This week, the historic city of Kandy will come to a standstill as two of its oldest institutions clash for the T.B. Tennakoon Trophy at the 119th edition of the prestigious Hill Country Battle of the Maroons. The annual big match between Dharmaraja College and Kingswood College will unfold at the historic Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy from March 20 to 22.
The Hill Country Battle of the Maroons is steeped in history, dating back to its inception in 1893. It is regarded as the second-oldest big match on the island, while the oldest is also played in the hill capital. Over the decades, the clash has produced memorable performances, nail-biting finishes, and lifelong friendships. The overall tally paints a picture of Dharmaraja’s historical dominance, with the Rajans holding a distinct advantage, having secured 36 victories compared to Kingswood’s 19 wins. The Rajans recorded their most recent success in 2024 under the captaincy of Dulara Bandulasena, while Kingswood last posted an outright victory way back in 1958 under the leadership of Maurice Fernando. However, past records often matter little when archrivals clash, as these encounters consistently produce thrilling contests.
This year, the Kingswoodians have a balanced side bolstered by international experience, arguably giving them a slight edge in the build-up to the match. Kavija Gamage, who served as the vice-captain of the Sri Lanka Under-19 squad during both the ICC World Cup and the Asia Cup, brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities. Joining him are Kenula Pihilianga and Chanul Kodituwakku, both of whom represented the Sri Lanka Under-17 team against Bangladesh.
The Kingswood team is led by left-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler Nikeshala Nanayakkara, who is yet to fire this season. He will be well supported by vice-captain Aadhil Sherif, a reliable all-rounder who has been in stellar form with the bat, scoring 534 runs, including a brilliant century (147) against Rahula College, Matara. His ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for Kingswood’s stability. Following his impressive performances at the Youth Cricket World Cup, Kavija Gamage returned to school duties and scored 353 runs (including three fifties) in just five games, with a top score of 98 against Vidyartha College. Opener Chanul Kodituwakku has scored 397 runs, including a century and a couple of half-centuries. Manula Wijethunga (243), Dinindu Sayuranga (292), and Yoshath Abeykoon (219) are the other key contributors in the batting line-up.
While their batting looks formidable, Kingswood’s bowling attack appears equally potent, led by left-arm orthodox spinner Kenula Pihilianga. He has enjoyed a remarkable season, claiming over 50 wickets (including a 10-wicket haul), and his attacking flair on the Asgiriya pitch could prove decisive. Another key bowler is Kavija Gamage, who has taken over 25 wickets this season, including four five-wicket hauls. Additionally, Chanul Kodituwakku, Dominsara Peiris, and Yoshath Abeykoon will look to maintain pressure on the Rajans’ batting unit.
This year, the Dharmaraja outfit will be led by the dynamic captain Kavindu Gunarathne, who is renowned for his leadership, skill, and fighting spirit. He has scored 212 runs so far, including a couple of fifties. Dharmaraja’s hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of their star all-rounder, Shashith Bandara, who has been the backbone of the team, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. He has scored 443 runs this season and has been a lethal force with the ball, taking 33 wickets, with a best performance of 6 wickets against Sri Dharmaloka College, Kelaniya. The 15-year-old prospect also scored a magnificent 111 against Moratu Maha Vidyalaya recently. Opener Kashyapa Dissanayake has been consistent with 380 runs (including a couple of fifties), while Harindu Warnakulage has contributed 330 runs, including a staggering knock of 135 against Zahira College. Additionally, Mandil Gunawardhana could be a threat on his day to any opposition.
Apart from the bowling heroics of Shashith Bandara, Sumeda Prasad has remained a constant threat, taking over 20 wickets this season, including a six-wicket haul against St. Thomas’ College, Matara. Meanwhile, Onitha Vithanage has also claimed more than 20 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Moratu Maha Vidyalaya.
On paper, Kingswood appear to hold the upper hand, boasting a squad rich in youth international experience. However, history has shown that Dharmaraja thrive as the nemesis in this rivalry and will not concede defeat easily. Will Dharmaraja retain the T.B. Tennakoon Trophy for yet another year, or will the Kingswoodians turn the tables and end a victory drought spanning over six and a half decades?
Kingswood College:
Nikeshala Nanayakkara (captain), Aadil Sherif (Vice captain), Kavija Gamage, Kenula Pihilianga, Chanul Kodituwakku, Yosath Abeykoon, Nadeesha Bandaranayake, Eshan Ayodhya, Movindu Senanayake, Dominsara Pieris, Umantha Kithsiri, Saniru Dahanayake, Kanishka Dahanayake, Thushan Bandara, Dinidu Sayuranga, Gamindu Wickramasinghe, Adeesha Nimnada, Jananu Rodrigo, Manula Wijethunga and Pamuditha Bandara.
Dharmaraja College:
Kavindu Gunaratne (captain), Tharindu Warnakulage (Vice captain), Sumeda Prasad, Kashyapa Dissanayake, Omesh Ekanayake, Keshana Gunawardane, Gavesh Poorna, Onitha Vithanage, Jayodya Kadiga, Thinulaka Rajapakse, Malisha Gunasekara, Chanuka Lakshan, Chanuth Jayasinghearachchi, Mandil Gunawardane, Shashith Bandara, Methsilu Bandara, Thevindu Herath, Isuru Samarathunga, Dineth Abeyrathne and Lahiru Nilwakke.
