The Municipal Council Grounds in Bandarawela will be electrified during this weekend (24th and 25th April) as the hill capital city braces itself for the most anticipated sporting event in the region. The 21st edition of the “Uva Battle of the Golds,” the prestigious big match between Bandarawela Central College and St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela, is set to unfold in a celebration of cricketing camaraderie and fierce rivalry. After eight long years of being hosted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, the “Battle of the Golds” returns to its roots in Bandarawela this year.
Since its inception in 1967, the series has proven to be a nail-biting affair, characterized by intense competition and closely fought contests. The history books reflect the parity between the two sides; both rivals have shared the glory equally, clinching three titles each, while the majority of the encounters have ended in hard-fought draws. As the 21st edition dawns, both sides are eager to tip the scales in their favor.
St. Joseph’s College enters the arena riding a wave of confidence, having enjoyed a stellar season. Under the leadership of fifth-year coloursman Sarith Malinda, a left-arm batting and spinning all-rounder, the Josephians have looked a well-rounded unit. He will be deputized by fellow fifth-year coloursman Sachin Dilanka. The wicketkeeping duties will be donned by third-year coloursman Chalana Randuna. The Josephians’ morale is sky-high following a successful season where they played 10 matches and secured victory in eight.
Their batting lineup looks formidable, headlined by right-handed batter Viboothi Ruwan Bandara. He has been the standout performer with the willow, notably smashing a magnificent 110 against Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya, Bandarawela. Skipper Sarith Malinda has led from the front with the bat, including a valuable 79 in the same match. The middle order will rely on Thiwanka Thejan, who has registered a half-century this season, and the frontline trio of Ovindu Heshan, Chamalka Nethmin, and Senuka Kalhan, all capable of firing on their day.
In the bowling department, right-arm pace bowler Chamindu Thejitha Jayarathna has been the spearhead. He boasts a couple of five-wicket hauls against Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya and Saraswathy Central College, Badulla. Viboothi Ruwan Bandara offers potent support with his pace, having claimed a five-wicket haul against Malwattawala National School, Wellawaya. The attack is rounded off by the useful contributions of skipper Malinda, Kaweesha Ayanija, and Mohomed Faahid.
The hosts, Bandarawela Central College, have had impressive outings during their practice matches and are determined to seal the title. The team is captained by batting star Muditha Akalpa Wijesundara, with Pasanga Marasinghe serving as vice-captain.
Centralians have placed their trust in a blend of youth and versatility. The batting unit has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, with right-handed batter Sasindu Hasaral being a key figure. He is supported by the likes of Kanchana Prasanga, Uditha Akalpa, Minuja Saveen, and Isara Piyumija, all of whom have staged dazzling performances and are eager to replicate their form in this high-stakes encounter.
The bowling attack will be led by a potent spin duo. Left-arm chinaman bowler Kavishka Dhananjaya and right-arm off-spinner Malsha Gimhan will be tasked with dismantling the Josephian batting line-up. They will be backed by Desandhu Nimthaka, Aritha Nimnal, and Loshitha Sanketh, forming a sharp and varied bowling unit capable of striking at crucial moments.
The encounter is not just about cricket; it is a festival for the Uva province. The opening ceremony will be held under the patronage of Sri Lankan cricketing legend Ajantha Mendis, adding a touch of star power to the event. The festivities will conclude with a closing ceremony graced by former Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa.
During the media briefing, the principals of both schools, Mrs. Vishaka Rajapaksa of Bandarawela Central College and S.K.G.S.K. Samaranayaka of St. Joseph’s College, expressed their gratitude towards the past and present students whose commitment has been instrumental in making this event a success.
As the weekend approaches, the stage is set for a thrilling chapter in the “Uva Battle of the Golds.” With the history evenly poised and both teams boasting talented squads, cricket fans in Bandarawela can expect two days of exhilarating action.
Photo credit – Bandarawela Central College vs St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela FB pages
St Joseph’s College Bandarawela Cricket Squad and Officials: Sarith Malinda (Capt), Sachin Dilanka (V. Capt), Chalana Randuna,Ishan Kavishka, Viboothi Ruwan, Thiwanka Thejan, Chamindu Thejitha, Theekshana Pramodya, Kaveesha Ayanitha, Buuddhitha Dilshan, Ravindu Hasara, Thanusha Nimshara, M.D.P. Madubhashitha, Mohamed Fahid,Shenuka Kalhan, Hiresh Kaushalya and Upeksha Malith, Buddhike Chamara (Head Coach ), Dulinda Abeylanka (MIC/POG).
Bandarawela Central College Cricket Squad and Officials: Muditha Akalpa Wijesundara (Captain), Pasanga Marasinghe (Vice Captain), Lositha Wijesundara, Yenura Nadeeshan, Osanda Ranmina, Malsha Konara, Theviru Ratnayake, Janitha Wijesundara, Aritha Nimnal , Desandu Nimthaka, Oshanda Lankesh, Minuda Ratnayake, Sasindu Hasaral, Isara Ranasinghe, Hasindu Attanayake, Kaveesha Chanikya, Kavishka Dhananjaya, Amith Chathuranga Yapa (MIC), Shantha Bandara (POG), Malshan Pivithuru Ratnayake (Head Coach).
 as the hill capital city braces itself for the most anticipated sporting event in the region. The 21st edition of the "Uva Battle of the Golds," the prestigious big match between Bandarawela Central College and St. Joseph’s College, Bandarawela, is set to unfold in a celebration of cricketing camaraderie and fierce rivalry. After eight long years of being hosted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, the "Battle of the Golds" returns to its roots in Bandarawela this year. ){kind=link}