A first innings torment did not curb the boys from Galle as they fought back in their second innings to enforce a stalemate at Reid Avenue.
Playing their first home game of the season, Royal captain Geeshath Panditharathana, invited the Richmondites to bat. It was a forlorn start for the visitors as Lasitha Embuldeniya’s spin rattled the lineup. They perished one by one, having been left hapless in a bowling rampage. His stellar effort cropped an astounding 8 scalps as Richmond College collapsed for a mere 57 runs.
In response, Royal had a promising start with Naveen Withanapathirana scoring the first ton for the Reid Avenue boys this season. However the lack of communication resulted in unnecessary run outs as Royal crumbled from 137/1 to 188/6 at the close of Day 1.
On the following day, the hosts made an early declaration expecting to carve early inroads for success. Richmond, 145 runs behind commenced the onerous task of saving themselves from a trouncing. Their brave resilience was blessed with fortune as they exploited sloppy fielding to pile up runs.
The resolute reply saw opener Chamikara Hewage score a watchful 48 alongside skipper Pasindu Bimsara who led them at the absence of their captain Charith Asalanka. Taking the responsibility, Bimsara went on to score a terrific 93. Avindu Theekshana later chipped in with an unbeaten 54 run cameo, bracing one end until the conclusion.
The battle proved to be a success as they scored 280 for the loss of 6 wickets when bad light stopped play. Lasitha Ambuldeniya grabbed 5 of them as his left arm spin captured a match bag of 13 wickets for 146 runs.
Chief Scores –
Richmond College 1st innings – 57 all out (Overs 28.3) (Dhananjaya Lakshan 13; Lasitha Embuldeniya 8 for 15)
Royal College 1st Innings – 202/9 dec. (59.1 overs) (Naveen Withanapathirana 108, Ronuka Jayawardene 34, Krishikan Ravindranathan; Avindu Theekshana)
Richmond College 2nd innings – 280/6 (77 overs) (Pasindu Bimsara 93, Avindu Theekshana 54*, Chamikara Hewage 48, Kamindu Mendis 32; Lasitha Embuldeniya 5 for 131)
Result – Draw
