The 20th edition of the “Uva Gold Battle”, the annual inter-school big cricket match between St. Joseph's College, Bandarawela and Bandarawela Central College, will be held on May 23 and 24 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa.
According to the history of the tournament, both teams have shown equal strength over the years. However, this year, Bandarawela Central College is considered to have an edge due to the presence of several senior players.
Among the experienced players representing Bandarawela Central are team captain Gimhān Keshara Weerasinghe, vice-captain Roosara Thammita, Uditha Aakalpa Wijesundara, Lasandu Nimsith Wijesundara, Haritha Sihilal Nimsara Ratnaweera, and Chanthum Lakpriya Wijesundara, all of whom were part of last year's squad.
On the other hand, St. Joseph's College also includes some players who participated in the previous year’s match, including captain Tharusha Nirmal, vice-captain Tharindu Krishan, and Sachin Dilanka.
Out of the matches played between the two schools so far, St. Joseph’s College has won three times, while Bandarawela Central College has secured two victories. The remaining matches ended in draws.
Started in 1967, the Uva Gold Battle has become a prestigious traditional cricket encounter in Bandarawela, with both schools showcasing remarkable talent over the years. This year’s event is being organized by the St. Joseph’s College Old Boys' Association.
St. Joseph’s College Team:
R.M. Tharusha Nirmal (Captain)
G.R.M. Tharindu Krishan (Vice Captain)
A.G. Sarith Malinda
T.M. Sachin Dilanka
R.M. Vibhuthi Ruwan
J. Thiwanka Thejan
H.M. Dinindu Hasaranga
D.M. Thikshana Pramodya
B.A. Ishan Kavishka
D.G. Chamindu Thejitha
W.P. Thusitha Vishwajith
R.A.D. Chalana Randunna
M.D. Buddhitha Dilshan
K.D. Kavisha Ayanija
G.R.M. Ravindu Hasara
W.M. Anjana Mihiranga
R.D. Thanusha Nimsara
Coaches and Officials:
Mr. S.M.B. Chamara (Coach)
Mr. G. Nalanda Ganegoda (Coach)
Mr. R.B.D.A. Sumathipala (Master-in-Charge of Cricket)
Mr. P.M. S. Palihakon (Principal)
Bandarawela Central College Team:
P.K. Gimhan Keshara Weerasinghe (Captain)
D.H.M. Roosara Thammita (Vice Captain)
Isara Piyumal Ranasinghe
W.M. Lasandu Nimsith Wijesundara
K.M. Minuda Saveen Ratnayake
W.M. Janitha Gismanta Wijesundara
R.P. Haritha Sihilal Nimsara Ratnaweera
W.M. Chanthum Lakpriya Wijesundara
W.M. Arittha Nimnal
P.R. Desandu Nimthaka De Silva
M.A. Banchana Pasanga Marasinghe
E.A. Oshadha Lankesh
E.M. Sithum Sathindu Ekanayake
K.M. Malsha Gimhan Konara
G.A.D. Yenura Nadeeshan
W.M. Uditha Aakalpa Wijesundara
Osanda Ranmitha Liyanage
Coaches and Officials:
Mr. Malshan Piyumitha Ratnayake (Head Coach)
Mr. T. Sajeevanth (Assistant Coach)
Mr. Amith Chathuranga Yapa (Master-in-Charge of Cricket)
Mrs. Vishakha Rajapaksha (Principal)
Mr. R.M. Shantha Bandara (Sports Coordinator)
