Richmond start as favourites; St. Peter’s chase U 19 title

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Richmond vs St. Peter's - Singer U19 Final - Match Previe

Richmond College, Galle will be keen to defend the Singer U19 division 1 limited overs title for the second successive year as they take on St. Peter’s College, Colombo in the final scheduled to be played on 28th April at Galle International Cricket Stadium.

The Richmondites sealed their place in the finals beating S. Thomas’ College by 5 wickets in the semi-final stage while the Peterites defended 170 against Mahinda College in a low-scoring thriller in their semi-final.

Richmond College

Richmond College Captain and all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan’s five-wicket haul with the new ball and a magnificent, unbeaten century (130* in 138 balls) with the bat was the highlight in their semi-final clash but they have plenty of match-winners in their ranks to produce such extraordinary performances.

Sri Lanka U19 skipper and last year’s title winning captain Kamindu Mendis is another key player to watch out as he can score big runs at the number three position and has the rare ability to bowl spin from both arms.

The strong Richmond spin attack has variety and depth with the likes of Avindu Theekshana, Dilum Sudeera and Sandun Mendis capable of going through their overs quickly and economically while Thaveesha Abishek and Adithya Siriwardena will be expected to contribute runs to the Richmond cause.

Richmond College squad: Dhananjaya Lakshan (Captain), Avindu Theekshana (Vice-Captain), Kamindu Mendis, Thaveesha Abhishek, Adithya Siriwardena, Sandun Mendis, Vinuja Kiriella, Vishmitha Wijesiri, Dilum Sudeera, Amshi de Silva, Sammu Vimud Sapnaka, Akash Kavinda, Sugeeth Nimnada, Chamath Dilsara, Dhammika Sudarshana (Coach)

“The team is very excited for this final. We are keen to rectify all our mistakes from the S. Thomas’ match and win the title. Playing at Galle International Stadium won’t give us much advantage since it is not our home ground but we can expect a good crowd to support us.” Richmond Head Coach Dhammika Sudarshana said to ThePapare.com.


St. Peter’s College

St. Peter’s College led by Santhush Gunathilaka had an inconsistent 2017/18 season but managed to notch up important wins along the way. The Peterites got the better of Richmond in the two-day league tournament but will need to put up their ‘A’ game if they are to topple the Galle boys in their own backyard.

Left-arm spinning all-rounder Kanishka Maduwantha’s 4 wickets dented the Mahinda chase and his vital 38 with the bat proved decisive for St. Peter’s to book their place.

Wicket-keeper batsman Shalith Fernando and lanky left-hander Ranmith Jayasena should bat responsibly in the middle while spin twins, Miflal Ameen and Sachin Silva need to fire all their cylinders to stop the marauding Richmond batting lineup.

“Due to our team work, we managed to win the semi-final and the boys are in good spirits ahead of the all-important final. Richmond is a very good side but I am confident that my team can bring glory to St. Peter’s by winning the championship. “ Former Test batsman and current St. Peter’s College Head Coach Malinda Warnapura expressed his views to ThePapare.com.

St. Peter’s College squad: Santhush Gunathilake (Captain), Miflal Ameen (Vice Captain), Ranmith Jayasena, Shalith Fernando, Sachin Silva, Shivan Perera, Sulakshana Fernando, Dinith Anjula, Nipunaka Fonseka, Paabasara Herath, Lashen Rodrigo, Bhanuka de Silva, Himsara Randeni, Nirosh Arshana, Shannon Fernando, Tariq Saboor, Ruwin Seneviratne, Hashith Kiriella, Kanishka Maduwantha, Lakmina Perera, Malinda Warnapura (Coach)

The final will be telecasted LIVE on ThePapare.com, Dialog Television Channel 1 and Dialog MyTV from 9.00am onwards.

WATCH LIVE: St. Peter’s College vs Richmond College – Singer U19 Limited Overs Tournament – Final