Bloomfield, Colts battle for place in final from Group A

Friday, 28 February 2025 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colts and Bloomfield who earlier played in a Group A match, will battle it out for second finalists berth

SLC Major Club 3-day tournament

Negombo CC, Chilaw Marians CC in tussle to avoid relegation

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

NCC who have already qualified to play in the SLC Major Club four-day final at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium from 5-8 March will know who their opponents are with the conclusion of the final week of group matches commencing today at four venues.

Battling for the final spot from Group A are leaders Bloomfield and second placed Colts who are at an advantage as they play their respective matches at their home venue. Bloomfield host Badureliya SC at Bloomfield grounds, while Colts play Chilaw Marians CC at Colts grounds.

Bloomfield goes into the final week holding onto a five-point lead over Colts which they would dearly love to extend by taking full points off Badureliya SC. That would ensure they retain top position in the group and thereby qualify for the final. Colts have a tough task as they not only have to overcome Bloomfield’s advantage of five points over them but also win outright and take the maximum points. At the same time, Colts must hope that Bloomfield does not win outright.

It will be a decisive weekend not only for the leaders of the group, but also for two other clubs at the bottom of the group to avoid being relegated. Chilaw Marians CC who are third from the bottom could feel comfortable at the moment, but to be on the safe side they need to muster as many points from their match against Colts.

Negombo CC’s chances of displacing Chilaw Marians CC and escaping relegation hinges heavily on them beating bottom of the table Ragama CC outright in their match commencing at Surrey grounds, Maggona and taking maximum points. But at the same time hope that Chilaw Marians CC don’t gain sufficient batting and bowling points. But with the fickle weather anything can happen.

Ragama CC are already out of contention to avoid relegation and have been joined by SSC and Kandy Customs CC from Group B. Ragama CC have been hit not only by injuries but by national players crossing over to clubs at the 11th hour and some being coaxed to join clubs that have a clout when it comes to national selection.

The other match commencing today between Ace Capital CC and Panadura SC at Police grounds will not have any great bearing in the group.

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