Rain a spoiler on opening day of Major Club T20

Bloomfield were the only team to beat the weather and pull off a win of the four matches down for decision in the opening weekend of the SLC Major Clubs T20 tournament yesterday.

Bloomfield coasted to an easy five-wicket win over Kandy Customs CC at Panagoda riding on a fifth wicket partnership of 48 between Tharindu Guruge (32) and skipper Lahiru Madushanka (25*) after losing their first four wickets for 19 inside the first power play. Nintavur-born right-arm fast bowler Asjath Khan making his debut for Kandy Customs CC took three top order wickets for 17 runs. Kandy Customs CC were shot out for 78 in 16.3 overs after deciding to bat first, falling to the pace of Isitha Wijesundara (3/5) and spin of Sachitha Jayatilake (2/12) and Jeffrey Vandersay (2/19).

The match between CCC and Nugegoda SWC ended in a no-result due to rain at Bloomfield grounds. CCC put into bat first made 53-3 in 5.3 overs.

At Panagoda, Panadura SC invited to bat first by Kurunegala YCC scored 81-5 in 15 overs when rain washed out the rest of the match forcing a no-result. Off-spinner Aravinda Premaratne took a career best 4/16 for Kurunegala YCC.

The Ragama CC v Police SC game at Bloomfield grounds was abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain.

Eighteen clubs are participating in this tournament in four groups. The top two teams in each group will go into the quarter-finals.

The groupings:

Group A: NCC, CCC, Police SC, Ragama CC, Nugegoda SWC

Group B: Moors SC, BRC, Chilaw Marians CC, Badureliya SC

Group C:  Ace Capital CC, Tamil Union, SSC, Negombo CC

Group D: Colts, Bloomfield, Panadura SC, Kurunegala YCC, Kandy Customs SC

Today’s matches:

At Panagoda: Moors SC v Badureliya SC (9:45 a.m.); BRC v Chilaw Marians CC (2 p.m.)

At NCC grounds:Ace Capital CC v Negombo CC (9:45 a.m.); Tamil Union v SSC (2 p.m.) 

- (ST)