A gentle and refreshing breeze greeted spectators and players to the 23rd Annual Josephian-Peterite Cricket Encounter played on Saturday, September 14, at the Robertson Park, Gaitheds of both alumni, many of whrsburg, Maryland. As in past years, this event was also well attended by family and friends of both alumni, many of whom had come from different States. This encounter was dedicated to Mr. Cecil Perera – a founder member of St. Peter's College OBU Washington (SPCOBUWDC) – who passed away earlier this month. The Peterite team wore black arm bands, in appreciation and respect for the many years Mr. Cecil Perera served the OBU. Two minutes of silence was observed before the commencement of the game. The Alumni of both schools decided that from year onwards, would be re-named the Cecil Perera Memorial Trophy. St. Josephs won the toss and invited St. Peters to bat first. The bowling was tight, wickets fell at regular intervals and the Peterites were all out for 118 runs in 21.1 overs. Milroy Romesh and Shehan Francisco bowled well for the Joes. Priyan had three catches behind the stumps.
The Peterites hosting this year's event offered an ample supply of finger food and lunch was contracted to Ramani's Kitchen to provide all visitors with a spicy array of rice and curries. DJ Ranjen provided entertaining music throughout the game with the 'papara' theme and songs from Peterite Desmond Kelly.
After lunch, St. Peters had two quick wickets but a steady and important partnership between Aruna Amirthanayagam 23 runs and Deshan Cooray 20 runs consolidated the osephian innings and their middle order cruised to victory for the loss of only 4-wickets with few overs to spare.
The Josephian cricketers swept all the awards.
Best Batsman – Aruna Amirthanayagam
Best Bowler – Romesh Dias
Best Fielder – Priyan Perera
Man of the Match (Ranjith Weeratunga Memorial Trophy)- Don Milroy
The awards presentations ended with Dr. Chandru Mirchandani, Dr. Greg Fernandopulle and Dakshi de Silva speaking a few words on Cecil Perera and the singing of the two college anthems. Mr. Prasanth Cherubim also thanked the Peterites for organizing the event.
