Old Sebs beat Old Cambrians in annual UAE encounter

The winning old boys of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa comprising Nishitha Abilash (captain), Meran Fernando, Jayashan Perera, Shevindra Fernando, Prasantha Soysa, Kavindu Cooray, Rohan Livera, Kusal Fernando, Kenneth Ranatunga, Supun Fernando, Rajika, Nishendra Wickrematilleke, Dulaj, Tashika Perera, Malindu Uthpala and Sasika Perera pose for a ceremonial picture after winning the encounter

The Battle of the Golds, a highly anticipated cricket showdown between St. Sebastian’s College (Sebs) and Prince of Wales College (Cambrians), was played out between the old boys of both schools on February 7 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 10th time and Old Sebs won the match.

Old Sebs asserted their dominance from the outset, winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Their bowlers delivered a clinical performance, restricting the Old Cambrians to a modest 141 run in 20 overs. 

Old Sebs skipper Nishitha Abhilash grabbed three wickets for 23 runs in four overs earning him the Best Bowler of the match award.

The chase proved a comfortable one for the winners as they stormed to victory, successfully reaching the target within 18 overs, securing an emphatic win and extending their lead in the series to eight.

This convincing victory marked the fourth consecutive win for Old Sebs in the UAE, cementing their reputation as the dominant force in the Battle of the Golds. 

For Old Sebs, Malindu Uthpala scored 42 runs in 21 balls at a strike rate of 200, earning him the Best Batsman award. A sensible batting display from Kavindu Cooray, who made 37 earlier in the innings, won him the Game Changer award of the innings. Sasika de Silva from Old Cambrains was adjudged Best Fielder.

The event was made even more enjoyable by the electric atmosphere, with a Papare band and DJ while a Sri Lankan food stall, featuring the Thambapanni restaurant in the UAE, added to the festive mood, making it a memorable day according to the organisers.