Richmond defy defending champions to clinch under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ title

by Reemus Fernando

Richmond bowlers produced a combined effort to deny Trinity any space for a comeback in the second innings as they clinched the title of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ tournament with a first innings win at the SSC on Wednesday.

A back to the wall knock of 96 runs by Supun Waduge and a half century by Tharana Wimaladharma helped Trinity close the first innings deficit and offer their opponents a target to chase. But with just 11 overs remaining in the day Richmond had the title already in their bag.

In retrospect, the century made by Nikil Jayaweera (139) and the half century scored by Shehan de Zoysa in the first innings proved title-deciding for Richmond as their first innings lead of 101 runs effectively closed the contest.

Paceman Sihath Ramanayake and Kaveesha Induwara and Sharon Abhishek did early damage reducing Trinity to 59 for four wickets in the morning. Supun Waduge dropped anchor with a 189-ball 96 runs and Tharana Wimaladharma made 57 in 141 balls for Tirnity to post 254 for nine wickets declared but those efforts were in vain for the defending champions.

It was a remarkable achievement for Richmond captained by Malsha Tharupathi who reached the knockout stage as the champions of their group.Trinity captained by Manula Kularatne conclude the season with one title (champions in the limited overs tournament) and a runner up position.