A press conference was held on 26th February at St. Joseph's College to brief the press regarding the upcoming Big Match, the Josephian-Peterite cricket match popularly known as the Battle of the Saints.

Rectors from both Colleges spoke at the briefing with Fr. Travis Gabriel, Rector, St. Joseph's speaking on the 2 day game to be played on the 7th and 8th of March at the P Sara Oval and Fr. Trevor Martin, Rector, St. Peter's, speaking on the 50 over encounter to be played on 15th March at the Premadasa Sadium, Kettarama.

Giving details of the 2 day game, Fr. Travis Gabriel said that special conditions have been in place for this match for several years now, i.e. limiting the first innings to 60 overs and having 105 overs each day, with the intention of producing a result. He added that this saw results in 2008 when St. Joseph's won after a drought of 35 years and St. Peter's winning in 2010 and again in 2012. He added that this match is played in a united and friendly atmosphere as these 2 schools belong to the larger family of the Catholic church, though the game is played competitively on the field. He was hopeful that with good publicity given more spectators would be attracted to witness the game. Fr. Martin who spoke thereafter, while endorsing the sentiments expressed by the Josephian Rector, said that the 2 day match and the limited overs match have become the event that attracts many old boys from across the globe who time there holidays in Sri Lanka to coincide with these matches. There will be a very colourful atmosphere he said and requested that due publicity be given so that many more can be attracted to watch the matches. Of the 79 matches played thus far the Joes have won 12 times to 9 by the Petes.

In the limited overs game of the 39 matches played, the Joes have 20 wins under their belt while the Petes have 17 wins with 1 tied and another rained off. Details of playing times, ticket prices, commentaries on Radio and TV (for the limited over match), etc. were given.

2 Day Battle of the Saints

Dates: 7th & 8th March (Friday & Saturday)

Venue: P Sara Stadium (Oval) Commencement of play: 9.30 a.m. (each day)

Special Conditions of Play: 1st Innings limited to 60 overs a side Overs per day 105 (with no reduction of overs for change of innings)

Trophy on offer: Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc Trophy for the winner (outright win)

Limited Overs Match Dates: 15th March (Saturday) Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Kettarama Commencement of play: 9.30 a.m. Conditions of Play: 2012 ICC Rules for one dayers Trophy on offer: Rev. Fr. Peter A Pillai Trophy for the winner Ticket prices for both games will be published later.

Courtesy: Algi Wijewickrema Hony. Editor (SPC – OBU)

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