Richmond nose through on the first innings

The 102nd ‘Battle of the Lovers’ cricket encounter between Mahinda and Richmond ended in a draw at the Uyanwatte Stadium in Matara yesterday with Richmond leading on the first innings.

Mahinda failed to build on their overnight total of 152 for 5 as Richmond paceman Suranga Lakmal crashed into their party by claiming 4 for 63 to restrict them to 195 for 8 declared on the second day.Richmond made 206 in 58.4 overs in reply with Isuru Anushka being the top scorer with 40. The other batsmen to contribute to Richmond’s first innings score were Yashoda Lanka (23), Asith Weerasuriya (25), Supun Wijewardena (17) and Suranga Lakmal (16 n.o).

Richmond’s Romesh Buddhika bowled a nagging length to capture 4 for 30 while Chamika Mahesh (2 for 37) and Charls Wesman (2 for 34) were also amongst the wickets.

Batting a second time Mahinda were one for one wicket when bad light called a halt to the game at 5.45 p.m. Earlier Mahinda’s overnight batsmen Denuwan Rajakaruna and Rajitha Priyan’s association did not last long on Saturday, morning as Suranga Lakmal held on to a catch offered by Priyan off the bowling of Isuru Anushka without any addition to his overnight score. A little while later Lakmal was in action once again when he claimed his fourth wicket for the innings when he was responsible the wicket of the other overnight batsman Denuwan Rajakaruna for 26.

After the departure of Rajakaruna and Priyan tailender Geeth Hemal used the long handle to good effect till his partner Lakshitha Lahiru ran himself out for 10.