• Thomians post 297

Royal College won the toss and elected to field first in the 145th Royal-Thomian Battle of the Blues on Thursday (7), the second oldest uninterrupted cricket encounter in the world and the oldest in the island nation of Sri Lanka played at the Singhalese Sports Club Grounds (SSC). Royal is led by Sineth Jayawardene and S. Thomas’ is led by the multi-sportsman Mahith Perera. 

S. Thomas' College showcased their batting prowess with a total of 297 runs, courtesy of stellar performances by Sadew Soysa,Dineth Goonewardana, and Nathan Caldera. It guided the Thomians to post a solid and comfortable first innings total. But Royal College skipper Sineth Jayawardene and Ramiru Perera made their mark, wreaking havoc in the Thomian batting line-up scalping 4 wickets each. Sadev Soyza missed out on a valuable big match century after scoring a brilliant innings of 83 runs off 134 deliveries which consisted of 11 fours. Dineth Gunawardena’s valuable knock in the top order was crucial in the STC innings. Thomian skipper Mahith Perera added 36 runs. Deputy skipper Nathan Caldera was unlucky to miss out on a well deserved half-century after being dismissed for 44. 

For the Royalists Ranuka Malaviarachchi and  Nethwin Dharmarathne bagged a wicket each. 

Today (8) is Day-2 of the age-old rivalry that dates back to 1879 where both teams met for the first time at Galle Face Green and later went onto become the Blue Ribbon event in Ceylon and Independent Sri Lanka’s cricketing encounters. Royal College are the current holders of the Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake Shield after winning it in a thriller by defying all odds against the favourites S. Thomas’. The victorious Royalists were led by Dasis Manchanayake. Thomians last won under Sithara Hapuhinna in 2019 after a valiant performance proving of Thomian Grit. 

A huge turnout of spectators ranging from schoolboys filling up the Royal College and S. Thomas’ College boys’ tents to old boys, friends and families joining hands together in various tents all around the SSC adds glamour to this encounter which takes a carnival atmosphere all day long. Today (8) and tomorrow (9) will be two glamorous and crucial days both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, as usual a huge turnout of supporters from all around the world are here in Colombo this time as well to cheer both Royal and S. Thomas’ whilst fostering the spirit of the ever famous ‘Roy-Tho’ rivalry. 

Pic - Lalith Perera