Formidable rivals Richmond, Mahinda meet in the 119th Lovers’ Quarrel

by Reemus Fernando

Two formidable teams Richmond and Mahinda are expected to produce a close contest when the 119th ‘Lovers’ Quarrel’ gets underway at the Galle International Cricket stadium today.

The arch rivals are undoubtedly the most formidable First XI cricket teams in the Southern Province.  With two Sri Lanka Under 19 players leading the teams a close contest is expected.

Both Richmond and Mahinda did not have the services of their skippers Malsha Tharupathi and Dinura Kalupahana for a number of matches this season as they were on national duty competing in the ICC Youth World Cup.

In Tharupathi’s absence Sheron Abhishek led Richmond from the front. He was the leading wicket taker accounting for over 60 wickets with his off spin. Kaveesha Induwara (24 wickets) joined him to make a formidable spin combination. In the matches he played Tharupathi has picked up 23 wickets. The team could not obtain the service of Yuri Koththigoda after the left arm spinner injured a finger. His probable return is likely to further strengthen their bowling attack in the Big Match.

The new ball will be shared by Malith de Silva and Sihath Ramanayake who have nearly 30 wickets between them.

In the batting department, Thamindu Pradeeptha and Chehan Subasinghe are maintaining the highest averages and are likely to share a good chunk of responsibilities. Wicket keeper batsman Subasinghe will open batting with fellow left hander Nikil Jayaweera. Pradeeptha, Seneth Sisan, Shehan de Zoysa, Tharupathi and Abhishek will form a long batting line up.

Mahinda College Galle Seated from left: Dhanushka Denagama (Head Coach), Y. Nishantha Kumara (Master in-Charge, Senior), L.P. Weeraman (Deputy Principal, Sports), Dinura Kalupahana (Captain), Rusira Maddumahewage (Principal), Tharusha Dilshan (Vice Captain), M.W. Ajith (Prefect of Games), Jagath Samarakoon (Master in-Charge, Junior), Pasan Kalansooriya (Asst. Coach) Middle row from left: Vinupa Nethmira, Dulana Rajapaksa, Deneth Kaushalya, Dileepa Liyanage, Arosha Udayanga, Pramesh Madubhashana, Kaveen Rukshan, Hareen Achintha, Chandupa de Silva, Sahanjith Samadith, Senuka Dangamuwa, Sadew Nethmina, Vishmitha Sathsara, Kaveesha Gimsara Back row from left: Randula Mabarana, Dulsith Darshana, Manitha Rajapaksa, Dineth Pahasara

For Mahinda, Pramesh Madubhashana (over 500 runs for the season), skipper Kalupahana, deputy skipper Tharusha Dilshan (close to 500 runs), Deneth Kaushalya and Senuka Dangamuwa are the batamen to watch. Kalupahana who played only five matches this season is bringing wealth of experience from the Youth World Cup where he was the leading batsman for Sri Lanka.

Mahinda will rely on Kaveen Rukshan to play the role of key strike bowler in the spin department. The leg spinner has 60 wickets against his name and is largely credited for their crushing 145 runs win against St. Sylvester’s as he claimed a match bag of 17 wickets. Left arm spinner Senuka Dangamuwa (28 wickets) and Arosha Udayanga (28 wickets) are the others taking slow bowling responsibilities.

Their pace attack is spearheaded by Kalupahana who shares the new ball with Sandew Nethmina.

In the tournament proper, Mahinda are the runners up of their group in the Division I Tier ‘B’ competition after having registered four outright victories against a single defeat.

Richmond remained unbeaten in the tournament proper with two outright victories and seven first innings wins. They are the runners up in their group in the Tier ‘A’ tournament.

Richmond lead the victory tally of the Big Match 24-23, after the Thaveesha Abhishek led team won the encounter in 2019. Mahinda’s last victory was recorded in 2008 when Sajitha Priyan captained the team.