In Sri Lanka, March madness has set in with a few “big matches” scheduled for the first week-end. The 83^rd encounter of the “Battle of the Saints” takes pride of place and will be played at the old familiar Colombo Oval (P. Sara Stadium) on March 3^rd & 4^th. St. Joseph’s lead the series with 12 wins, last being in 2008 under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle. Peterites trail behind with 10 wins including the controversial win last year thanks to a sporting decision by the Josephian Rector, Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel. This writer was at the game last year from start to finish and witnessed first hand extreme behaviour from a group of unruly spectators who disrupted play each time a wicket fell and/or a boundary was scored. The chaos that prevailed deprived the Peterites from earning a deserved victory. After the game ended Fr. Travis in consultation with the Peterite Rector Rev. Fr. Trevor Martin and some seniors from both schools awarded the 82^nd encounter to St. Peter’s College, a magnanimous gesture. Let us forget this ever happened and move forward this year to a fair game played in the highest traditions of the “Battle of the Saints” – in a spirit we are used to in the past. After all, we are two brothers of one family!

The squads: St. Peter’s College: Lakshina Rodrigo (Captain), Manelker de Silva, Santhush Gunatilleke, Shalith Fernando, Vinul Gunawardena, Anishka Perera, Ranmith Jayasena, Sulakshan Fernando, Shivan Perera, Prabasara Herath, Nipunaka Fonseka, Chathura Obesekere, Sachin Silva, Dinith Anjula, Laseh Rodrigo, Ravindu Silva, Banuka de Silva, Mohammed Ameen.

St. Joseph’s College: Harin Cooray (Captain), Dario Dassanayake, Revan Kelley, Nipun Sumanasinghe, Dineth Madurawala, Jehan Daniel, Shevon Fonseka, Pahan Perera, Thashan Perera, Havin Perera, Ruchira Ekanayake, Jehan Fernandopulle, Dineth Jayakody, Sachitha Mahindasinhe, Kavindu Jayatissa, Cameron Durage, Lakshan Gamage, Sheran Rassool, Avishka Fernando, Sachitha de Silva.

The two rectors – Rev. Fr. Trevor Martin, Rector of St. Peter’s College and his counterpart at St. Joseph’s College Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel are both strong administrators but open minded and fair in their management style. Both have showed tremendous leadership qualities and inspired the students to respect true values of discipline and education. A week or two back Fr. Trevor Martin had this to say at a media briefing ahead of the “big match”.

By: Upali Obeyesekere

“Winning and losing is all part and parcel of the game, but what is more important is that the game is played in the true spirit of sportsmanship which has been a hallmark of this big match over the years”.

The Josephians are led this year by all-rounder Harin Cooray, son of Hiran Cooray who played for St. Joseph’s College from 1980-1982. Today, Cooray Sr., is best known as the dynamic chairman of Jetwing Hotels, a company founded in 1970 by his late father Mr. Herbert Cooray. The Peterites are led by Lakshina Rodrigo, right-handed batsman who has had a terrific season with the bat. It is important not to have a repeat of last year’s unruly crowd behaviour. The battle lines are drawn and may the best team have the advantage at the end of the day.