Group ‘A’ leaders Richmond College come into the 112th Lovers Quarrel as favorites as they take the team one above rock bottom in group ‘B’ in Mahinda College on the 17th and 18th of March at Galle International stadium.
History of the Encounter
This prestigious encounter between the two great teams from Galle, began in 1905. The first encounter was officiated by the two principals, Rev. J. H. Darrell of Richmond and Mr. F. L. Woodward of Mahinda. Richmond registered their first win in the first year, 1905 while Mahinda College’s first victory came three year from its inauguration. Both schools have 23 win a piece with 63 matches ending in a draw and 3 with no result.
Sirisena Hettige was the first to score a century in the series, scoring 155 in the year 1939. P. S. Thuduwewatta was the first to impress with the ball and is the first to bag a ten-wicket haul with 6 for 19 in the first innings and 5 for 23 in the second innings in the game played in 1917.
These two schools have produced some marquee players who went on to represent Sri Lanka, namely Lasith Malinga and Upul Chandana were produced from Mahinda College while Suranga Lakmal and Dhananjaya De Silva are products of Richmond College.
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Richmond College
Richmond College emerged as leaders of Group ‘A’ of the Singer Schools Under-19 Division I League Tournament with 124.14 points this season. They come into the big match with 1 win, 5 draws and 2 losses, but look the better out of the two sides.
Captain, Kamindu Mendis is a key figure in the Richmond outfit as he captained the Sri Lanka U19 team and will be back for the big match. He missed out on the school season due to national duty but will surely look to strengthen the Richmond batting and bowling line up.
Senior man and all rounder, Dhananjaya Lakshan notched up more than 650 runs this season and bagged 45 plus dismissals. He will be another who would aim to impress in the Lovers Quaral in 2017.
Brother of Kamindu Mendis, Sandun Mendis was the highest wicket taker with 68 wickets in 14 matches. He will be the lynch pin in the Richmond bowling for the big game.
Mahinda College
Mahinda College faced a torrid time this season finishing in the penultimate position in group B with 60.17 points to their name. They did not manage a single win with 7 draws and a single no result.
Mahinda College will be led by Hansika Welihinda in the big match as he looks to improve on this season’s record and take the attack to fellow Richmond College.
Roshan Kavinda will deputise as captain and vice captain seek to get a silver living on their torrid season and look to end on a high.
Final Say
Richmond College are significantly the better side from the two team and will undoubtedly come into the 112th Loves Quarrel hoping retain the trophy.
