Big Match: 116th Battle of the Blues in Matara this weekend

The preamble to the laws of cricket states that 'Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game and any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself' and hence it is hoped that both teams would uphold the spirit of the game when St. Servatius College host St. Thomas’ College at the Uyanwatte Stadium for the 116th edition of Matara's Battle of the Blues on March 25, 26 and 27.  

This call is made as the game was shamed by a few players in the final few minutes of the 114th encounter in 2014 and the one day encounter last year (2015) between these two prestigious colleges in Matara.
  
The Servatians led by Ashen Deemantha this season play in division one of the schools cricket tournament and have an edge in this three day encounter, but the gritty Thomians led by Nimantha Kavishwara who play in division two of the schools cricket tournament are capable of holding their fort.

St. Servatius were placed fourth in group C of the Schools division one tournament wins against Holy Cross College Kalutara and Anuradhapura Central College. 

They won on first innings against Dharmasoka, Gurukula and Lumbini while conceding the first innings to Isipathana and Richmond. 

No decision was reached in the match with Moratu Vidyalaya. 

The Servatians team for the 116th encounter will be selected from Ashen Deemantha (Captain),  Kavindu Umesh ( Vice Captain),  Ramesh Nimantha, Rajantha Chandula, Chanuka Dilshan, Chathura Jayawickrema, Thilan Prashan, Chamil Dhananjaya, Yuran Nimesh, Punsara, Hirusha Gimhan, Pasindu Manupriya, Shasika Dulshan,  Charith Harshana, Isuru Daladawatta, Chanushka Sanjeewa, Kesara Nuwantha, Sandaru Nethmina, Pushpitha Dilshan, Chamil Dhananjaya, Shanaka and Kavindu.

St Thomas College playing in group C of the schools tournament registered outright wins against Devapathiraja, Asoka Vidyalaya and Tissa Central College Kalutara while registering first innings wins against Kegalu Vidyalaya and Sri Jayawardenapura College Kotte.

The Thomians lost outright to Wesley and Karandeniya Central College to end fourth in their group with 103.76 points.

The Thomian team will be selected from Nimantha Kavishwara (Captain), Nipun Achalanka (Vice Captain), Hashin Dilmal, Akila Thiwanka, Tharusha Kavindya, Hasitha Suneth, Sachintha Gimhan, Ishan Jayawardena, Raminda Pravinath, Maleesha de Saram, Sandun Chaminda, Kavinda Ridmal, Ravindu Pabasara, Lahiru Gimhan, Sachira Rashmika, Hirantha Lakshan, Voshitha Amarasinghe, Mihisal Amoda, Gisanthika Jayaweera and Nimanthaka Bhashana.