Yesterday (19) saw two of Lanka’s iconic big matches kick start in Colombo and the south coast.
In Galle – Mahinda College won the toss and elected to bowl first against Richmond College in the 121st Lovers' Quarrel at the iconic Galle International Stadium. At the end day-1 yesterday (19) Richmond scored 203/4 in 88 overs. The lads from Richmond Hill missed out on two valuable big match centuries. Ravindu Randinu shined with the bat scoring a well composed 85 off 202 deliveries.
Ameesha Rasanjana played another splendid innings of 81 from 240 balls which put the lads in double blue maroon at a respectable mark. Sadew Nethmina picked 2 wickets for 31 runs for Mahinda. Kavindu Nimsara and Kaveesha Githmal got a wicket each.
This rivalry dates back to 1905 initiated by Rev. J.H. Darrel of Richmond and Sir. Frank Lee Woodward of Mahinda. Richmond won the inaugural encounter and went on to repeat the feat in 1906 and 1907. However, their opponents fought back to win the game in 1908. Richmondites hold a slender edge in the series winning 24 against Mahindians 23 wins. 68 encounters have ended in draws. The last win in the Lovers' Quarrel came in 2019 when the Dites' tasted victory. Mahinda last won in 2008. Today (20) is day-2 and tomorrow will see the third and final day action.
In Colombo – St. Peter’s College won the toss and opted to bowl first against St. Joseph’s College in the 92nd Battle of the Saints at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds. At stumps on day-1 the lads from Darley Road were on fire batting their full quota of 90 overs scoring 281/5. Just like in Galle two well worthy centuries went in vain for the Josephians. Senuja Wakunugoda played a sublime knock of 88 off 112 whilst Yenula Danthanarayana was caught at 84. Aveesha Samash got a 53 off 93. These three batters set the tone for the Joes to almost kiss the 300-run mark. For the lads from Bamba, Shavindu Silva got a splendid spell of 4 wickets for 58 runs. Janith Liyanage got a single wicket.
Meanwhile today (20) the 119th Battle of the Maroons, Kingswood College vs Dharmaraja College kick starts at the Asgiriya Stadium along with the Cartman Cup where Wesley College takes on St. Benedict’s College in celebration of their 130-year cricketing legacy at the P. Saravanamuttu Oval.
PHOTO VENURA CHANDRAMALITHA