The 20th ‘Battle of the Golds – Uva’, an annual big match played among St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela and Central College Bandarawela will ignite the pitch of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRICS) in Sooriyawewa from 23-24 May.
Both St. Joseph’s and Bandarawela Central have a ironic history in this contest.
Though, on record, Bandarawela Central seems to enjoy a slight edge at their 20th annual outing against St. Joseph’s College considering the number of seniors they have in the squad.
Bandarawela Central skipper Gimhan Keshara Weerasinghe, vice captain Roosara Thammita, Uditha Akalpa Wijesundara, Lisandu Nimsith Wijesundara, Haritha Sihilal Nimsara Rathnaweera and Chanthum Lakpriya Wijesundara possess experience and were part of the last year’s squad.
Regardless of holding the upper-hand with the favourite tag, St. Joseph’s have retained the services of their current skipper Tharusha Nirmal, his deputy Tharindu Krishan and Sachin Dilanka, who were part of last year’s big match squad.
St. Joseph’s, with their formidable prowess, has won in the big match on three occasions, leaving their mark on this celebrated big match, while Bandarawela Central, on the other hand, have emerged victorious twice. The remaining encounters have ended in draws.
Since its beginning in 1967, the Battle of the Golds – Uva has developed a revered tradition in Bandarawela, showcasing the immense talent and unwavering passion of these two rival schools.
Organised by the St. Joseph’s College Past Pupils Association, this year’s edition potentials to be an unforgettable spectacle of skill and solidarity.
Squads:
St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela
R.M. Tharusha Nirmal (captain), G.R.M. Tharindu Krishan (vc), A.G. Sarith Malinda, T.M. Sachin Dilanka, R.M. Vibuthi Ruwan, J. Thiwanka Thejan, H.M. Dinidu Hasaranga, D.M. Theekshana Pramodya, B.A. Ishan Kavishka, D.G. Chamindu Thejitha, W.P. Thusitha Vishwajith, R.A.D. Chalana Randunna (wk), M.D. Buddihtha Dilshan, K.D. Kaveesha Ayanija, G.R.M. Ravindu Hasara, W.M. Anjana Mihiranga, R.D. Thanusha Nimsara
Officials: S.M.B. Chamara (coach), G. Nalanda Ganegoda (coach), R.B.D.A. Sumathipala (MIC)
Bandarawela Central College
P.K. Gimhan Keshara Weerasinghe (captain), D.H.M. Roosara Thammita (vc), Isara Piyumal Ranasinghe, W.M. Lisandu Nimsith Wijesundara, K.M. Minuda Saveen Rathnayake, W.M. Janitha Gismantha Wijesundara, R.P. Haritha Sihilal Nimsara Rathnaweera, W.M. Chanthum Lakpriya Wijesundara, W.M. Aritha Nimnal, P.R. Desandu Nimthaka de Silva, M.A. Banchana Pasanga Marasinghe, E.A. Oshadha Lankesh, E.M. Sithum Sathnidu Ekanayake, K.M. Malsha Gimhan Konara, G.A.D. Yenura Nadeeshan, W.M. Uditha Akalpa Wijesundara, Osanda Ranmitha Liyanage
Officials: Malshan Piyumitha Rathnayake (Head coach), T. Sajeevanath (Asst. coach), Amith Chathuranga Yapa (MIC)
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