Participating combined cricket team of Jaffna after a series of well-fought matches secured the first runners-up slot in the Murali Harmony Cup 2012 finals at Oddusudan on Wednesday (12).

The Jaffna team defeated Mannar’s combined team, Kandy Trinity College team and Thissamaharama Debarawewa Maha Vidyalaya team during the tussles played at Jaffna St. Patrick’s College ground on 8th, 9th and 10th September under the “C” group of the tournament.

Kurunegala Maliyadeva College team was defeated by the Jaffna team at Kilinochchi semi-finals on Tuesday (11) However, during the finals, they were trounced by Colombo St. Peter’s team that scored 91 for 9 within 18.1 overs.

Students of St Patrick’s College, Kokuvil Hindu College, Jaffna Central College, St John’s College, Kanakarathnam Maha Vidyalaya and Thelippalai Mahajana College formed the Jaffna Combined Team who was the runners-up.

Laksitha Herath of Matale had been coaching cricket in Jaffna for the past two and half years. A.S.  Nishanthan, manager of the Jaffna combined team and Junior Selector Northern Province Sri Lanka Cricket said that effort of Laksitha, commitment of players and assistance of the Army brought about this victory to Jaffna.

Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-) in its project to improve standards in Jaffna cricket has made many donations of sports items to schools and clubs in Jaffna. In addition, SF-J Headquarters annually organizes CIMIC Cup cricket tournament to encourage improve cricket skills in Jaffna.

Meanwhile, the finals of the ‘Murali Harmony Cup T-20’  at Oddusudan took place at IDOR stadium with the presence of Muttaiah Muralidharan.

Major General L.B.R Mark, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Mullaittivu, Brigadier G.R.H Dias, General Officer Commanding, 59 Division, Brigadier H.W.M.S.D.B Pananwala, General Officer Commanding, 64 Division, Mr Kushil Gunesekara, Head Goodness Foundation, District Secretary for Mullaittivu, Provincial and Zonal Directors of Education in Mullaittivu and a host of other invitees attended the occasion.