Revival of “Battle of the Lagoons”
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‘Hands across two rivers’, way back in 1979, the first ever friendly encounter between Holy Cross College (HCC), Kalutara and Maris Stella College (MSC), Negombo, took place. At that time both schools were administered by the ‘Marist Brothers’. They took over the administration of the College facing the Kalutara lagoon in 1978. Rev. Bro. Francis Silva, who had served at MSC during that time and, the first principal of HCC under the Marist Brothers’ administration, was instrumental in the birth of the Big Match between the two Colleges.
MSC is also situated in close proximity to the Negombo lagoon. So the encounter between the 2 Colleges was named “Battle of the Lagoons”. The annual big-match was a massive stage for the cricketers of both Colleges to shine. It was the same with the cricket crazy fans of both Colleges. Every encounter saw large crowds cheering for both teams. So the long journey from Kalutara to Negombo or from Negombo to Kalutara wasn’t considered a burden at any stage.
Dunstan Fernando and Eustace Fernando, old boys of HCC, Kalutara and MSC, Negombo respectively, were two great pillars of support for the two respective teams. Their support was pivotal for the inaugural “Battle of the Lagoons” in 1979, followed by 7 official encounters played consecutively, before the series ceased. An unofficial encounter was played in 1986.
After a lapse of nearly 8 years, the 8th official “Battle of the Lagoons” took place again in 1993, at a neutral venue, a culture adopted from then onwards. This was due to the efforts of the parents and old boys of both Colleges. Three encounters later “The Battle of the lagoons” ceased, and is still to resume.
Of all the Cricketers in the 10 encounters, 2 players are outstanding. MSC’s Graeme Labrooy and HCC’s Darmapriya Vithana Pathirana went on to represent Sri Lanka Youth teams. Graeme Labrooy also went on to represent the Sri Lanka Test team and currently he is a ICC Match Referee. He was a very fast bowler at school level. HCCs Dharmapriya Vithana Pathirana was a classy top-order batsman. He was the first centurion in the series, and during that brave inning he was hit on his head, but returned after treatment to score a memorable century.
From 1995 onwards, cricketers of both Colleges are yearning for a Big Match.
The present Old Boys Unions of both the Colleges have got together for the revival of the “Battle of the Lagoons”, by organising an event named “Road to Big Bash”, with the participation of Old Boys of both Colleges. The objective is to convince the stakeholders to resume the stalled “Battle of the Lagoons”.
Old boys of both Colleges are warmly welcome to participate in this fun-filled event to be held on July 30 at the HCC Grounds, Kalutara. The event consists of 2 T20 matches, preceded by a brotherhood ‘Walk’ starting at 7.30 am. from the famous Kalutara clock tower.
