Pasindu Sooriyabandara led an epic Royal fightback as he stroked an exhilarating and unbeaten 97 against S. Thomas’ College on day two of the 137th Battle of the Blues at SSC grounds.

The 139-run sixth wicket partnership between Sooriyabandara and Malith Kariyawasam entered the record books as the second highest 6th wicket stand in the history of the annual encounter.

Royal is in serious contention, although they still trail STC by 70 runs with only 3 wickets in hand.

Sooriyabandara's marathon knock of 97 came in 280 balls including 13 boundaries.

A short while after lunch, Royal lost its fifth wicket at only 122 runs. It was then that Sooriyabandara and Kariyawasam joined in the middle.

Kariyawasam played a more aggressive role in the 139-run as he made 12 fours to notch up a richly-deserving 79 as Royal avoided the follow-on. Then they were able to take two quick wickets. However, Helitha Vithanage hung in there patiently with Sooriyabandara till close of play.