Tamil Union in pole position on day one vs. NCC

Former Thomian wicket-keeper/batsman Sithara Hapuhinna scored his first century in inter-club cricket and former Maris Stella, Negombo fast bowler Naveen Fernando took his first fiver at this level to put Tamil Union in the box seat against NCC on the opening day of their Major Club Under-23 match played at the NCC grounds yesterday.

Fernando (5/36) with left-arm seamer Dulaj Samuditha (3/62) ran through the NCC batting for 107 with Amshi de Silva being the top scorer with 36.

In reply Tamil Union ended the day on 273-3, a lead of 166 and in a position to push for an outright win today.

Hapuhinna shared an opening partnership of 107 with Navod Paranavithana (43) and another of 91 with Tharindu Harshana (71*) before being dismissed for an attractive 112 off 104 balls (16 fours). Wicket-keeper Kamesh Nirmal scored a quickfire 43 off 45 balls (5 fours) before the close. – (ST)