The third edition of the annual cricket encounter between St. Anthony’s College, Wattala, and St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, which brings together two of the leading Roman Catholic schools in the Western and North Western Provinces, will be staged from 24th to 25th April 2026 at the legendary P. Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium, Colombo. Though still in its infancy, the rivalry has already produced drama and shifting tides. Based on recent form, the Vazians hold a distinct upper hand over their Wattala counterparts this year.
The inaugural match in 2024 set the tone for a competitive rivalry, ending in a hard-fought draw, with the Antonians securing a moral victory by claiming first-innings honours. However, in the second encounter, St. Joseph Vaz College bounced back, recording a resounding innings victory by dominating proceedings from start to finish. That performance laid down a marker, and as they head into the 2026 edition, the Vazians will look to build on that psychological edge.
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The Antonians have endured a season of mixed fortunes. Playing 12 matches, they managed two outright wins but suffered four outright defeats. Their tally also includes a solitary first-innings win and five first-innings defeats. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the team has been unable to maintain the consistency required to progress further. Seeded fifth in the league table, they unfortunately missed out on the knockout round by the narrowest of margins—a frustration that will undoubtedly fuel their desire to salvage pride in the big match.
In stark contrast, St. Joseph Vaz College has enjoyed a more impressive campaign, playing 12 matches and recording two outright wins along with two first-innings victories. An impressive run in the first round saw the Vazians qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament, demonstrating a level of grit and form that currently places them a notch above their traditional rivals.
For St. Anthony’s, the 2026 season has been defined by a heavy reliance on their captain, Kavindu Senadhi Wijethunga. The all-rounder has been a veritable one-man army for the Wattala side, leading both the runs and wickets charts. Wijethunga has amassed 579 runs, including a magnificent unbeaten 106 against Dharmaraja College, Kandy. He is not alone in the batting department, however. The Antonians boast a formidable top order, with Kavindu Vihanga Lowrence (546 runs), wicketkeeper-batter Shehara Devthilina Pinto (500+ runs), and Ridma Bashika Colombage (452 runs) all reaching significant milestones. Contributions from Hitesh Ruwanda Silva and Tuan Hafeez Junkeer add depth to a lineup capable of posting big totals.
However, the bowling attack leans heavily on the skipper. Wijethunga has claimed a staggering 69 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul against St. Thomas College, Matara, alongside magnificent spells against St. Benedict’s College (7/45) and Dharmaraja College, Kandy (7/74). Support comes from spinner Vishmitha Saroj Wijesinghe and pacers Akash Thejaka Rathnasiri and Ridma Colombage, but if the Antonians are to compete, their supporting cast must rise to the occasion to relieve the pressure on their captain.
The Vazians will be spearheaded by the dynamic right-arm batting all-rounder Shane Dominic Fernando. The batting lineup has been prolific, with Damesh Mathisan Fernando emerging as the run machine with 636 runs, including two centuries and a fifty. His blistering 144 off 139 balls against Isipathana College, adorned with 21 boundaries and six sixes, announced his class. He is ably supported by Shehan Nethan Fernando (587 runs), who has also scored two centuries, and skipper Shane Dominic (500+ runs). With contributions from Amal Denuwan Perera, Sasmitha Ravihara Fernando, and Isuru Induwara Jayasekara, the Vazians possess batting depth capable of wearing down any attack.
However, it is in the bowling department that St. Joseph Vaz truly holds the aces. Damesh Mathisan is not just a batsman but also a prolific wicket-taker, leading the side with 90 wickets, including eight five-wicket hauls. His remarkable spell of 8/42 against St. Sebastian’s College, Katuneriya, is a testament to his lethality. Adding further firepower to the lineup is right-arm pace bowler Himal Ravihansa. A Sri Lanka youth representative, Ravihansa has taken 50 wickets this season despite missing half the campaign due to national commitments. His presence adds a professional edge to the attack. With Amal Denuwan (30 wickets), Akarsha Warnakulasuriya (29 wickets), and Thathnula Liyanage providing support, the Vazians have the firepower to dismantle the Antonian batting lineup.
As the teams take the field at the historic P. Sara Oval, the stage is set for a fascinating clash of momentum. St. Anthony’s will be desperate to prove that their league standing does not reflect their true potential, relying on their skipper’s brilliance and a strong batting unit.
However, St. Joseph Vaz College enters this match as the in-form team. Their qualification for the knockout stages, combined with the sheer statistical dominance of players like Damesh Mathisan and the international pedigree of Himal Ravihansa, makes them formidable favourites. If the Vazians play to their potential, the Antonians will face an uphill battle to contain the wave of yellow and blue.
St. Anthony’s College Wattala Cricket Squad and Officials:
Kavindu Senadi Wijethunga (Captain), Ridma Bashika Colombage (Vice Captain), Chamara Lakshan, Aggraja Sadew, Mohammed Hiraz, Tuan Hafeez Junkeer, Sadeesh Kavinda Warnakulasooriya, Vishmitha Saroj, Hithesh Ruwanda Silva, Chethin Dilsaru, Shehara Dewthilina Pinto, J. Nethesh, Havindu Nesara, Sandil Ruchiranga, Linath Dulankara, Kavindu Vihanga Lawrence, Akash Thejaka Rathnasiri, Nipun Sankalna, Himash Silva, Sithum Sanjeewa
Lahiru Thivanka (Head Coach), Sasindu Avishka (Assistant Coach), Ashani Nimesha (POG), Vijayakumar Danushan (MIC),
St Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa Cricket Squad and Officials:
Shane Dominic Fernando (Captain), Damesh Mathesan Fernando (Vice Captain), Shehan Nathan Fernando, Sasmita Ravihara Fernando, Himal Ravihansa, Mahiru Jayasinghe, Yasith Gimsara Karunarathne, Raneesh Nimsara, Yasith Karunaratne, Ryan Summers, Amal Perera, Isuru Jayasekara, Senuja Damsitha. Vidas Liyanage, Jason Fernando, Darshan Seneth, Udika Navaratne,
Denuwan Rajakaruna (Head Coach), Dhanuka Nirmal (Assistant Coach), Sureka Dilhani (Junior MIC), Randeer Dinesh (POG & Senior MIC),
