ST JOHN'S, June 11: Sri Lanka's batsmen gained valuable batting practice ahead of Friday's first cricket Test against West Indies as their three-day first-class tour match against Leeward Islands ended in a draw at the Recreation Ground yesterday.

Centuries from Russell Arnold and Marvan Attapattu, along with a half-century from Aravinda de Silva, pumped up Sri Lanka's total to 398 for four declared.

When play was called off with 11 overs remaining, Leewards, trailing by 44 on first innings, reached 120 without loss at stumps with Alex Adams unbeaten on 68 and Junie Mitchum on 50 not out.

Sri Lanka, 213 for one overnight, did not declare their second innings until after lunch.

They used the opportunity of a modest attack and ideal conditions to gain form and confidence ahead of the Tests matches to be played here from June 13-17 and in Kingstown from June 20-24.

Arnold, unbeaten on 104 overnight, finished on 158 and extended his partnership with Attapattu (118) to 242 for the second wicket which was the hub upon which Sri Lanka built their total.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.