Old Anandians and Old Mahindians joint champions

Old Anandians and Old Mahindians emerged joint champions at the 22nd Col. Henry Steel Olcott crickrt tournament played at Asgiriya Stadium Kandy yesterday.

Bad weather interrupted the semi final and final of the tournament and in the first semi final Old Mahindians defeated Old Dharmapalians and the second semi final was halted after Old Dharmarajians innings and finally the finalists were decided by a toss of a coin and Old Anandians skipper won the toss and entered the final.

However tournament committee finally decided Old Mahindians and Old Anandians as joint champions of the tournament

Col Henry Steel Olcott cricket tournament joint champions Old Ananda and Old Mahinda teams with chief guest Mahinda Pethiyagoda and Dharmapala College Pannipitiya principal Maheshika Rupasinghe pose for a picture.
(Pix by Dhammika Ratnaweera)

which was organised by Old Rajans Cricket Foundation and Henry Steel Olcott cricket Foundation.

In the first semi final Old Mahindians scored 61 for 2 wickets in 6 overs and opener Thusitha Paliwatte scored 30 retired in 20 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes. Upul Chandana made 8 in just 3 balls with a six while Saman Wijeratna took 1 for 6.

Old Dharmapalians managed to get 29 for 4 wickets in 6 overs and Chamila Jayasinghe top scored with unbeaten 12 in 11 balls. Tharanga Maharamba took bowling honours with 2 for 1.

In the other semi final Old Dharmaraja scored 64 for 1 wicket in 6 overs while opener Chamila Ambagaspitiya scored 32 retired in 16 balls with 5 sixes. Skipper Upesh Wijesiri was unbeaten on 16 in 13 balls and Chaminda Ratnayake 15 in 7 balls made useful knocks. However old Anandians innings was halted due to rain and winners were decided by the toss of a coin.

Old Dharmarajians skipper Upesh Wijesiri who scored 62 runs in 4 innings was named Best Batsman while Old Anandian acting skipper Muthumudalige Pushpakumara was adjudged the Best Bowler for taking 5 wickets in 4 innings. Nalin Thenuwara of Old Dharmasokians was named Best Fielder of the tournament. Old Mahindian Thusitha Paliwatte who scored 55 runs and took 2 wickets with three catches was adjudged Best Player of the Tournament.

Earlier after league round Old Ananda College and Old Mahinda came first and second to enter semi final while in the other group Old Dharmapalians and Old Dharmarajians were first and second to enter the semi final.

Mahinda Pethiyagoda an old boy and renowned cricketer of Dharmaraja College was the chief guest while Maheshika Rupasinghe the Principal of Dharmapala College Pannipitiya gave away the main awards. Henry Steel Olcott cricket Foundation President Rohan Somawansa and Ajith Palihakkara Secretary of Old Rajans Cricket Foundation were also present on this occasion.

The post Old Anandians and Old Mahindians joint champions appeared first on DailyNews.