Richmond College led by Malsha Tharupathi emerged champions of the inter school under 19 division one Tier A cricket tournament when they beat Trinity on first innings yesterday at the SSC grounds.
Richmond took major honours at the three day game while Trinity scored 203 all out in their first innings and Richmond made bold reply to score 304 all out with a hundred runs lead.
Trinity played much better in the second innings scoring 254 for 8 wickets declared and Richmond had to get impossible target of 150 runs in 11 overs and they were 36 for 1 wicket at close to end the game with a no decision. Richmond College emerged champions with the first innings win.
The third day batting honours took by Trinity while National under 19 player Supun Waduge scored fighting knock of 96 finally out with leg spinner Yuri Koththiogoda taking the prized wicket to make the breakthrough.Tharana Wimaladharma also scored a useful knock of 57.
At close Richmond were 36 for 1 wicket and Richmond became the champions at the apex school tournament of under 19 division 1 Tier A. In fact this is the first time Richmond won Tier A division one championship under the guidance of coach Lakmal de Silva. Last time Richmond won championship in 2014 without playing a final match. Apart from that this is the first time Richmond won the championship at a three day game at SSC.
Oshara Panditharatne the newly appointed Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association President, SLC Domestic Cricket Secretary Suresh Bulankulame, Schools Cricket Association Vice President Thilak Watthuhewa and Schools Cricket Secretary Leelananda Kumarasiri were graced at the presentation ceremony and Richmond skipper Malsha Tharupathi received champion trophy while Trinity skipper Manula Kularatne received the runners up trophy .
Skipper Malsha Tharupathi who was the National under 19 vice captain said they are happy to win this title at SSC with a three day final. “This is a new experience and my players and coaching staff headed by Lakmal de Silva gave fine support and both teams played good cricket,” added Malsha Tharupathi.
Chief scores
Trinity 203 all out and 254 for 8 wickets declared (Supun Waduge 96, Tharana Wimaladharma 57*)
Richmond 304 all out and 36 for 1 wicket at close
Dhammika Ratnaweera