NCC-SSC annual J.R. Jayewardene trophy cricket encounter returns today

Two of Sri Lanka’s oldest and famous cricket clubs the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) and Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) will revive their traditional limited-over cricket encounter for the J. R. Jayawardene Memorial Trophy at the NCC grounds on 30 July.

The traditional encounter which began in 1998 was last played in 2013. Due to the tight domestic cricket schedule and international commitments this much looked forward to clash was not played regularly. However, this year the Cricket Committees of both clubs have shown great interest in continuing with the tradition.

The two sides have met 13 times with SSC emerging winners five times and NCC on seven occasions with one no-result. The last time occasion these two clubs met in 2013, NCC emerged victorious.

Apart from the J.R. Jayawardene trophy that will be on offer for the winners, special cash awards will be presented to the Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Man of the Match.

NCC and SSC have produced several national captains and national cricketers over the years. Among the former Captains are Arjuna Ranatunga, Duleep Mendis, Sidath Wettimuny, Asanka Gurusinha, Mahela Jayawardene, Marvan Atapattu, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka (SSC), Ranjan Madugalle, Ravi Ratnayeke, Aravinda de Silva, Hashan Tillakaratne, Lasith Malinga, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara (NCC) to name a few.

The traditional encounter will be followed by a fellowship where club officials and former cricketers from both clubs are expected to be present.

Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva will be the Chief Guest while former Sri Lanka and NCC Captain and one of Sri Lanka’s best batsmen Aravinda de Silva will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour.