The 63rd Battle of the Babes between St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy and Vidyartha College, Kandy kicks off today (31) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

The encounter is for the Rev. Fr. Don George Trophy and currently St. Sylvester’s College lead the match tally with 15 wins while Vidyartha College is still on three wins. The rest of the encounters have ended in draws.

The trophy remains in the cabinet at St. Sylvester's having last won in 2009 by a default under Chanaka Colombage. When the Sylvestrians were on the brink of victory, play was called off due to bad light. Thirty minutes later the two umpires decided to resume play but the Vidyartha team did not take the field. The match referee in consultation with the umpires awarded the match to St. Sylvester's College. Vidyartha's last win came way back in 1967 under retired DIG of Police R.M. Lafir.

Vidyartha College skipper Adithya Kalalpitiya, has led with the ball for his side taking 93 wickets. St. Sylvesters College is led by Malith Lakshan.

Former Dharmaraja player Senaka Dissanayake is the head coach of Vidyartha College while St. Sylvester’s College is coached by Roshan Jayatissa.

Vidyartha College squad

Adithya Kalalpitiya (C), Anishka Gunarathne, Shamal Priyabashana, Sahan Chandrasiri, Chamalka Bandara, Bashitha Keshan, Charuka Mithrasihinha, Shakila Rathnasiri, Dineth Bulankulama, Anuja Rathnayake, Pubudu Tharaka, Shevan Kanishas, Danupa Kodikara, Nishmika Kavishan, Janindu Ranaweera, Senaka Dissanayake (head coach), Ranga Jayasinghe (MIC)

St. Sylvester’s College squad

Malith Lakshan (C), Kanka Wickramasinghe, Sahan Dissanayake, Kavishka Imesh, Yoshitha Isuranga, Charuka Ayeshan, Dion Fernando, Chandupa Waduge, Akila Wickramasinghe, Isuru Gunasekara, Nimesha Silva, Arusha Mendis, Kashyapa Dissanayake, Pansilu Bandara, Sihina Bandara, Roshan Jayatissa (head coach), Palinda de Silva (MIC)