Hopeful of positive outcome at 86th Battle of the Saints
The joint organising committee of the 86th Battle of the Saints cricket encounter between traditional rivals St. Joseph's and St. Peter’s, powered by Dialog which takes place on March 6 and 7 at the P. Sara Oval were confident of a positive outcome befitting the momentous occasion. Former Peterite batsman Michael Elias said the procession of draws in big matches between these two leading Catholic institutions was not the norm now but an exception.
“In the last few years we had four decisions. So it has changed. It is going to change further because the spirit that we are maintaining is still doing very well,” said Elias.
Former Peterite captain Denham Perera echoed these sentiments when he related that the JoePete big match was not about winning but making lifelong friendships.
“In 2009 which was the 75th Joe-Pete match, playing under my brother who was captain Angelo Perera, was something special. We went in as firm favourites with ten outright wins behind us but a magnificent 150 from Harin Silva denied us from getting advantage from the game. In 2010, we went in as favourites with four Under-19 national caps and under the leadership of Chathura Peiris and with great team effort, we beat the Joes after 32 years and without a doubt it was the greatest cricketing moment in my school career,” he related.
St. Joseph’s College lead the series tally with 12 wins, their last win coming under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008, while St. Peter’s College were winners of the 2016 encounter under Vinu Mohotty, bringing their tally to 10 wins, which ensured the Rev. Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy was kept securely in the trophy cabinet in Bambalapitiya.
In the 2020 encounter, the Josephians will be led by all-rounder Johanne de Zilwa, while the Peterites will be under the captaincy of wicket-keeper and batsman Shannon Fernando.
“We would like to thank the management of Dialog Axiata for the generous gesture to sponsor the 86th encounter” were the words echoed by both Rectors -- Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi of St. Joseph’s and Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo of St. Peter’s.
Elias thanked all partners of the Battle of the Saints, specially the principal sponsor Dialog Axiata who has been with them for the past five years. “We are also very pleased to thank our partners HNB, American National College, Keells, Cold Stores, Maggie, Sun FM and Ceylon Biscuits for being with us for another year. Privilege Fashion who are doing our match kits and our very valuable new sponsors Ceylinco Life and Daraz, our online shopping partner.”
Nirmalal Perera, the Josephian captain in 1981, will grace the big match as the chief guest, while Damian Perera who led St. Peter’s in 1994, will be the chief guest at the limited over game. Further, the members of the 1970 team, led by Hector Perera of St. Joseph’s and Rory Inman of St. Peter’s will grace the 86th edition of the ‘Battle of the Saints’ as the Guests of Honour.