Richmond College won their 109th annual Lovers’ Quarrel Inter School Big Match against their traditional rivals Mahinda College in a controversial manner which concluded at the Galle Stadium today.
In a dramatic turn of events Match Referee Basil Perera awarded victory to Richmond College after unruly spectators invaded the field when Mahinda College were struggling at 126 for 9 in their second innings still needing a further three runs to make the opposition bat again.
The match turned out to be a free for all and as a result nearly one hour of play was lost with the Police been forced to use tear gas to bring the situation under control.
Richmond College were cruising along towards a historic triumph at that stage following a tremendous bowling performance from their captain A. K. Tyron who had the satisfaction of completing a memorable outing.
The Sri Lanka youth cap who hit a magnificent century in the first innings proved his all round potential as he returned outstanding figures of six wickets for 35 runs which helped his team to dismiss the opposition for 128 runs in the first innings.
In fact Richmond College were able to break a 45 year old hoodoo as they enforced the opposition to follow and they were on the verge of adding the finishing touches when unruly spectators invaded the playing area.
Middle order batsman Malith Mahela hit a top score of 45 for Mahinda College in the second innings but the rest of the batting collapsed against some accurate bowling from Bhanuka Madupriya (4 for 33), Waruna Deshappriya (3 for 26) and Chamod Piyumal (2 for 6).
Earlier Richmond College quickly wrapped up the Mahinda College first innings after 68.2 overs after they had resumed the innings from an overnight score of 82 runs for three wickets.
Richmond College: 257 for 9 declared (A. K. Tyron 137, Pasindu Bimsara 34, Wanindu Hasaranga 25, Sithara Gimahan 20, Saveen Nanayakkara 19, Dulash Udayanga 2 for 22, Sachithana Samarawickrame 2 for 22, Thamith Kalhara 2 for 28, Malith Mahela 2 for 96)
Mahinda College: 128 (Malith Mahela 38, Ishara Akalanaka 18, Dulash Udayanga 16, Pasindu Dilshan 12, Nilanka Laksiri 11, Sachika Udara 10, A.K. Tyronn 6 for 35, Bhanuka Madhupriya 2 for 11) and 126 for 9 (Malith Mahela 45, Nilanka Lasiri 26, Dulash Udyanga 14, Bhanuka Madhupriya 4 for 33, Waruna Deshapriya 3 for 26, Chamod Piyumal 2 for 6)
ThePapare.com is disappointed to report that the photographer appointed to cover the event was also pelted with stones and then assaulted in a separate incident.
