The cricketing heart of the Northern Province beat louder than ever this week as the historic city of Jaffna came to a standstill. The occasion was the 109th edition of the “Northern Battle of the Golds,” the annual “Big Match” between two of the island’s most prestigious institutions: St Patrick’s College and Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai. This year’s colossal clash will be held from 12th to 14th March at the Jaffna College Grounds, Vaddukoddai.
First played in 1906, the Northern Battle of the Golds is the second-oldest Big Match played in the Jaffna Peninsula and is regarded as the sixth-oldest Big Match in Sri Lanka. St Patrick’s College, Jaffna, has emerged as the more dominant side in this rivalry, with 35 victories under their belt. Meanwhile, Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai, has also showcased spirited performances throughout this century-old tradition, recording 17 victories so far.
During last year’s encounter (2025), Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai, led by Sithamparalingam Mathusan, reclaimed victory by 59 runs, ending a title drought that had lasted 52 years. Skipper Mathusan set the tone for the triumph by claiming 11 wickets, including five-wicket hauls in both innings, while also contributing a valuable 44 runs with the bat in what was a low-scoring affair. St Patrick’s College last tasted success a couple of years earlier, in 2023, when they secured a commanding victory by an innings and 23 runs.
The defending champions, Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai, will look to retain the title under the captaincy of opening batsman Robinson Uthayakumar Johnson. The skipper has scored 284 runs this season, including three half-centuries, with a top score of 84 against Kokuvil Hindu College. Middle-order batsman Vasuthevan Vishnugoban is another player to watch, having already scored a century for his side this season. Meanwhile, Ketheeswaran Harishan, Hamish Harmishon, and Uthajaraja Kenreksan will also be eager to make meaningful contributions with the bat.
With the ball, right-arm leg-spinner Vasuthevan Vishnugoban will spearhead the Jaffna College bowling attack, having taken 22 wickets this season, including two five-wicket hauls. Off-spinner Hamish Harmishon has also been a constant threat, claiming 20 wickets in the five matches played so far. Additionally, Anushanthan Harmishan, Supesan Thaksikan, Uthajaraja Kenreksan, Thivakaran Karthikan, and Antony Rithman Abinaath will support the main bowlers as they look to defend the title.
This year, St Patrick’s College will be led by right-handed batting all-rounder Premanayagam Mathushan. However, the side has struggled to impress their supporters this season, managing only one outright victory, which came against Ibbagamuwa Central College, while the remaining matches ended in defeats. Wicketkeeper-batsman Nishanthan Harin Adrian is in fine form after scoring a valuable 71 just a week ago. Meanwhile, solid opener Sivanathan Shehaan stands as the side’s leading batsman, having scored over 200 runs this season. Mathiyalagan Steef Adhithya, who has accumulated 132 runs, is another player to watch in the St Patrick’s lineup.
Right-arm fast bowler Selvakumar Smith Zenari has been the most successful bowler for St Patrick’s, claiming 18 wickets, including a brilliant seven-wicket haul against Sir John Kothalawala College, Kurunegala. In addition, Sivanathan Shehaan (12 wickets) and Mathiyalagan Steef Adhithya (11 wickets) will support the bowling attack as they look for redemption.
For now, the Northern Battle of the Golds remains a cricketing festival that has survived more than a century of turmoil and triumph. The 109th edition promises to add yet another chapter to the rich and storied history of cricket in the Jaffna Peninsula.
St. Patrick’s College; Premanayagam Mathushan (Captain), Sivanathan Shehaan (Vice Captain), Mathiyalagan Steef Adhithya, Robinson Bearly Denowan, Kammedan Lickshan, Vimalathas Defano, S Nishanthan Harin Adrian (WK), Selvakumar Smith Zenari, Jeyarajarupan Dinulaxsan, Jabinson Kemishan, Titus Jojesh, Rev. Fr. Anton Peter Thirumahan (Principal), Rev. Fr. Sahayatharshan Lembert Omi (Father in Charge of Sports), G. Ranjith Thevarajan (MIC), A. S. Nishanthan (Coach), Silvestre Sahayarajah (Consultant Coach), Patkunam Mathusan (Assistant Coach), Henrick Vijeyakumar Kiudweslan, Abdulrajan Ashobin, Thevarasu Sajeen Robert, Pratheep Elodius Tavin, Sureshkumar Jaanushan, Robinson Thevuson, Merinkilman Danushan, Rocksan Jehan Watson Shervin, Jeevaraj Mehavarshigan
Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai; Robinson Uthayakumar Johnson (Captain), Ketheeswaran Harishan (WK), Vasuthevan Vishnugoban, S K Hamish Harmishon, Uthajaraja Kenreksan, Anushanthan Harmishan, Thivakaran Karthikan, Sasikaran Ashmin, Suresh Kabishan, Supesan Thaksikan, Antony Rithman Abinaath, Sathivel Sathujan, Balaruban Kevin, Sasikaran Sankeeth, Ketheeswaran Thirukumaran, Ravikumar Sarujan, Sasikanthan Kirishan, Rasajeyanthan Ashwien, Tayaparan Aksayan, P. M. Michael Dewadharshan (MIC), Packiyanathan Srikuhan (Coach), Rajagopal Kugan (Physical Education Director), Mrs. Rushira Kulasingham (Principal)
