Moors SC clinch Under 23 title

Skipper Dellon Pieris had fine figures of 5 for 102 but it went in vain as Moors SC recorded thrilling first innings points to become champions over Ragama CC in the final cricket fixture of the Major Clubs Under 23 cricket tournament played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

It was a good fight by Moors SC with their three batsmen Sohan de Livera at the number three slot, skipper Mohammad Shammaz and Janishka Perera hitting fine half-centuries to build up the innings to obtain first innings points in their two-day affair. Livera who has played good cricket in National Super League once again hit 72 in 57 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes for his explosive knock, also added a superb second-wicket partnership of 112 runs with opener Dinuka Dilshan who scored 44 in 54 balls with 6 fours.

Janishka Perera had a good knock of 72 in 128 balls with 6 fours while skipper Shammaz the former Zahirian played a classic knock of 73 in 83 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes which paved the way to increase the total to overcome the opponent total.

At one stage Moors SC were 262 for 4 wickets while opponent Skipper Dellon Pieris who bowled a marathon spell of 20.5 overs spell did most of the damage to grab five wickets for 102 runs well supported by Shashika Dulshan 3 for 92 but that was not enough to bundle out the opponent.

Earlier, Ragama CC played dominated the first day with Ranmith Jayasena who scored a brilliant century in the semi-final once again hit 72 but was unfortunately run out and all-rounder Shashika Dulshan scored 52 while Moors leg spinner Teeshan Vithushan took bowling honours taking 5 for 102.

Ragama CC Skipper Dellon Pieris was named Player of the Tournament while Moors SC skipper Mohammad Shammaz was adjudged Man of the Final. Sakuna Liyanage and Teeshan Vithushan were named the Best Batter and Best Bowler of the tournament.

Chief scores

Ragama CC: 293 (Nusal Dharmaratne 10, Dulaj Bandara 73, Lahiru Dewatage17, Ranmith Jayasena 72, Dellon Pieris 27, Shashika Dulshan 52, Ashan Fernando 15*, Dinuka Dulshan 2/19, Teeshan Vithushan 5/102)

Moors SC: 298 for 9 wickets at close (Dinuka Dilshan 44, Sohan de Livera 72, Mohammad Shammaz 73, Shakour Razni 14*, Sisitha Madanayake 12, Shashika Dulshan 3/92, Dellon Pieris 5/102)