The first week of the Premier League Trophy promises a collection of outright wins. What is more, there have been surprising results along the way: Defending champions, Colts CC, are in dire straights against Colombo Cricket Club, Kurunegala YC dominate BRC, and the Air Force batsmen have started the season in fine form.
The biggest match of the week is undoubtedly the Colts-CCC clash at Maitland Place. Colts CC, who are coached by Roy Dias and tipped to be near the top again this season, have had a tough two days against Colombo Cricket Club.
Having been bundled out Colts CC for a palty 130, Colombo Cricket Club enjoyed a veritable run spree on day two. Michael Vandort led the charge with a patient 75 from 174 balls. He was well supported by former international wicket keeper, Lanka de Silva, who narrowly missed out on a century when he was dismissed for 96. Hemantha Boteju chipped in with a typically forthright 61.
Colombo Cricket Club scored 403 before they declared. In their second innings, Colts CC are 21 without loss, but need to bat throughout the final day if they are to stave off defeat.
The Sinhalese Sports Club are in a commanding position against Tamil Union. Arjuna Ranatunga was finally dismissed for 86 as SSC went on to score 315 in the first innings. Tamil Union then struggled to get to grips with a second string SSC bowling attack and were all out for 147. In their second innings SSC reached 68 for one at the close with Ranatunga once again in the runs with an unbeaten 31.
Kumar Dharmasena was dropped from the Sri Lankan one-day team partly because of some disappointing form with the bat. However, he scored heavily in the limited overs tournament and continued that fine form with 157 against the Police Sports Club today.
Kurunegala have struggled in recent times against the Colombo based clubs. However, they will surely take heart from their performance this week against BRC. They scored 154 in their first innings after bowling out the Burgher club for just 120 in the first innings. Then they dismissed BRC for 154 and are currently 36 for one chasing a victory target of 121.
Elsewhere, Moors SC and Sebastianites are locked into a tight contest and either side could emerge winners, the Navy continue to struggle against NCC, Panadura have compiled a useful lead in their match against Singha, and the Airforce have replied well to Matara's first innings score of 293.
© cricinfo
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