SSC, Tamil Union clash for Group D top spot

SSC spearhead Kalana Perera (second right) celebrates a wicket with team mates on his way to figures of 4/22 against Galle CC whom they beat by 199 runs (D/L rule)

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

SSC and Tamil Union will battle it out for the top spot in Group D of the SLC Major Club Youth Under-23 tournament when they meet at the P. Sara Oval today.

Both sides are unbeaten having won their three matches played so far and SSC top the group with 15 points because they have taken a bonus point from each of their wins, while Tamil Union failed to obtain a bonus point in their game against CCC and trail by one point with 14. However today’s result will ensure which team will top the group as only the group leaders of each of the four groups will qualify for the knockout stage – the semi-finals.

CCC who lost to Tamil Union on Sunday will look to consolidate their position in the group when they play their first match at home by hosting Kurunegala Youth CC. CCC have a game in hand and despite the loss could still be in contention for the top spot in Group D if either SSC or Tamil Union falter in any of their remaining matches. Army SC who head Group A will be looking to further extend their lead at the top when they travel to Welisara to meet Navy SC who has lost all three matches they have played so far.   Second placed Badureliya CC with a game in hand and trailing Army by four points will also be keen to keep the pressure on the table leaders if they can beat Nugegoda S&WC at Surrey Village, Maggona.

With Chilaw Marians CC (who head Group B) and Negombo CC having a rest day, third placed Lankan CC have the chance to move to the top of the table if they beat Air Force SC at Panadura.

There are no matches today for teams in Group C which has three clubs in the running for the top spot – defending champions Colts, NCC and Moors SC.

There are seven matches down for decision and with the intermittent rains currently experienced around the country the Duckworth/Lewis rain rule will once again be in force. 

Tamil Union all-rounder Ravindu Fernando who took two wickets and scored a valuable 28 runs in their three-wicket win over CCC