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112th Lovers’ Quarrel, Galle
Richmond Mahinda
The star-studded and champion Richmond College First XI had to settle for a draw against arch rivals Mahinda College in their 112th big match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Though humbled in the first inning as they were dismissed for a below-par score, the Richmondites came back strongly to gain a slender four-run lead and post a strong second innings total.
There is no dispute that Richmond College, Galle, is at its best as the school from down south has been in the spotlight with some outstanding performances. This year, they emerged leaders of Group ‘A’ of the Singer Schools Under-19 Division I League Tournament and entered the finals with the game yet to be played against Ananda College. Richmond bagged the 50-over championship by convincingly beating Thurstan College. The team also had the Sri Lanka Youth captain Kamindu Mendis to lead them from front along with several experienced players.
The Richmondites came in to the 112th encounter against Mahinda as favourites. However, Mahinda College captain Hansika Welihinda had other ideas as he won the toss and invited Kamindu Mendis and his boys to take the first lease of the wicket. Openers Kamindu and Dhananjaya Lakshan put on 55 runs for the first wicket. Two quick wickets then fell with Mahinda bowlers keeping a tight line. Avindu Theekshana (38) and Thaveesha Abhishek (37) who put on 67 runs for the fourth wicket managed to stabilise the innings before Mahinda fought back once again. Later Adithya Siriwardena scored 26 runs and Richmond’s innings came to an end at 184.
For Mahinda, Kalindu Edirisinghe, Nipun Malinga and Kavindu Ediriweera captured two wickets each. The Mahindians came in to bat and ended the day at 96 for 3. On the second day, though the Richmondite bowlers fought back well, the Mahindians batted out 106 overs stubbornly to total 180, with their night watchman Venura Dulsara scoring a patient 57 runs. Sandun Mendis captured 3 for 29 and Avindu Theekshana finished off with 4 for 43.
In their second innings, with a draw inevitable as only 33 overs were left for the day, the Richmond openers put on a grand show of batting. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya Lakshan posted a solid 168-run partnership for the first wicket – a record for the series. Mendis was unfortunate to be dismissed for 92 in 90 balls, but his partner Dhananjaya went on to end the day unbeaten on 101 scored off 100 balls, with 10 boundaries. At close of play Richmond was 205/1.
Scores
Richmond College, Galle
1st inning 184 (47.1) Avindu Theekshana 38, Kamindu Mendis 32, Dhananjaya Lakshan 30, Kavisha Abishek 37, Adithya Siriwardena 26, Kalindu Edirisinghe 2/19, Nipun Malinga 2/50, Kavindu Ediriweera 2/24
2nd inning 205/1 (33) Dhananjaya Lakshan 101*, Kamindu Mendis 92
Mahinda College, Galle
1st inning 180 (105.5) Vinura Hiranjith 57, Navod Paranawithana 20, Kavindu Ediriweera 27, Sandun Mendis 3/47, Avindu Theekshana 4/59
ANNUAL LIMITED-OVER ENCOUNTER
At Galle, International Stadium – 50 Over Match (Toss: Mahinda)
Mahinda College, Galle
169 (46.4) Navod Paranavithana 66, Prameeth Hansika 31, Vinura Dulsara 21, Sandun Mendis 3/30, Avindu Theekshana 2/29
Richmond College, Galle
172/2 (33.3) Kamindu Mendis 84*, Adithya Siriwardena 38
RICHMOND WON BY 8 WICKETS
