MUMBAI, January 21: IES English are in a happy position against Balmohan Vidyamandir. After taking a vital first innings lead of 66 runs, they were 52 for one in their second innings on the second day of the four-day final of the Harris Shield Inter-School cricket tournament (two innings of 75 overs each), sponsored by Thums-up at the MIG ground, Bandra, today.Balmohan Vidyamandir, resuming at 27 for two, in reply to IES English's score of 225 were in all kind of trouble. Balmohan had an early setback when in the very first over their overnight batsman Vaibhav Wategaonkar was caught behind to medium pacer Prathamesh Athavale for his overnight score of 14 and the total was 27.Then there was a brief partnership of 36 runs between Sanket Chitre and Sameet Bhojne. Chitre was also caught behind to the other seamer Anand Dalvi. Chitre made 28 with five fours in 56 balls.Balmohan then lost three quick wickets for the addition of 32 runs and were tottering at 95 for seven. The eighth wicket pair of Salil Naik (18) and left-hander Mandar Deorukhkar, who was the main wicket taker, batted with their heads down and carried the total to 127 when Deorukhkar was bowled by off-spinner Anirudha Kusale for his steady 26 off 72 balls with three fours.Balmohan then managed to reach 159 for nine in their stipulated 75 overs. Medium pacer Prathamesh Athavale, who got the early breakthrough today and on the first day, finished with three for 45 in 20 overs. Leg-spinner Bhavin Thakkar and the other seamer Anand Dalvi captured two wickets each.At close of play, Rubesh (24) and Yadav (26) were at the wicket. At present, IES English are enjoying an overall lead of 118 runs over Balmohan Vidyamandir.Brief scores: IES English 225 in 74.4 overs and 52 for 1 in 20 overs vs Balmohan Vidyamandir 159 for 9 in 75 overs (Prathamesh Athavale 3-45, Bhavin Thakkar 2-44)
