20th Battle of the Golds - Uva on May 23 and 24

Bandarawela Central College

 St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela

By Susil Premalal 

The 20th Battle of the Golds – Uva annual Big Match cricket encounter played between St.Joseph’s College, Bandarawela and Central College, Bandarawela will be played at theMahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on May 23 and24.

Both St. Joseph’s and Bandarawela Central have a rich history in this prestigious contest.

However, 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 Wijesundara, Lisandu Wijesundara, Haritha Rathnaweera and Chanthum Wijesundara possess experience and were part of the last year squad.

Despite 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 the last year Big Match squad.

St. Joseph’s, with their formidable prowess, has triumphed 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 inception in 1967, the Battle of the Golds – Uva has become 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 promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of skill and solidarity.

The Squads:

St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela: Tharusha Nirmal (Captain), Tharindu Krishan (Vice-Captain), Sarith Malinda, Sachin Dilanka, Vibuthi Ruwan, Thiwanka Thejan, Dinidu Hasaranga, Theekshana Pramodya, Ishan Kavishka, Chamindu Thejitha, Thusitha

Vishwajith, Chalana Randunna (wk), Buddihtha Dilshan, Kaveesha Ayanija, Ravindu Hasara, Anjana Mihiranga, Thanusha Nimsara. Officials: S. M. B. Chamara (Coach), Nalanda Ganegoda (Coach), R. B. D. A. Sumathipala (MIC), P. M. S. Palihakoon (Principal).

Bandarawela Central College: Gimhan Weerasinghe (Captain), Roosara Thammita (Vice-Captain), Isara Ranasinghe, Lisandu Wijesundara, Minuda Rathnayake, Janitha Wijesundara, Haritha Rathnaweera, Chanthum

Wijesundara, Aritha Nimnal, Desandu de Silva, Banchana Marasinghe, Oshadha Lankesh, Sithum Ekanayake, Malsha Konara, Yenura Nadeeshan, Uditha Wijesundara, Osanda

Liyanage. Officials: Malshan Rathnayake (Head Coach), T. Sajeevanath (Assistant Coach), Amith
Yapa (MIC), Vishaka Rajapaksha (Principal), Shantha Bandara (Prefect of Games).