120th Lovers’ Quarrel ends in draw

Tuesday, 8 April 2025 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Mahinda College Old Boys’ Association Secretary Sampath Deshan Rathnayake, Mahinda College School Development Society Secretary Nalin Tharanga Paranagama, Chief Guest Mahinda College 1981 Cricket Captain and Sri Lanka Test and ODI cricketer Athula Samarasekara, Mahinda College Principal Janaka Peduruhewa, Richmond College Principal Rusira Maddumahewage, Dialog Axiata Head of Brands – Masterbrand and Strategy Aaqib Reyal, Special Guest Richmond College Cricket player in 1981 and 1982 Prasad Abeysundara, Richmond College School Development Society Secretary Udara Alles, and Richmond College Old Boys’ Association Secretary Chamly Kulawardane

The prestigious 120th Lovers’ Quarrel between cricket powerhouses Mahinda College and Richmond College, sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, concluded in a riveting draw on Saturday after three days of intense competition at the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Despite valiant efforts from both sides to force a result, time ultimately proved the ultimate victor in this storied rivalry.

Richmond College, who began the final day in a precarious position at 144-8, displayed remarkable resilience and determination through their lower order. The team orchestrated an impressive recovery to post a respectable 227-9 before tactically declaring their innings. The cornerstone of this comeback was Bevin Jayawardene’s composed half-century (52), characterised by patient stroke-play and excellent shot selection in challenging conditions.

Pubudu Mihiranga provided crucial support with a gritty 47, forming a vital partnership that frustrated the Mahinda bowlers through the morning session. Nikil Jayaweera’s earlier contribution of 45 also proved instrumental in Richmond establishing a narrow 10-run first innings lead.

The Mahinda bowling attack was spearheaded by Captain Kaveen Rukshan, who continued his outstanding all-round performance with figures of 4/70, while Sadew Nethmina offered excellent support, claiming 2/24 with his disciplined line and length.

Facing a deficit and with time becoming a factor, Mahinda College approached their second innings with aggressive intent and positive cricket. The standout performer was Dulsith Darshana, who electrified the crowd with a blistering 82 featuring seven boundaries and three towering sixes. Senuka Danagamuwa complemented this assault with a quickfire 34, enabling Mahinda to declare at 147-5 after just 41 overs, setting up a potential final-session result.

Richmond’s bowling unit fought back admirably, with Thamindu Pradeeptha emerging as the standout performer by capturing three wickets while conceding just 10 runs.

With approximately 25 overs remaining, Richmond faced the challenging task of chasing the target in deteriorating light conditions. They had reached 23-1 when both Captains and the umpires agreed to call off the contest, bringing the landmark 120th encounter to a close as a hard-fought draw.