90th Battle of the Saints powered by Dialog

(From left): Terrence Fernando (Joint Chairman St. Josephs), Rev. Fr. Priyan Tissera (Prefect of Games, St. Joseph’s), Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi (Rector, St. Joseph’s), Lasantha Theverapperuma (Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC), Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector, St. Peter’s), Rev. Fr. Milan Bernard (Sports Coordinator, St. Peter’s) and Michael Elias (Joint Chairman St. Peter’s)  (Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana)  

By M. Shamil Amit  
Dialog Axiata PLC is once again fuelling the 90th edition of the Battle of the Saints Inter-School Big Match between traditional rivals St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College for the Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy at the SSC Grounds on March 22 and 23.  
The Battle of the Saints stands out as the only annual two-day cricket encounter that strategically restricts the first innings to 60 overs each, intensifying interest and outcome orientation.  
In this year’s clash, the Darley Road Squad will be led by fifth-year coloursman Lahiru Amarasekera while the Bambalapitiya contingent will be under the captaincy of Sri Lanka Under-19 player Vishen Halambage.  

“The Joe-Pete encounter is a highlight in Sri Lanka’s school cricket calendar and I am delighted that the 90th edition of this cherished rivalry will uphold its glorious tradition,” expressed Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, Rector of the host school, St. Peter’s.  
Echoing the sentiment, Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, Rector of St. Joseph’s remarked: “The Battle of the Saints holds a rich history as a pinnacle event between St. Peter’s and St. Joseph’s, two esteemed Catholic institutions. I am confident that both teams will showcase exciting cricket, captivating both young and old Peterites and Josephians alike.”  
St. Joseph’s lead the Big Match series with 12 victories and their last triumph came under Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008. St. Peter’s have secured 10 wins, including the 2016 victory under Vinu Mohotty’s captaincy while 67 encounters have resulted in draws.