On the 2nd and 3rd of March 2012 St.Joseph’s College will take on St.Peter’s College for the 78th time. This encounter is commonly known as the ‘Battle of saints’.
The battle of the saints began as far back as 1933, where Robert Fernando and George Jayaweera captained for SJC and SPC respectively. Since then this encounter has reached many heights and come a long way. From Robert and George to now at present VidushaJayasinghe and Shehan Fernando.
Amongst these schools there have been many players which have excelled at the big match and made it to the national side. The likes of Chaminda Vass, Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne, Tissera Perera, Ashley De silva, Micheal Van Dort and Ajith Weerakkody from St.Joseph’s and from St.Peters College Roy Dias, Vonodhan John,Rumesh Ratnayake, Amal Silva, Russell Arnold, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Malinda Warnapura, David Heyn and Tony Opatha.
St.Joseph’s college thus far has the upper hand over SPC in the series of 78 matches as SJC have won 12 big matches. SPC have only managed to win 8 out of the 77 matches played. There have also been 57 draws between these two teams. However when considering the stats at the P SARA stadium, the Peterites have won 5 and the Josephians have won 4 matches. The Battle of the saints is played over two days only and therefore many matches end in a draw. At the P SARA stadium 38 matches have ended in a draw.
The 77th Battle of the saints was not any different and ended in another draw. SPC batted first and were bowled out for just 192 runs in their first innings. NilochanaPerera the former vice captain scoring a magnificent 70 runs saving the day for the Peterites. The Josephians in reply managed to score 224 for 9 in their allotted 60 overs with Roscoe Thattil and priyamalPerera scoring 50 runs each.
On day 2 there wasn’t much to show for the Josephians as it was just all about the Peterites and the Shehan Fernando show. Shehan blasted/hammered the bowling to all parts. He scored many boundries and at times had the crowd ducking for safety as he put the ball in the stands. Shehan ended up with a quite exquisite 157 runs. At the end of the match SPC were 260 for 2.
SJC bunker
This year the Josephians will be captained by the outstanding wicket keeper batsman VidushaJayasinghe. Vidush thus far this season has notched up over 500 runs and over 40 victims. Vidusha a 4th year player has scored in all the big matches he has played and will be looking to lead and guide his team to victory.
Vidusha will have great support from the likes of PriyamalPerera, Sadheera Samarawickrama and ‘Super Supeshala’ Jayathilake. Supeshala represented the U19 national side and has been in peak form ever since. From wickets to runs it’s all been excellent. Supeshala therefore will be the key and the danger man for his side.
SPC bunker
For the Peterites, Captain Shehan Fernando will look to lead the side efficiently and retain the trophy at SPC. Shehan Fernando clearly is the best player for St. Peters and the danger man. The nick name ‘MR. Big match’ does apply, as in all matches shehan has played he has excited the crowd with his quite fabulous hitting. Shehan this season has scored 1120 runs and picked up a few wickets as well. Shehan like supeshala also represented the U19 national side.
The skipper will also be looking for assistance from the likes of LahiruMilantha, UdakaGalhena, DushanHemanth and JulienZilva. Julien has picked up 82 wickets this season and seems to be in peak form which could trouble the Josephians.
Coaches and supporting staff
Vince Lombardi once said “Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The coaches who win are the ones who can motivate their players”. The contribution made by a coach can have a major consequence on a team therefore having the right coach for your team is key. In that view for SJC Dilanramanayake and for SPC KeerthiGunaratne seem to be the right men. Mr.Susilough and Mr.Wasantha for SJC and SPC respectively have also been giving great support to the coaches as they handle all the administration work.
ThePapare’s Prediction
In this year’sbig match too the toss could play a part since the P.Sarastadium tends to offer a lot of assistance for the fast bowlers in the morning session. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season and I think the team that handles pressure and the situation best will have a better chance in winning the game. Amidst the draws we have seen some games won in recent history. Therefore as a famous Australian captain once said ‘I never played for a draw, I always played for a result’.
Both teams are equally strong with their 3 disciplines, coaching staff and supporting staff. The battle of the saints thus far has been full of quality performances and performers and maintaining that standard of performance is vital.
May the most committed, well-disciplined and determined side win.
Squad for the 78th Battle of the Saints.
SJC:
VidushaJayasinghe(Captain), SupeshalaJayatilleke (V Captain), Sadeera Samarawickrema, Sachin Hewawasam, Nishitha Perera, Angelo Rodrigues, Dylan Fernandopulle, Fabian Fernando, Priyama lPerera, Arvindh Fernando, Pathum Madusanka, Isuru Kulatunge, ShivaneAlirajah, Dishan Dissanayake, Dinal Fonseka, YashanSamarasinghe, Damith Weerasinghe, Shehan Perera, Kalpa Ravihara, Rajindu Rodrigo, Shammi Seneviratne.
SPC :
Shehan Fernando (Captain), Dushan Hemantha (V Captain), Shaseen Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Lahiru Milantha, DinithThimodya, Kavinda De Tissera, Julian De Zilva, Ranitha Liyanarachchi, Ali Khan, Udaka Galhena, Jeson Bultjuns, ThanushaJayawardana, Chemila Obeysekere, Gayan De Silva, Chathuranga, Chirshan Fernando.
