Don’t ask for quarters – this is evenly poised
View(s):63rd Battle of the Golds, Moratuwa
Cricket-crazy Moratuwa will light up when one of the most anticipated cricketing rivalries of their town, the 63rd Battle of the Golds between traditional rivals Prince of Wales’ and St. Sebastian’s, gets under way at the De Zoysa Stadium in Moratuwa on March 8 and 9.
This encounter will be followed by the schools’ annual Limited Overs encounter on March 10.
Kusal Mendis Captain
With both teams evenly-balanced, this year’s big match encounter between Prince of Wales’ and St. Sebastian’s is expected to be an enthralling engagement.
Both teams remain unbeaten with four wins under their belt but on paper it is the Sebs who are the better side. The side led by Anushka Perera has beaten much-fancied St. Peter’s, Holy Cross, St. Anthony’s and Moratu Vidyalaya in 13 outings, with nine draws. In addition to the skipper, the Sebs are a much stronger outfit due to the services of seasoned campaigners Anuk Fernando, Luke Jayadeva, Isuru Mendis, Sangeeth Cooray, Sachintha Fonseka and the young yet dangerous Avishka Fernando.
In contrast wicketkeeper/batsman Kusal Mendis has led Prince of Wales’ to four wins – against Isipathana, Dharmapala Pannipitiya, Mahanama and Sri Sumangala Panadura in 15 games. They have ended 11 games in draws. In addition to Kusal, Ashen Mendis, Shanuka Dulaj, Suchira Fernando, Hasitha Lanka, Janeesha Fernando, Thilan Kumara and Devaka Dabare are the key figures in the Cambrian camp. – NA
Series tally
Played: 62
Prince of Wales’: 6
St. Sebastian’s: 3
Draw: 53
Last win:
POW: In 1985 by 8 wickets under Pemlal Fernando
SSC: In 2011 by 10 wickets under Sanitha de Mel
Highest total:
POW: 415/9 in 1958
Anushka Perera Captain
SSC: 363/5 in 2011
Lowest total:
POW: 67 all out in 1984
SSC: 36 all out in 1937
Highest individual score:
POW: 179n.o. by Nilantha Bopage in 1991
SSC: 148 by Gerald Mendis in 1966
Best bowling:
POW: 7/33 by Suranga Wijenayake in 1995
SSC: 8/53 by Anuk de Alwis in 2009
Best partnership:
POW: 247 by W.G. Fernando and Sunil de Silva in 1960
SSC: 219 by Jude Fernando and Prasanna Fernando in 1978
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