but Jayasundara held on to remain unbeaten before the heavy shower came down which put a stoppage to proceedings.

Right- and left- arm spin combination of Nimon Umesh, whotook three wickets, and Shennan Rodrigo, with two scalps, shared the bowling honours. The match will be continued today.