147th Battle of the Blues to come alive this week at SSC
S. Thomas’ College will once again take on their arch-rivals Royal College in the 147th Battle of the Blues, scheduled to be held on March 12, 13 and 14 at the country’s premier Test cricket venue, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo. Etched with rich traditions, passion and unparalleled history, this legendary encounter stands as the second-longest uninterrupted school cricket series in the world — a testament to the unwavering camaraderie and sporting spirit between two of Sri Lanka’s leading educational institutions.
The Battle of the Blues is not just a cricket match, but an institution in itself — a story of competition and brotherhood that has endured for nearly 150 years, contributing immensely to the game of cricket, the heartbeat of the island. Adding to the grandeur, the much-anticipated Mustangs Trophy one-day encounter will take centre stage on March 28, under lights at the newly floodlit SSC ground.
Royal College
Chanithu Kankanamge, Duhen Uduwela, Gagan Gamage, Himaru de Silva, Hirun Matheesha, Mahiru Kodothuwakku, Manuth Dassanayake, Mudith Gunasekara, Ramiru Perera, Rehan Peiris (Captain), Sandul Abeywardena, Sasindu Mapa, Sehandu Sooriyaarachchi, Thevindu Wewalwala, Udantha Gangewatta, Usith Illeperuma, Vimath Dinsara, Yasindu Dissanayake
Rehan Peiris (Captain)
Royalists and Thomians, both past and present, clad in their iconic blue, gold and black, will once again gather to celebrate their schools’ proud heritage. The pavilion will roar, flags will wave, and songs of tradition will echo across the SSC as schoolboys, old boys, and cricket enthusiasts from around the world unite in the true spirit of the game.
This prestigious encounter—widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s very own ‘Big Match’—has witnessed some of the finest young cricketers take centre stage before rising to national and international acclaim. This Big Match Season, this historic clash continues to embody tradition, passion, and sporting excellence, bringing together generations in celebration of one of the nation’s most cherished sporting rivalries. The legacy of the Battle of the Blues remains stronger than ever.
On paper, both teams look equally matched, which obviously lead to an exciting contest at the SSC this time around. Royal have played 13 games, won one outright against Nalanda College while drawing the rest. On the other hand, S. Thomas’ completed 16 games, with 14 draws to their account. They beat Prince of Wales College by 5 wickets in a low-scoring exciting game, and lost to Ananda College by 20 runs in another low-scoring thriller.
Right-hander Rehan Peiris stands out among the batsmen for Royal as the top scorer with 946 runs to his tally in 13 games and 21 innings. With an average of 49.79, the 17-year-old has two centuries to his name, with 126 runs as his best, and seven half centuries. Left-hander Hirun Liyanaarachchi sits next to his team mate with 801 runs in the same number of outings, and has a century and seven half centuries to his name. With an average of 42.16, Liyanaarachchi could play a key role alongside Peiris for Royal this time around as key contributors with the bat. Right-hander Ramiru Perera is the other batter to watch, with 730 runs in 13 matches and 18 innings. With a healthy average of 48.67 and with three centuries and four half tons, the coloursman could be the other key factor for Royal’s success as he joins Liyanaarachchi and Peiris for redemption from last year’s gamble, in which the Reid Avenue school suffered a 5-wicket loss, but after a sporty and exciting encounter.
Perera’s inclusion in the playing XI will be important for Royal if they expect to overdrive their opponents, as a key all-rounder. Being among the top three batsmen and apparently the top wicket-taker for Royal, Perera has already proved his worth with 39 wickets in 13 matches with his leg-spins. Left-arm spinner Himaru de Silva is another key factor in bowling, as he has claimed 38 scalps in 13 games, followed by 16-year-old left-arm paceman Sehandu Sooriyaarachchi, who has 26 wickets to his tally in 12 games.
S. Thomas’ College
Aaron de Silva, Aaron Kodithuwakku, Abheeth Paranawidana, Akhilesh Rajakaruna, Avinash Fernando (Captain), Chamash Gunawardena, Chanuth Eheliyagoda, Chelan Weerasinghe, Chrishen Warnasuriya, Dineth Peiris, Gimhan Mendis, Jaden Amaraweera, Ludeesha Matarage, Mahith Rajapakse, Methuka Gunarathne, Minon Warnasuriya, Nethuka Walimunige, Nethun Vithanage, Raphael Hettige, Reshon Solomons, Shanil Perera, Sineru Thanthiriwatte, Stevon Peiris
Avinash Fernando (Captain)
Sixteen-year-old right-hander Reshon Solomons, who became the unlikely hero in S. Thomas’ stunning run chase last year, with an enterprising unbeaten 50 off 48 deliveries, turns out to be the star among batters for the school by the sea this year. In 16 games, Solomons has raked up 789 runs with two each of centuries and half centuries to average 34.31, an indication of the readiness for his second Roy-Tho. Jaden Amaraweera, also a member of the winning Thomian side from last year, has 756 runs in 13 games at an average of 36.0. With two centuries and five half tons, Amaraweera is expected to fire in the all-important outing, while left-hander Aaron Kodituwakku is likely to make a return to the playing XI as the batsman with the best average of the squad. With 662 runs in 12 games, at 38.94, and with a century and four fifties, the 18-year-old has all the possibility to play a key role this year. Ludeesha Nimsara and Avinash Fernando have both scored above 500 runs in 16 games and average over 21, and could play important roles.
Just as their opponents, the Thomians possess an asset in Abheeth Paranawidana, the 17-year-old left-arm paceman. As the key wicket-taker Paranawidana has claimed 44 scalps in 13 games and has claimed two five-fers, proving his ability. Gimhan Mendis, another left-arm pacie, and Reshon Solomons, with his off-spins have claimed 18 scalps each.
Following the 146th Battle of the Blues in March last year, the all-time tally between Royal and S. Thomas’ with both teams winning the encounter 36 times each, and 74 draws. The 2025 match saw S. Thomas’ win by five wickets, bringing their total to 36 and matching Royal’s long-held lead. Leading the Thomians this time is Avinash Fernando, who carries the responsibility of defending the D.S. Senanayake Shield they won last year, while Royal, under Rehan Peiris, will look to reclaim the Shield and take it back to Reid Avenue.
During the journey of 146 years, the Royal-Thomian encounter has come up with many firsts, which they continue to impress with through various projects. The Sustainability Programme, introduced last year at the Boys Tent will take the centre stage with plastic recycling covering the entire venue from this year. In addition, the organisers have introduced digital ticketing, beginning from this year for the three-day game as well as the limited overs game. From this year onwards, the venue will have German marquees, bringing uniformity, as part of standardisation efforts, while adhering to International Cricket Council (ICC) standards as the only schoolboy encounter that is played under the latest ICC rules and regulations. The 49th Mustangs Trophy will be played for the fifth time under floodlights and first time at the SSC on March 28 — blending tradition with innovation and giving fans a new dimension to this rivalry.