Joe-Pete to battle it out on the field for 84th time

By Shannon Jayawardena

Two leading Catholic schools, St. Joseph’s College, Maradana and St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, are to battle it out on the field for the 84th cricket encounter, which will be held on 2 and 3 March.

The match, powered by Dialog Axiata for the third consecutive year, is to take place at the Oval P. Sara stadium in Colombo, as the two schools will give it their all to take home the Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy.

St. Joseph’s College Rector Father Travis Gabriel said: “For the last 84 years, this encounter has been played between these two great and premier Catholic institutions and there has been a great tradition behind this. Tradition that keeps both schools together and tradition that helps us enjoy the friendship and fellowship of one another, even during a game like this. I hope this tradition will continue throughout the years to come.”

This year, Joes will be led by all-rounder and National youth player Jehan Daniels, who was also the Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka under-19 team that toured for the Under 19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, alongside the team’s Vice Captain Nipun Sumanasinghe. Peter’s will be led by all-rounder Santhush Gunathilleka, who too is a Sri Lanka youth player. He will be accompanied by his Vice Captain, Ameen Mifla. 

St. Peter’s College Rector Father Trevor Martin stated: “We want these boys to display the qualities of knowledge and virtue while they play the game. Respect is very important. Also winning and losing is part of every game but if you win, win with humility and if you lose, accept it with courage and determination, do better next time.” 

St. Joseph’s College currently leads the series tally with 12 wins, although their last win came under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008. St. Peter’s however bagged the trophy at the last match in 2016 while the trophy still remains in Bambalapitiya.  

Sri Lanka Cricket Limited Overs Captain Angelo Matthews who was present at the event said: “Playing in a big match as a school boy was one of my dreams and it is a good opportunity and platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent. Play in positive spirits and play good cricket.”

The series will be telecast live on Dialog Television Channel Number One, live streamed on ThePapare.com and on the Mobile TV streaming platform MyTV. The event is sponsored by Elephant House, Keells Krest, Maggi, Ceylon Biscuit Limited, Aaron Clothing and Jetwing Hotels. 

Alongside the two-day encounter, Joes and Peter’s will face each other at the 44th limited over game which will take place on 24 March at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds. Pix by Ruwan Walpola