31st annual Joe-Pete encounter set to ignite centenary celebrations of Peterite football
View(s):This prestigious event, played for the Rev. Fr. Joe Wickremesinghe and Rev. Fr. Stanely Abeysekara Memorial Trophy, is not only a symbol of tradition and brotherhood between St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College, but also proudly holds the title of the oldest school football encounter in Sri Lanka.
The Mini Battle—a clash between the second XI teams—will be hosted by St. Peter’s on June 24 at 3:30pm at Bambalapitiya, while the Big Match is scheduled for June 27, with kick-off at 3:30pm at the CR&FC ground.
St. Peter’s College Big Match team
(Seated from left): Lalith Weerasinghe (Goalkeeping Coach), Devin Ravichandraraj (Captain), Sameen Fernando (Assistant MIC), Yohan Fernando (MIC), Rev. Fr. Indunil Sampath Perera (Vice Rector), Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector), Rev. Fr. Thusitha Solangaarachchi (Sports Coordinator), Isuru Perera (Head Coach), Manjula Sirisena (Assistant Head Coach), Shavon Costa (Vice Captain), Sanju Silva (Physio) (Standing from left): Mohomad Miskadh, Jason Jaleel, Annston Nicholon, Minthaka Dias, Devon Ravishankar, Umar Naushad, Kevin Burman, Izzath Raji, Tehan Senanayake, Daham Belpage, Adeesha Iduranga, Shanuka de Silva, Aiden Antony, Cayden Antony, Senusha Fernando, Leonard Sachin
The event is graced by the leadership of the two rectors — Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi (Rector of St. Joseph’s) and Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector of St. Peter’s), while the sporting efforts are coordinated by Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony, the Prefect of Games of St. Joseph’s and Rev. Fr. Thusitha Solangaarachchi, the Sports Coordinator of St. Peter’s.
Football at both schools has flourished under the watchful guidance of the respective Masters-in-Charge – Ruwan Manjula of St. Joseph’s and Yohan Fernando of St. Peter’s – and the tactical expertise of Head Coaches Aruna Sampath (St. Joseph’s) and Isuru Perera (St. Peter’s).
The Josephian–Peterite Football Encounter has a storied past filled with thrilling moments and competitive spirit. Over the course of 30 matches, St. Peter’s College has claimed victory 17 times, while St. Joseph’s College has won 11. Two encounters ended as joint championships, a true testament to the close and passionate rivalry shared between these two brother schools.
The most recent clash in 2023, held at the Racecourse ground, ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, before St. Peter’s sealed victory in penalties, 6-5. Mohommed Ihsan was named the Most Valuable Player for his standout performance.
St. Peter’s Mini Battle team
(Seated from left): Mohommad Ibrahim (Junior Coach), Mathew Nidarshan (Captain – U-20 2nd XI Team), Sameen Fernando (Assistant MIC), Yohan Fernando (MIC), Rev. Fr. Indunil Sampath Perera (Vice Rector), Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector), Rev. Fr. Thusitha Solangaarachchi (Sports Coordinator), Isuru Perera (Head Coach), Rawumy Mohideen (Assistant Senior Coach), Deneth Gomes (Vice Captain – U-20 2nd XI Team), Eranga Perera (Junior Coach) (Standing from left): Yusuf Ashfaaq, Samson Bartlet, Riveen Fernando, Vikash Michaels, Thomastine Thilroushan, Brendan Jesuva, David Sanjeew, Clive Sanush, Christian Perera, Shawon Patrick, Sharon Benedict, Lavernaesh Umashankar
The Josephians enter the 2024 encounter with a formidable record, having clinched the All Island Under-20 National Schools Games Championship, and finishing as second runners-up in the Division 1 Under-20 Schools Championship.
St. Peter’s, despite no tournament victories this year, carries the pride and weight of a century of football excellence, and aims to deliver a spirited and unforgettable performance as they defend their title on this landmark occasion.
This year marks a historic milestone for St. Peter’s College as it celebrates 100 years since the formation of its first football team in 1925. Over the decades, Peterite football has produced numerous national players and unforgettable moments, building a legacy of discipline, flair, and brotherhood. The centenary celebrations provide a powerful backdrop to this year’s encounter, inspiring the young Peterites to rise to the occasion.
Adding further excitement to this year’s encounter will be an Under-12 exhibition match scheduled at 12:00noon, followed by an Under-14 exhibition match at 1:15pm prior to the main encounter on June 27. These curtain-raisers provide a glimpse into the future stars of both schools, ensuring the legacy of Josephian–Peterite football continues with strength and passion.