The 121st edition of the historic ‘Lovers’ Quarrel’ between Richmond College, Galle and Mahinda College, Galle concluded in a tame draw at the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium today (21st March). Despite the lack of an outright result, the final day’s play belonged to the boys from Mahinda College, who dominated the proceedings to secure a morale-boosting but closely contested first innings victory.
Resuming the third and final morning at a comfortable 90/2, Mahinda College batsmen Randula Manabarana and Dineth Pehesara looked to solidify their team’s position. The session began with positive intent as Randula Manabarana, the highest run-scorer for Mahinda in the current season, looked in sublime touch. He brought up his half-century in style, executing a classic sweep shot that raced away to the boundary at deep backward square leg.
However, Manabarana’s promising innings was cut short shortly after reaching the milestone. Minaga Ariyadasa, who has been the spearhead of the Richmond bowling attack this season, provided the breakthrough by dismissing the set batsman, providing Richmond with a much-needed opening.
Following the departure of Manabarana, Gesandu Bisas joined Dineth Pehesara at the crease. The duo displayed mature Cricket, refusing to take unnecessary risks and grinding down the Richmond bowlers. They stitched together a valuable 82-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in Mahinda’s favor. Pehesara was the aggressor in the partnership, bringing up his half-century with an elegant sweep shot towards the fine leg region.
After Gesandu’s dismissal, the stage was set for a middle-order flourish. Manitha Rajapaksha joined Pehesara, and the pair changed the tempo of the game. Unlike the cautious approach seen earlier in the match, the duo scored at a brisk strike rate, much to the delight of the spectators. Pehesara was the star of the show, pushing the ball towards mid-on to complete a well-deserved century, a glorious milestone in a high-profile encounter. The pair added a rapid 86 runs, bringing Mahinda agonizingly close to Richmond’s first innings total. Mahinda went into the tea break in a commanding position at 266/4, with the game effectively in their grasp.
The post-tea session saw Dineth Pehesara looking to accelerate further, but he was unluckily dismissed against the bowling of Nethuja Basitha after playing a mammoth innings of 124 runs. Manitha Rajapaksha continued his good work, contributing a fluent 58 runs to drive Mahinda past Richmond’s total. Once the first innings lead was secured, Mahinda’s lower order contributed valuable runs before the Captain declared the innings at 332/9. For Richmond, Minaga Ariyadasa shone with the ball, returning impressive figures of 4 wickets, while Nethuja Basitha provided excellent support with 3 wickets.
Trailing by a significant margin, Richmond College began their second innings with time running out in the match. The innings started on a shaky note as Senuk Dulmeth was unluckily run out early. However, Richmond ensured they did not suffer any further hiccups. Risinu Rupasinghe and Ravinu Randinu joined forces to steady the ship, forging a solid unbroken partnership.
With no realistic chance of an outright result, the game meandered to a close with Richmo Tenura Dias 41/1nd sitting comfortably at 83/1. While the match ended in a draw, Mahinda College walked away with their heads held high, having dominated the final day to clinch first innings honors in the 121st chapter of this storied rivalry.
Brief Scoreboard – (Day 3, Stumps)
Richmond College, Galle (1st Inning) – 315 all out (131.2 Overs)
Ravinu Randinu 85, Ameesha Rasanjana 81, Nethuja Basitha 34, Tenusha Nimsara 26, Punal Hansajith 21, Minaga Ariyadasa 16, Ranindu De Silva 14,
Manitha Rajapaksha 96/5, Sadew Nethmina 45/2, Kavindu Nimsara 47/2, Kaveesha Githmal 36/1
Mahinda College, Galle (1st Inning) – 332/9 declared (104.2 Overs)
Dineth Pehesara 124, Manitha Rajapaksha 58, Randula Mabarana 50, Gesandu Bisas 26, Dulsith Darshana 22, Kavindu Nimsara 13, Thevindu Rashmika 12,
Minaga Ariyadasa 104/4, Nethuja Basitha 635/3, Tenusha Nimsara 39/1, Tenura Dias 47/1,
Richmond College, Galle (2nd Inning) – 83/1 (22 Overs)
Ravinu Randinu 378, Risinu Rupasinghe 378
. Despite the lack of an outright result, the final day’s play belonged to the boys from Mahinda College, who dominated the proceedings to secure a morale-boosting but closely contested first innings victory. ){kind=link}