Somerset patron delighted with Sri Lanka match

It was fitting that Somerset was chosen to host Sri Lanka's first warm-up match prior to the upcoming one-day tournament between England, Sri Lanka and India. The county's chief benefactor is Sri-Lankan born Chris Ondaatje, retired financier and author, whose generosity and devotion to the West Country club has helped establish their thriving School of Excellence, housed beneath the Ondaajte Pavilion. This academy has been granted regional status by the England and Wales Cricket Board, and makes Somerset County Cricket Club responsible for the development of cricket throughout the South-West region.

Photo © Somerset CCC

Mr Ondaatje has sponsored the clash between Somerset and their visitors, which was dubbed The Patron's Salver Challenge Match. Before the game an engraved silver salver and three silver goblets were presented to Sri Lanka team manager Chandra Schaffter, and a similar presentation was made to Somerset President Michael Hill. The Somerset silverware will be housed permanently in the Somerset Cricket Museum, housed in an award-winning restored medieval barn behind the ground.

Mr Ondaatje said: `It is really fantastic to be here on this wonderful day and to have had the opportunity to sponsor this first Patron's Trophy match between Sri Lanka and Somerset. I am certain that this will mark the start of a thrilling one-day series in England.'

After an excellent day's cricket, with the threatened rain thankfully staying away, Somerset beat Sri Lanka by 63 runs.