The match ended just after tea break at 3.20 pm. Jose last victory against the Bens was in 1987 under the captaincy of Rohan Weerakkody at Darley Road by an innings and 30 runs.
For the Joes it was their third victory in-a-row for this season. They beat De Mazenod College and Kingswood in the last two matches.
The Josephians were 180 for 9 overnight in reply to the Benedictines low score of 101. The homesters declared at 216 for 9 with a healthy lead of 115 runs. Dinraj Fernando (22 n.o.) and Anuk de S. Wijeratne (14 n.o.) shared an unfinished 9th wicket stand of 40 runs. Shahen Perera bowled best for the Bens, claiming 4 for 75.
St. Benedict's in their second essay, put up another poor batting display. The visitors had no answer to the Joes pace and spin attack and were dismissed for 129. Only Chinthaka Perera (22) Virosh Fernando (22) and Asiri Gunathilaka showed any resistence. Pacemen Roshan de Silva 2 for 35, Ishan Hettiarachchi 3 for 16 and the two spinners Dinraj Fernando 2 for 14 and Asanga Fernando who captured 4 for 9 in the first innings had 2 for 22.
The Joes had to hit 15 runs for victory and scored 17 for no loss.
Scores:
St. Benedict's 101 and 129 (C. Perera 27, V. Fernando 22, A. Gunathilaka 23, R. de Silva 2 for 25, I. Hettiarachchi 3 for 16, D. Fernando 2 for 14, A. Fernando 2 for 22).
St. Joseph's 180 for 9 overnight 216 for 9 decl. (D. Fernando 22, A. de S. Wijeratne 14 n.o., (S. Perera 4 for 75, J. Savarimuthupulle 2 for 37) and 17 for no loss (I. Daniels 12 n.o.).