Richmond recorded an easy ten wickets win over their traditional rivals Mahinda in their 14 th Lovers Quarrel annual old boys big match played at Royal Cricket ground in Ajmal, UAE .
This time its 14th edition of this big match which paved the way to build up brotherhood among two school players. This match conducted with ten over per innings Mahinda scored 77 for 8 wickets in 10 overs in their first innings while Richmond made 127 for 5 wickets in ten overs. The second innings once again Mahinda managed to get 87 for 6 wickets and Richmondites reached their winning target without giving any wickets to win the match in great style. Sanjula Shehan scored 22 in the Mahinda first innings while Warnaka Pradeep,Dilan Mahadura and Prasada Jayamal took two wickets each for Richmond. Irusha Krishuul of Richmond hit brisk knock of 56 in 29 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes with a fine innings while Dilan Mahadura ( 16) and Suresh Dilhan ( 24 ) also made useful knocks for Richmond to get first innings lead while Mahinda bowlers conceded 31 extras including 20 wides and 4 no balls in the Richmond first innings.
The champion Richmond Ladies team
Mahinda in their second innings once again were struggling 86 for 6 wickets in 10 overs while Skipper Janith Chinthana top scored 32 in 21 balls with a four and 4 sixes but others failed to make good contributions to the team. Richmond ‘ s Warnaka Pradeep and Sumith Thalpage took 2 wickets apiece.
Richmond openers Rajith Guruge ( 13 with 2 fours ) and Irusha Krishuul ( 24 with 4 fours ) seal their ten wicket win. Richmond Warnaka Pradeep was adjudged best bowler while Irusha Krishuul was named best batsman in addition Irusha was adjudged the man of the match for his all round performances.
In fact this is Richmond 8 th win of this big match series while Mahinda having 6 wins in this 14 year old Lovers Quarrel in UAE Meanwhile in the ladies match players wives were involved and Richmond ladies easily won this game. Mahinda ladies scored 70 for no loss in 4 overs while Richmond ladies were 75 for no loss to win the champion trophy. Richmond ladies team comprised Malmee Jayawardena, Chathurani Kohupitiya, Himashi Hansika thalpage Avishka Balagamage, Thanu Ipalawatta Hishari Tennakoon, Navodi Silva, Sashini Bonifac Mahinda Ladies Team comprised Tharika Rajapakse, Samindi Wikramarathna, Sajini wikramarathna Geethika Yatinuwara, Bimalsha Illeperuma, Kasuni Randima and Erandi Jeewanthika.
Dhammika Ratnaweera