• Southern and hill country battles, a test of time, passion and tradition

This big match season, The Daily Morning covered some of the most celebrated annual battles played over a century in the heart of the southern coast – Galle and the hill capital, Kandy. These matches played with a lot of passion and excitement saw some amazing talent which surely is a future investment for cricket in the island nation. We spoke to some of the key stakeholders of these matches, especially the Head/Senior Prefects of the respective schools. The most noteworthy highlight is that all the three big matches we covered were played as a three-day encounter for the first time in history.

120th Lovers’ Quarrel 

Richmond College vs. Mahinda College

The highlight of the game was the last wicket partnership in the first innings for Richmond by Bevin Jayawardana (52) and Pubudu Mihiranga (47), whilst Mahindian skipper Kaveen Rukshan’s 4-wicket haul demolished the Richmond camp. This historic big match rivalry dates back to 1905 initiated by Rev. J.H. Darrel of Richmond and Sir. Frank Lee Woodward of Mahinda. Darrel's Richmond won the inaugural encounter and went on to repeat the feat in 1906 and 1907. However, their opponents fought back to win the game in 1908. Richmondites hold a slender edge in the series winning 25 against Mahindians 23 wins. 67 encounters have ended in draws. The last win in the Lovers' Quarrel came in 2019 when the Dites' tasted victory.

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Richmond College Senior Prefect Sunera Mendis

Being the Senior Prefect first of all, is the greatest honour and pride I could hold. Being the leader and the head of the student body at the 120th big match, this time it's the first time we are having a three-day big match. The atmosphere is amazing, the boys are excited, everyone's excited to see what happens. Amidst the scorching heat and humid conditions however, the boys are enjoying themselves. Finally, I urge everyone to come and cheer our boys to victory on Friday (11) at the one-day encounter. Whatever happens, let's keep Richmond's name flying high. Let's go, boys.

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Mahinda College Head Prefect Disnuja Pinidiyaarachchi

The big match brings both schools together as one fraternity, we decorate our tents with sheer passion with the support of the students. This is a big match where no matter the result on and off the field we are brothers. We have a good laugh after a hard-fought battle. The battle is intense in the middle as the game heats up with a rivalry unmatched. However once the game is over, we go home with a smile and continue our friendly brotherhood that has stood the test of time.

106th Hill Country Battle of the Blues

Trinity College vs. St. Anthony's College

Pulisha Thilakarathne of Trinity scored 106 and 42 in both innings which accumulated to 148 runs overall. The Trinitians led by Lionsman Malith Rathnayake were dominant in the 106th Trinity-Antonian Hill Country Battle of the Blues played for the Sir John Halangoda Trophy at the Katugastota Oval posting 314/6 declared. The Antonians led by Charuka Ekanayake fought back with resilience in times of trouble. Kaushika Kumarasinghe fought with vigour as he rose to the occasion. He fired a staggering 10 boundaries and 10 sixers, the innings goes down in history as one of the fastest centuries scored in the Trinity-Antonian series scoring 136 runs to regain pride for St. Anthony’s.

The first encounter dates back to 1914 played at Bogambara with C. C. Senaratne’s St. Anthony's emerged victorious by 42 runs. C. E. de Silva captained Trinity. Trinity won the encounter in 1915. The Daily Morning spoke to the leaders of the student bodies of Trinity College and St. Anthony's College during the heat of the big match.

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St. Anthony's College Head Prefect Nethmika Liyanage 

I'm more than honoured to be here. the student tent areas, It's a brilliant atmosphere. The boys are all hyped up. This time we have one goal in mind. That's to bring the trophy back to College. The players are ready and the boys are ready too. Rally around the maroon double blue and support us. The Eagles are always ready, strong and determined for the one-day encounter played for the Sir Richard Aluwihare Memorial Trophy. No matter the outcome, we are one family. And we will always be there for St. Anthony’s College.

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Trinity College Senior Prefect Shanil Senanayake

As the leader of the School Officers Guild, it's quite an honour to represent my school on such a platform. Being the inaugural three-day encounter for the first time in history, it's quite a lot of weight on my shoulders. But I hope my team and my prefects can probably do this and take Trinity to great heights. The big match is basically a great chance for the students to enjoy and witness the best athletes the school has to offer. So, I believe the excitement, even when it's raining, the students are dancing and singing, it's a good environment for the students to enjoy amidst all the pressures of their daily life. I invite everyone from the youngest to the senior most present and past students to come support our boys at the one-day encounter.

