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Toss will play a vital role in the 120th Royal-Thomian

Royal College and S. Thomas' College will continue their high 'big match' traditions as the 120th Battle of the Blues cricket encounter starts at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place today.

The oldest inter-school cricket match in Sri Lanka and the only three-day game, is sure to maintain high traditions maintained by two of the leading schools in the country. The Royal-Thomian series have not only produced some of the top Sri Lanka cricketers and captains, but also many leading personalities in the island who have later excelled in their chosen fields.

The Royal-Thomian cricket encounter, played in an exemplary manner, has been a meeting place for the young and old boys of the two schools and their supporters with a carnival atmosphere.

S.Thomas' have a slight edge on paper at this year's encounter, but Royal have all resources to meet the challenge. Hence, its should turn out to be an interesting battle for supremacy.

The toss will play a vital role at the SSC track which is known as a batsmen's paradise. But bowlers too will have their own share on what looks like a 'good big match track'. The side winning the toss will not hesitate to take the first lease of the wicket. But their decision could bounce back, unless their opening batsmen play cautiously. The early 'life' in the wicket is sure to assist fast bowlers sharing the new ball in the first session. But if the batsmen taking the first lease can put their heads down and overcome initial shocks, they could well make use of another good SSC batting track.

Both teams will miss a key player each due to their commitments with the Sri Lanka youth team. Jehan Mubarak (Royal) and Upeka Fernando (S.Thomas'), who are currently touring India with the Sri Lanka Under-19 team will miss the big 'un but are expected to be back for the Royal-Thomian limited over encounter for the Mustangs trophy later next week.

Royal captain Thushan Amarasuriya, that stylish one drop batsman who has enjoyed a rich harvest with the willow, looked a confident man on the eve of the crucial game. He will undoubtedly expect a solid foundation from his openers Malintha Thotuwilage and Ravi Pieris.

The Reid Avenue boys could easily go for a comfortable total if their middle order, which comprise vice-captain Ruchira Jayasuriya, Angelo Perera, Andrew Perera and Harith Rajakaruna, clicks well.

Royal's trump cards in bowling is their two new ball partners left-armer Sanjeewa Udamalagala and Harshana Rajakaruna, who have shared 71 wickets between them.

Captained by paceman Naren Ratwatte, S.Thomas' too have an equally strong batting line-up and unless Royal concentrate more on their ground fielding, their bowlers will have long spells on the field. The Thomian batting revolves around Dilshan Gunawardena, Shanaka Caldera, Gihan Fernando the left-hander, wicket-keeper Zakir Kanaka and Meshad Pieris. Skipper Ratwatte, who has captured nearly 50 wickets this season, could pose the biggest challenge to the Royal batsmen.

Both teams have enjoyed moderate seasons this year. However, Royal have often come close to victories but were unlucky to being unable to put the finishing touches. On the other hand, S.Thomas' have two wins to their credit. Both Royal and S. Thomas' have lost to St.Peter's this season.

Of the 119 matches played so far in the series, Royal takes the lead with 32 wins to S.Thomas' 31 with the rest drawn. Royal's last win was in 1991 under Rohan Iriyagolle, while the Thomians last emerged victorious in 1997 under Nilanka Pieris (jnr).

The Teams:

Royal (from): Thushan Amarasuriya (Captain), Ruchira Jayasuriya (Vice Capt.), Malintha Thotuwilage, Harith Rajakaruna, Sanjeewa Udamalagala, Ravi Pieris, Danushka Perera, Angelo Perera, Harshana Rajakaruna, Andrew Perera, Rangana Rajapakse, Fazal Ahmed, Amila Kariyakarawana and Sampath Edirimuni.

St Thomas' (from): Naren Ratwatte (Captain), Suranga Pieris (Vice Capt.), Shanaka Caldera, Lakmal Fernando, Rajiv Gunawardene, Zakir Kanaka, Gihan Fernando, Heshan Pieris, Dilshan Gunawardene, Meshad Pieris, Harshana Jayawardene, Lahiru Wickemasinghe, Sudarshan John, Eshan Mendis, Milinda Gunaratne and Denham Williams.