by Dhammika Ratnaweera
Hatton National Bank emerged Mercantile ‘F’ division cricket champions, when they beat Mackwoods Ltd., by 60 runs, in the final played at the MCA grounds, last Saturday. This was HNB’s fifth title in this year’s Mercantile calender.

Earlier, they won the Mercantile ’A’ division knock out, ‘B’ division, ‘C’ division and Open Mercantile Cricket Sixes tournaments.

HNB, led by Prageeth Rambukwella scored 181 for seven wickets in 30 overs. Mahesh Wijenayake top scored with 43. There was also a brisk 40 from Chandana Mahesh.

Dushantha Ekanayake 3 for 24, and Chandana Mahesh 2 for 3, bowled a tidy spell for HNB to restrict Mackwoods to 121 all out in 28.2 overs.

Mahesh Wijenayake of HNB was adjudged best batsman, while Chandana Mahesh won the man of the final award and also, best six of the match award.

Dushantha Ekanayake won the best bowling award for his figures of 3 for 24.

The tournament was sponsored by Three Coins Beer Company and it’s Regional Sales Manager, Rohan Kaluhendiwela was the chief guest. He and guest of honour, Channel Development Manager, Diwaka de Silva gave away the awards.

Chief Scores:

HNB 181 for seven wickets in 30 overs. (Prageeth Rambukwella 21 , Mahesh Wijenayake 43, Dharshika Jayakody 21, Chandana Mahesh 40 , Dushantha Ekanayake 14, M .Williams 14 not out , D. Withanage 2/20).

Mackwoods Ltd. 121 all out in 28.2 overs (P. Ranasinghe 16, C. Sampath 24, Dushantha Ekanayake 3 /24 , Chandana Mahesh 2/3).