Following are some comments from spectators:

Trinity old boy M. Lafeer 

The 106th Hill Country Battle of the Blues, the big match, just the mention of it sends a wave of nostalgia crashing in. Standing here, amidst the roar of the crowd, the echoes of school chants, it's like stepping back in time. I haven't missed a match since Grade 5. That's the spirit. It's a testament to the long-lasting magic of this rivalry.  

Seeing the old boys, their faces lit with familiar joy, alongside the current students, creates a unique blend of generations. This first-ever three-day match adds a new chapter to our shared memories. The air is thick with camaraderie, the scent of nostalgia, and the promise of unforgettable moments. It's truly a privilege to be here, celebrating the timeless bond between Trinity and St. Anthony's. My only hope is to see more crowds, especially old boys of both schools to come and support the boys next year in numbers. Let's fill Asgiriya with red, gold and blue as well as in maroon double blue.

A parent, Shermila Ekanayake

I have been coming for the big match for more than three decades as my family is filled with Trinitians and Antonians. This has been a place where people from all walks of life meet and greet. The big match culture in Kandy is totally different to what you get in any other part of the country. Here in Kandy the schoolboys really enjoy the time spent with lots of energy amongst them. My message to all the boys, the present past and future generations of Trinitians and Antonians is to continue this great tradition by respecting each other, you have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of this amazing culture that has been continued for generations. Be an example for all schools and enjoy the great days of schooling and of course cricket.

St. Anthony’s former captain Fazal Majeed 

(He captained the last Antonian team to beat Trinity at Asgiriya)

Well it's a real pleasure to be back here at my home base in Katugastota, apart from the cricket in the middle there's plenty of excitement and fun in the boys’ tents of both Trinity and St. Anthony's. However, I would be delighted to see a higher number of past pupils from both schools rallying around to watch the game. That's what has been missing out. There are quite a number of old boys who have actually made the trip to Kandy from Colombo especially and some from overseas as well. We hope to see better participation at the one-day encounter on Friday. And finally, I'd like to wish and hope all the players to do their best and keep the sportsmanship alive.

118th Battle of the Maroons 

Kingswood College vs. Dharmaraja College

The key highlight of this Big Match was Lakvin Abeysinghe and Tharindu Warnakulage of Dharmaraja College, as they entered the elite club of batters with magnificent unbeaten double tons. The pair broke a record held by their head coach, Senaka Dissanayake's highest score in the series 201 against Kingswood College in 1983. They also set a few records: the highest partnership for any wicket in Big Matches (410 runs for third wicket), the first time two batsmen scored 200 or above in a Big Match and contributed to the Highest Team total in a Big Match (Dharmaraja 454/2 declared). Rajans are the holders of the Tennakoon Trophy since their last win in 2024 under Dulara Bandulasena.

Here are the views expressed by the two leaders of the College student body during the game at the Pallekele International Stadium:

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Caption: (From left) Linal Attanayake and Uvindu Kirindegamaarachchi

Dharmaraja College Head Prefect Linal Attanayake

I'm really thrilled to be here as the Head Prefect during the first ever three-day encounter. I'm really happy to be here. Not just me, each and every boy behind me. It feels good to be here. The simple thing is this is the 118th Battle of the Maroons and we only play this game once a year. From both sides, I see only a mere amount of people coming. My message is simple and I reiterate we only play this once a year. It’s a special moment for us and we all should be excited just as we did for 118 years. I see less interest in the new generation which is really sad actually but my advice is to come and enjoy and enjoy what your school has offered to you. The Rajans are ready for the upcoming one-day encounter after the Awurudu holiday just like we came all guns blazing for the 118th Battle of the Maroons. I'm sure my boys will give their 200 percent. The Rajans are ready. We're here to make history.

Kingswood College Senior Prefect Uvindu Kirindegamaarachchi 

It's a big year for all and for both Colleges, for the first time in history we played a three-day encounter. In the lead up to the battle both teams have performed well. Prior to the big match we (Kingswood) beat Wesley to win the P.H. Nonis Trophy after 18 years which really boosted our morale. Dharmaraja has a great batting side. The boys are very well prepared now to go and face the next hurdle - the limited over encounter for the Winston Hoole Trophy. Everyone is really excited. We are all behind the Kingswood boys along with our captain Kavija Gamage. We at Kingswood are warriors ready for battle at any given time. Last year we lost the big match. It was a humiliating defeat and with plenty of backlash however our boys created one of the most memorable upsets in history by beating the Rajans after 2017. The Randles Legion and the boys of Kingswood, we are all ready. KFE-Kingswood forever. My best wishes to both the teams. May the best team win.