Unbeaten century by Kalana Wijesiri(130*) of Ananda College shattered the dreams of Richmond College of a double crown as they clinched the victory of 2017 U19 D1 League Championship. The match ended before completion of the first two innings, Ananda who won more bonus points on their final total of 273 for seven than Richmond’s 307 and were declared winners in the end. Richmond, this year’s U19 D1 limited-over Champions missed out on claiming both titles of U19 D1 Championship as  Ananda was ahead on bonus points.

Having won the toss Kamindu Mendis, Captain of Richmond College elected to bat first and they posted a massive total and declared their innings on overnight total of 307 for eight. In a match an outright win was highly unlikely, Ananda had to bat extremely well if they were to overhaul Richmond total and gain first-innings advantage. Ananda got off to a horrible start as they lost two quick wickets with the score at 14. However, Kalana wijesiri and Asel Sigera putting on 105 for the third wicket consolidated their innings before Sigera lost his wicket for a well-made 54. After Sigera’s dismissal Richmond could pull the game back to their favour as Sandun Mendis striking twice in quick succession removed Sammu Ashan for naught and K Nirmal for 3 as Ananda slumped to 125 for five in no time. Meanwhile, Kalana Wijesiri who was batting at the other end with a fifty-plus score continuing his role as an anchorman found partners in Kavishka Anjula and Supun Waragoda to rebuild their innings.

Richmond wicket keeper Duveen Kalansooriya , who was very acrobatic behind the wicket took some fantastic catches during the match. However he failed to deliver at the crucial time when he dropped  Kalana Wijesiri when he was 85. Ananda claimed 5.23 bonus points whilst Richmond managed only 4.82 (if not for Wijesiri’s century that earned them 0.5 points, Ananda would have fallen behind Richmond). Duveen ealrliar contributed with the bat to post  a century partnership with Sandun Mendis for the nineth wicket which helped Richmond College to score 307 for eight. The uncertainity of the game of cricket was quite evident during the match.

Richmond College had a very good season this year. They played some entertaining cricket during the big match and won the One Day match with Mahinda College by 2 wickets. They went on  to win the U19 D1 limited-over Championship as well. Richmond Captain Kamindu Mendis captained SL under 19 cicket team to Australia. Five  Richmond College cricketers  represented the under 19 Southern Province team which was captained by all rounder Dananjaya Lakshan who was the highest run scorer in the season. Southern Province won the championship of 2017 U19 Provincial One Day Tournament. We must be happy the way our cricketers performed during the season with much promise for the future and all the credit should go to the captain, players, Coach, Assistant Coach and MIC  for all the hard work.

We must also make a note of the guidance given by the Principal and Staff  and valuable contributions made by  Old Boys Association and affiliated unions , School Development Society, parents and well wishers.

Final of the Singer under 19 Division 1 Tournament between Richmond College , Galle and Ananda College, Colombo started today at Thurstan College ground Colombo. Richmond were 307 for 8 at the close of first days play.

Having won the toss Kamindu Mendis, Captain of Richmond College elected to bat first and both openers was dismissed cheaply by Anandian fast bowlers. First to go was Kamindu Mendis for 6 when the score was 9 and the other opener Dananjaya Lakshan was out for 12 when the score was 19. Adithya Siriwardana was dismissed for 1 when the score was 21 followed by Chamikara Hewage for no score when the score was 22. Then Thaveesha Abishek and Avindu Theekshana  joined in the middle and this pair took Richmond to the safety adding useful 76 runs for the fifth-wicket.

Just before lunch Thaveesha Abhishek became Supun Waragoda’s second victim after doing his part with a well-made 46 including 5 fours and two sixes.  Avindu Theekshana then built two good partnerships; 36 with Ravishka Wijesiri (21) for the sixth-wicket and 68 with Kasun Tharaka (25) for the seventh ensuring Richmond’s two hundred. Avindu Theekshana’s superb innings came to an end when Waragoda claiming his fourth wicket trapped him LBW for a well-accomplished 80 scored off 160 balls with 10 fours.

Avindu Theekshana’s wicket when the score was 202 opened up Richmond tail but Ananda College bowlers failed to capitalize as richmond’s no 9 sandun Mendis and no 10 Duveen Kalansooriya put up an unbroken partnership of 105 runs to post a massive total of 307 for 8 at the close of first days play. Sandun Mendis was unbeaten on 64 with Duveen Kalansoorya with an unbeaten 36.Supun Waragoda bowled well for Ananda picking up 4 wickets. The majestic fight back of Richmond middle order and tail enders put them in a very commanding position and Ananda batsman will have to fight hard to save the match against strong Richmond bowling attack on a turning wicket.

Richmond College, Galle

307-8 in 95 overs (Avindu Theekshana 80, Sandun Mendis 64*, Thaveesha Abhishek 46, Duveen Kalansuriya 36*, Kasun Tharaka 25, Ravishka Wijesiri 21, Supun Waragoda 4/91, Asel Sigera 2/80)

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