Joe-Pete Big Match rivalry set to ignite this April

From left: St. Joseph’s College Colombo 2025 Cricket Vice Captain Abishek Jayaweera and Captain Kenath Liyanage, with St. Peter’s College Colombo 2025 Cricket Captain Oween Salgado and Vice Captain Lashmika Perera

From left: St. Joseph’s College Colombo 2025 Cricket Captain Kenath Liyanage, St. Joseph’s College Colombo Prefect of Games Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony, Joe-Pete Joint Committee Co-Chair Terrence Fernando, St. Joseph’s College Colombo Rector Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, St. Peter’s College Colombo Rector Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, Joe-Pete Joint Committee Co-Chair Michael Elias, St. Peter’s College Colombo Sports Coordinator Rev. Fr. Praveen Wijesekera, and St. Peter’s College Colombo 2025 Cricket Captain Oween Salgado 

The official press launch of the 91st Battle of the Saints and the 51st Joe-Pete Limited Over Encounter took place this week, marking the beginning of yet another thrilling chapter in one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic school cricket rivalries.

The event welcomed distinguished guests, including the Rectors of St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College, the team Captains and Vice-Captains, and members of the Josephian-Peterite Joint Cricket Committee. With both schools boasting a rich sporting legacy, the press conference set the stage for what promises to be a landmark year in the history of the Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc Trophy and the Rev. Fr. Peter A. Pillai Trophy.

This year’s 91st Battle of the Saints is set to make history as the first-ever three-day encounter between the two schools. Taking place from 3 to 5 April at the SSC Ground, the match is expected to draw thousands of Josephians and Peterites from around the world, reinforcing the deep-rooted camaraderie and rivalry that defines this prestigious event. 

The 51st One-Day Encounter, known for its fast-paced, high-energy competition, is scheduled for 26 April, also at the SSC Ground.

With St. Joseph’s College leading the series with 12 wins and St. Peter’s College closely following with 10 victories, the stakes are high for both teams in their quest for glory and the esteemed Rev. Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy. 

Speaking at the event, St. Joseph’s College Colombo Rector Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi stated: “The Joe-Pete encounter is a standout event in Sri Lanka’s school cricket calendar, and I am thrilled that the 91st edition of this beloved rivalry not only continues its proud tradition but also marks the beginning of our journey towards a historic century.”

Commenting on the upcoming Battle of the Saints, St. Peter’s College Colombo Rector Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo noted during his address: “The Battle of the Saints carries a proud legacy as a premier clash between St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s, two esteemed Catholic institutions. This year, both teams will make history as the pioneering set of sportsmen to compete in the first-ever Joe-Pete three-day encounter. I have no doubt they will deliver thrilling cricket, uniting generations of Peterites and Josephians. My best wishes to both schools and their captains.”

Leading the charge for St. Joseph’s College will be Captain and 5th-year Coloursman Kenath Liyanage, alongside Vice Captain and 4th-year Coloursman Abishek Jayaweera. St. Peter’s College will be under the guidance of Captain and 3rd-year Coloursman Oween Salgado, alongside Vice Captain and 4th-year Coloursman Lashmika Perera. 

The ‘Joe-Pete 2025’ series welcomed on board Platinum Sponsors Marina Square, Keells, and Elephant House and is powered for the ninth consecutive year by Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka’s premier sports promoter. Gold Sponsors include Jetwing Hotels, Russell’s catering and Nestlé and Silver Sponsors include HNB, Hayleys, Uswatte, Amro, Utrax Capital, Uber, Aarons Clothing, Hemas Hospitals, and The Papare, with Dominos, Aitken Spence Travels, Yes FM, Emerging Media, Nutrifix, Alliance Finance, and CBL joining hands as Bronze Sponsors. The continued and growing support of these brands continues to underscore the vibrant legacy and spirit of Joe-Pete cricket.

With preparations now in full swing, anticipation continues to build. As the countdown begins, all eyes turn to the SSC Ground, where two of Sri Lanka’s premier Catholic boys’ schools will once again take the field in pursuit of glory.