Adverse weather conditions will play crucial role in deciding group winners

CCC captain Malinda Maduranga (with helmet) is congratulated by team mates

SSC cricketers celebrate the fall of a wicket.

• 12 matches down for decision today in SLC Major Club Youth (U23) tournament

The adverse weather conditions currently experienced around the country will play a crucial role in deciding the four group winners of the SLC Major Club Youth (Under 23) cricket tournament with a full card of 12 matches down for decision today.

Army SC (19 points) who are heading Group A take on third-placed Badureliya CC (14) at Surrey grounds, Maggona, while in the same group second placed BRC (15) host Nugegoda S&WC. Army, BRC and Badureliya are all in the running to head the group.  

In Group B Lankan CC and last year’s runner-up Chilaw Marians are tied at the top with 10 points each and how they perform in their respective matches against Negombo CC and Ragama CC will decide the fate of the group leaders.

Defending champions Colts (14) who head Group C have another opportunity to grab full points when they host wooden spoonists Saracens SC, while second-placed NCC (12) and third-placed Moors SC (10) will battle it out for second place to be within touching distance of Colts.

Group D sees the most important clash of the day between leaders SSC (19) and third-placed CCC (15) at CCC grounds. A win for SSC will ensure them of finishing as group leaders while a win for CCC will open up the group as both clubs will be tied on the same number of points. 

Tamil Union who are lying second with 19 points play their final game of the first round when the host Kandy Customs CC at the P Sara Oval. Tamil Union will certainly want to finish on a high and if they do with a bonus point, they have an outside chance of heading the group and by doing so qualify for a place in the semi-finals.