One of the prime sports events during the Holiday season in Nuwara Eliya, the Battle of the Oldies Cricket Encounter between the old boys of St Xavier’s College and Gamini National College Nuwara Eliya for the Mayor’s Challenge Cup has been scheduled for the 2nd May 2015 at the Race course Grounds under the patronage of many dignitaries and distinguished guests.
The history of Cricket in Nuwara Eliya goes back to the year 1856 while the history of Cricket at St Xavier’s College dates back to the year 1925, and it is pleasing to note that this encounter commenced in 2011 has become an exclusive event worked out consecutively for five years.
As in the past years, this year a number of Cricketers of yester year and a large number of school children and the public are expected to witness this event. The proceedings of the day will be filled with fellowship and entertainment.
The inauguration of the Battle of the Oldies in 2011 based on the theme “Unity in Diversity” is considered as the revival of this old game of Cricket in Nuwara Eliya.
The main objective of this event is to strengthen the existing bonds among the old boys while creating a forum to enhance the standard of sports and education in the district which has come down to a low ebb. The old boys work tirelessly to revive their institutions for the benefit of the younger generation. This encounter has really served its purpose by bringing old boys from different walks of life and different parts of the country to flock with a better understanding and work for a worthy cause. Also this event augurs well to be a boost for the revival of Cricket in Nuwara Eliya.
This year the Old Xaverians team will be captained by Shantha de Silva while the Old Gaminians team will be captained by Keith Chandrasena who is in their mid-forties. The 50-Over encounter that will strictly follow the International Cricket rules will be a memorable event for the sports enthusiasts.
Umpires from the Kandy Umpires’ Association will adjudge this match while old Royalist Vipul Fernando will be the Match referee.
