Vidyartha hold slight edge over St. Sylvester’s

By Shamseer Jaleel

Vidyartha College hold a slight edge over their traditional rivals St. Sylvester’s College in their 59th Big Match, which will take place at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium on 3 and 4 March, provided the rain keeps away from the Central Province. 

This encounter is played for the Dom George Memorial Trophy which was initiated in 1955. So far the Sylvestrians are leading the tally with 14 wins to Vidyartha’s three, while the rest of the matches have ended in draws. St. Sylvester’s last win came in 2009 under Chanaka Colombage while Vidyartha’s last win was 50 years ago in 1967 under R.M. Lafir. 

Vidyartha is led by Ravishka Upananda, who has had a good season so far, scoring a brisk century (100) against Devananda Ambalangoda to go with three 50s. Left-arm spinner Nipuna Kumarasiri, Pulina Gunatilleka, Kevin Nishan and Shashika Piyumal have also shined with the bat this season for Vidyartha. Isuru Praboda too made his mark with an elegant century against St. John’s Panadura. Left-arm medium fast bowler Kasun Ekanayake, Nimesh Senanayake and Thilina Bandara are the top bowlers for the Kandy school. 

St. Sylvester’s are led by Manuja Perera, who scored four half-centuries this season. Tusith Soysa, Avidu Herath, Nimsara Attaragalle and Rajapakse are the other leading run-scorers this season for St. Sylvester’s. 

Vidyartha beat Debarawewa Central, Royal Panadura and St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota while St. Sylvester’s won one match outright against Anuradhapura Central.