The 86th edition of the Joe-Pete annual Battle of the Saints cricket encounter will take center stage on the 6th and 7th of March as the saints go marching in for another battle at the P. Sara Oval Grounds, Colombo.
Photos: 86th Battle of the Saints | Press Conference
Two of the best schools’ outfits will vie for glory as St. Peter’s College aim to continue their dominance in the Battle of the Saints encounter, while St. Joseph’s College is keen to reclaim lost glory against their arch-rivals.
History
The two prestigious catholic institutions are playing for the Rev.Fr Maurice Le Goc trophy, an encounter which began way back in 1933 with St. Joseph’s College winning the inaugural clash.
| Won by | No. of Matches |
| St. Joseph’s College | 12 |
| St. Peter’s College | 10 |
| Drawn | 63 |
History – The Battle of the Saints
St. Joseph’s College last won under the leadership of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008 while St. Peter’s College recorded their last win in 2016 under the leadership of Vinu Mohotty.
Last year, the Peterites were staring down the barrel at an outright loss at 106/6 in their second innings, but Santhush Gunathilake then produced an innings of a lifetime to deny a Josephian victory with an unbeaten 161.
Watch: Highlights – St. Joseph’s College vs St. Peter’s College | 85th Battle of the Saints
St. Joseph’s College
2019/20 Season
Under the leadership of Johanne de Zilva, the Joes have been an unstoppable force in the 2019/20 School Cricket season, with an outrageous record of 8 outright wins while being unbeaten for 17 matches. The Joes outfit has been aggressive throughout the season, scoring runs at a rapid pace while being energetic in the field as well.
Results list
Vs St Benedicts’ College – Drawn
Vs Mahinda College – Won
Vs St Anthony’s College – Won
Vs S Thomas’ College – Drawn
Vs Trinity College – Drawn
Vs Isipathana College – Won
Vs Royal College – Drawn
Vs St Sebastian’s College – Drawn
Vs Wesley College – Won
Vs D S Senanayake College – Drawn
Vs St Aloysius’ College – Won
Vs De Mazenod College – Won
Vs Zahira College – Drawn
Vs Maris Stella College – Drawn
Vs St Patrick’s College – Won
Vs St Anne’s College – Drawn
Vs Ananda College – Won
Key Players
The star-studded St Joseph’s team boasts many special names but opener Sheran Fonseka is the only player to break the 1000-run barrier this season. Dineth Jayakody and skipper Zilva have also reached the 700-run mark in 17 matches.
The wickets column is led by left-arm spinner Miranga Wickaramage who has secured 56 wickets and he is followed by another left-arm spinner Shalida Senevirathne with 51 wickets. Sri Lanka Under-19 cap Ashain Daniel couldn’t play a major part in the 2019/20 season due to national duties, but he will be another major threat the Peterites have to be aware of.
Undoubtedly, the star player of the Joes team is 17-year-old Dunith Wellalage, who has been superb with the bat and the ball, securing more than 700 runs and 50 wickets so far this season.
Probable XI – Johanne de Zilva (C), Sheran Fonseka, Shevon Daniel, Dineth Jayakody, Dunith Wellalage, Laskhan Gamage, Sadeesh Jayawardene, Miranga Wickramage, Mithira Thenura, Ashian Daniel, Shalinda Senevirathne
St. Peter’s College
2019/20 Season
Under the leadership of Shannon Fernando, the Peterites have been unbeaten in the 2019/20 season, but only secured 2 outright wins in 14 matches. Surprisingly, they were unable to secure a place in the pre-quarterfinals of the Singer U19 School Cricket tournament this season as well.
Results list
Vs Moratu Maha Vidyalaya- Drawn
Vs Dharmaraja College – Drawn
Vs Dharmapala Vidyalaya – Drawn
Vs Nalanda College – Drawn
Vs St. Anne’s College– Drawn
Vs Ananda College– Drawn
Vs De Mazenod College– Won
Vs St. Sebastian’s College– Won
Vs Prince of Wales’ College– Drawn
Vs Royal College– Drawn
Vs Dharmasoka College– Drawn
Vs S.Thomas’ College – Drawn
Vs St. Benedict’s College – Drawn
Vs St Anthony’s College – Drawn
Key Players
Experienced Nipunaka Fonseka has scored the most runs for St Peter’s College this season with 528 runs to his name, including an unbeaten century while Wanuja Kumara and Rishika Rawatage have also crossed the 400-run mark this season.
In the bowling front, Ruvin Senevirathne has been the one to make things happen for the Peterites as he has picked up 63 wickets including five 5-fers. All-rounder Kanishka Maduwantha has been the most impressive out of the lot, with more than 400 runs and 50 wickets to his name.
Probable XI – Shenal Botheju, Rishika Dawatage, Shannon Fernando(C), Nipunaka Fonseka, Ruvin Senavirathne, Kanishka Maduwantha, Lahiru Dawatage, Wanuja Kumara, Vinuda Liyanage, Danal Hemananda, Trishen Wickramasinghe
The first innings being restricted to 60 overs will once again spice up the match with a total of 210 overs scheduled to be bowled over the course of two days.
Considering the teams’ form during the season, it is safe to say the Josephians have the upper hand coming into the Battle of the Saints, but Peterites have enough quality in their ranks .to push for a win.
Watch the 86th Battle of the Saints live on ThePapare.com, Dialog Television Channel 16 and MyTV from 9.00 am onwards on both days.
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