The 147th ‘Battle of the Blues’ between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo this evening (14).

On Thursday (12), Royal captain Rehan Pieris won the toss and invited S. Thomas’ to bat first with the aim of restricting them to a below par total.

Thomian skipper Avinash Fernando and the team however responded with a superb batting display. After batting the entire opening day, S. Thomas’ went on to post 302. Captain Avinash Fernando scored 50 while his opening partner Jaden Amaraweera hit an impressive 52. Coming in at No. 3, Dulith Gunaratne contributed to the total with 44. Reshon Solomons top scored for the Thomians with a 146-ball 66. For Royal, Sehadu Sooryaarachchi picked up 3/58.

In their first essay, Royalists posted 261/9 before the declaration. Ramiru Perera hit 82 off 126 deliveries. Skipper Rehan Pieris scored 63 while Dushan Uduwala chipped in with 33. Gimhan Mendis was the pick of the bowlers for S. Thomas with his return of 4/60. Abheeth Paranawidana finished the innings with figures of 2/60.

S. Thomas in their second innings scored 176/6 before both captains decided to share the spoils on the final session of the 147th ‘Battle of the Blues’. Opener Jaden Amaraweera remained unbeaten on 100 from 161 deliveries. Methuka Gunarathne hit 21. For Royal, Mahiru Kodithuwakku picked up 2/5.

Both Royal and S. Thomas will now focus on the traditional limited overs contest to be played on March 28 at the same venue.