Thurstan earn vital points against table leaders 

by Reemus Fernando 

Thurstan recorded a crucial first innings win that will keep alive their chances of fighting for the runner-up position in their group. The team captained by Thanuga Palihawadana registered a first innings win over table leaders, St. Thomas’ College, Matara on Friday.

Thurstan became the first team to record a first innings win against the formidable opponents from Matara who had remained unbeaten this season.

Despite the first innings win Thurstan continue to remain in third place in the second group of the Tier ‘B’ tournament.

Thurstan did not have the service of Sri Lanka Under 19 captain Vihas Thewmika for the match against St. Thomas’. Incidentally, Thewmika was available only for two tournament matches this season due to Sri Lanka Under 19 duty and injury.

Under Palihawadana’s captaincy Thurstan have recorded one outright victory (St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya) and four first innings wins while one match ended in a no decision. Their report card also includes one first innings defeat.

Thurstan will now be looking to conclude the tournament with an impressive performance against Moratu Vidyalaya in their last tournament encounter starting on Wednesday.

St. Thomas’ have two more matches before they conclude the tournament. Mahinda who have played only five matches so far are capable of upsetting St. Thomas’ as they have three more matches.

Note:
This is an up-to-date points table prepared by The Sunday Island.
Keys:
MP- Matches played, IW- Innings win, IL – Lost by an innings, WO – Won outright, LO – Lost outright, 1st IW- Won on 1st innings, 1st IL – Lost on first innings, 1st IT – Tied on 1st innings, MT – Match ended in tie, ND- No decision,
TP- Total points, AVE – Average