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The 65th cricket encounter between St. Peter's and St. Joseph's, referred to as the 'Battle of the Saints', assumes a measure of importance this year, in that both school down to the P. Sara Stadium this weekend March 12 and 13 with the proud boast that the two colleges have come right on top of the current school cricket championships.

The former is ahead of the latter on points, and therefore much interest will centre around this particular friendly traditional clash, the outcome of which will be followed by many a lover of school cricket.

It was gathered from the Rector of St. Peter's Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera and the Rector of St. Joseph's Rev. Fr. Victor Silva, who addressed the media and the joint organising committee at St. Peter's on Monday, that they weren't pleased with the spate of draws these past 21 years.

The last victory by St. Peter's was under Suraj Abeysekera in 1978 and that of St. Joseph's in 1972 under Rohan de Silva. They were of the view, that draws are meaningless with little or no help to the players, but there is much to learn from the experience of winning and losing even in a big match, which will serve the players in good stead. Rector Felician Perera in order to ensure a result-oriented match hopes to consult the school authorities for extended playing hours, for he does not want to do anything outside the school cricket rules, which may jeopardise the positions of their two schools, which are well in line for championship honours.

A senior member of the committee, Penrose Fernandopulle commended the positive approach of both teams which has brought them five victories each and had a good word for the efforts of the two coaches, Roger Wijesuriya and Upali Ahangama. His hope was that the Tamil Union wicket would not be a batting wicket but a fair one for both bowlers as well as batsmen. Also associated with the briefing was Maurice Perera, the two POGs Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi (St. Joseph's), Rev. Fr. Camillus Fernando St Peter's and the two coaches Roger Wijesuriya (St. Peter's) and Upali Ahangama (St. Joseph's).

The encounter begins on March 12, with the introduction of players to the two respective Rectors, play on both days commencing at 9.30 am and ending at 6 pm (7 1/2 hours) with a minimum of 110 overs on each day. There will be awards for the Best Batsman, Bowler, Fielder, Allrounder and Man of the Match. The chief adjudicator Lanthra Fernando will be assisted by Ranjith Malawana (St. Joseph's) and Tony Opatha (St. Peter's). Of the 64 encounters St. Joseph's have won 11 to St. Peter's 7 with 46 left drawn.