The highly anticipated 18th edition of the ‘Battle of the Golds – Uva,’ a historic annual cricket encounter between St. Joseph’s College Bandarawela and Central College Bandarawela is set to ignite the pitch on June 23-24 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRICS) in Sooriyawewa.
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. Organized by the St. Joseph’s College Past Pupils’ Association, this year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of skill and solidarity.
Last year’s best batsman, Yasiru Ruwantha leads St. Joseph’s College this year, while Sithija Chamindu will be his deputy.
Bandarawela Central College team will be led by Yasitha Heshan Weerasinghe while Viraj Buddhika is set to assist him as vice-captain.
Both St. Joseph’s College and Central College have a rich history in this prestigious contest. St. Joseph’s College, with their formidable prowess, has triumphed on three occasions, leaving their mark on this celebrated big match, while Bandarawela Central College, on the other hand, has emerged victorious twice.
St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela:
Front row – from left: KH Yasiru Ruwantha (Captain), Chandana Bandra (Coach), Kapila Weerasekara (Master In-Charge), RM Laksiri Jayantha Ranasinghe (Principal), RBDA Sumathipala (Prefect of Games), DM Sithija Chamindu (Vice-captain)
Second row – from left: Malsha Gimhan, Hesara Dulaj, Themiya Sheheran, Sachin Dilanka, Tharindu Krishan, Chamindu Jinendra, Sahan Hansaka, Akila Saumya, Dasun Udayanga, Tharusha Nirmal, Sarith Malinda, Vibuthi Ruwan, Oshada Devinda, Pamod Madubashitha, Nishan Pramod (WK)
Bandarawela Central College:
Front row – from left: D Yasitha Heshan Weerasinghe (Captain), YM Amith Chathuranga Yapa (Master In-Charge), GD Sarath Bandu Gunasekara (Principal), RM Shantha Bandara (Prefect of Games), AG Inusha De Silva (Coach), MD Viraj Buddhika (Vice-captain)
Second row – from left: WM Uditha Akalpa Wijesundara, WM Lisandu Nimsith, AA Padmika Kelum Abesinghe, RP Haritha Sihilal Nimsara, HA Senara Dillip, PK Gimhan Kesara Weerasinghe, WA Vihanga Dilmin, AMSM Usara Manthisu Atthanayaka, T Sajeevanath, WM Chathum Lakpriya Wijesundara, SD Sahan Chamikara, RM Pabasara Malindu Bandara, DG Sachintha Viraj, Chanul Chirathama Gunasekara, DHM Roosara Tammita
 in Sooriyawewa.){kind=link}