Next day, with legs still feeling weary, was a match at the former Test ground at Moratuwa.
On this ground Mark Waugh had become the first recognised Test batsman to register a consecutive back-to-back pair of ducks.
Creaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak !
Sharky, Gilly and Sheila spurn the rival attraction of a shopping trip and settle down to watch the fun .
A fine body of men line-up looking to avenge their opening Tour game defeat. Well except 3 of us who were playing for the opposition. Would that swing the game in our favour. Err, no.
Things start brightly as Claypole takes two early wickets...
with an impressive opening spell.
But things started to slide away as the runs accumulated on the old scoreboard.
Empty stadium now but filled up enough later for a pineapple seller to make a decent living.
Andy (the White Viv) on the chase...
Desperate throw of the dice as Sicknote is introduced into the attack.
There was a newpaper photographer present who took some snaps of us. Including this one of lil ol' me. Belly straining at the leash! Not quite sure that action is quite right!
Tea-time refreshment for Belly. The Sri Lanka Rotarians had finished on 228-7 from 34 overs with Phil star bowler with 7-2-12-2. Seven overs in that heat was some effort from our Claypole.
The Saints reply was spearheaded by Andy with 27 including this fine pull-shot for 4.
But we were slumping again despite some brave shots in the middle...
And on the boundary.
Much needed R&R for some after a hard day's work.
The end is in sight as in homage to the previously mentioned Mr Waugh, Phil collects his second tour duck. London Saints all out for 114. Towards which one had earlier contributed the collosal score of 4.
Our umpiring Uncle Albert proudly poses with the home (SL First Class) umpire after the match.
And now to the bar for a beer or three with the opposition.
Who got out their photies of past touring teams of a slightly higher calibre than us.
At least Little Jon, Reg (no relation to Sharky) and Mick has tasted victory (against us) on a Test ground.
Phil donates his tour cap to the umpire.
A "knock knock" kicks off a rendition...
... of Saints Marching In. The Arrack was in full flow and things started to liven up...
... as out came the Scouser wig...
and 'tache set. Our opposition had no need for the wig!
Now a drum had emerged and the party was in full swing.
Next out of the kitbag came the Jimmy hat.
Modelled most splendidly by Reg.
Then Gandhi (or Alf Garnet) appeared.
Gilly, apparently unaffected by the copious amounts of Arrack being offered to her by the locals. A memorable night's fun draws to an end.