Semi-final aspirants at mercy of the weather

• SLC Major Club Limited Overs tournament - full card of 10 matches today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

The weather being what it is, sunny on one day and raining the next, the clubs vying for the four semi-final spots in the ongoing SLC Major Club Limited Overs tournament are at its mercy, uncertain of the outcome of their remaining group matches.

The irregular weather pattern has had a devastating effect on the results of matches played so far that it has thrown the tournament wide open with not a single club assured of a place in the semi-finals. The points gap between the clubs are so small that any small slip or a no-result could see clubs losing valuable points and failing to make it to the top two of the respective groups to qualify.

A full card of 10 matches are down for decision today and the one that takes pride of place is the Group B clash between leaders SSC and third placed Chilaw Marians CC at the SSC grounds. Last week SSC played against Panadura SC sans their national cricketers who are preparing for the white ball series against Zimbabwe later this week. It is likely that today as well they will not be available. Boosted by an unbeaten century by captain Nipun Dananjaya SSC scored 237-6, but rain forced a no-result with Panadura SC 67-1 off 12 overs. Despite the result SSC (12 points) holds onto a three-point lead over the rest of the field. Chilaw Marians CC on the other hand suffered a shock reversal losing by seven wickets to Army SC and will need a win today to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Both SSC and Chilaw Marians CC have only one more game to play after today and will have to make the maximum use of it.

Second placed Badureliya SC are the guests of Bloomfield at Bloomfield grounds while Nugegoda SWC travel to Panadura to meet Panadura SC. Badureliya SC, Chilaw Marians CC, Nugegoda SWC and Bloomfield are all tied on 9 points each. NCC and Army SC with 8 points each and with three games in hand are also in with a chance. NCC hosts Ace Capital CC at NCC grounds, and Army SC are the guests of BRC at BRC grounds. 

With Group A leaders Sebastianites (11 points) having a free day today, gives Negombo CC (10), Colts (10) and Moors SC (9) the opportunity to gain top spot. Negombo CC host Galle CC at FTZ grounds, Katunayake. Colts play defending champions Tamil Union at the P Sara Oval, and Moors SC take on Ragama CC at Colts grounds. Tamil Union and CCC with 7 points each and with three games to play are also within reach of a semi-final place. CCC meets Police SC at Police grounds.