Royal looking for smooth sailing after turbulence in 2024

Under 15 Division 1 Cricket

- BY REEMUS FERNANDO

Last year finalists Royal College, Colombo are set to meet Mahanama College, Colombo in the quarterfinals of the Inter School Under 15 Division I cricket tournament conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association.

Last year, Royal reached the final with a first innings win over Wesley but with the other semifinal between St. Peter's and St. Anthony’s Katugastota not lasting the full distance Royal were left stranded without an opponent to compete in the final. There was a legal battle as well regarding the result of the desputed match.

Royal led by Nithesh Jayasinghe will be looking forward to see the tournament last the full distance this time. Nithesh was part of the team that reached the final last year.

In this edition of the tournament Royal reached the knockout stage as runners up from their group and beat De Mazenod Kandana and Richmond during the kockout stage. They will be meeting Mahanama in their quarterfinal on August 12 at Campbell Park.

Mahanama captained by Ranitha Hettiarachchi are in the quarterfinals after eliminating Nalanda and St. Benedict's. In the first round they were the champions of their group.

The quarterfinal stage will start on Sunday with two matches. While St. Anthony's College Wattala meet first round.