Trinity-Antonian match back to its pristine glory

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen -Kandy Sports correspondent

"We are endeavouring to bring the big match between St. Anthony's College and Trinity College back to its pristine glory and the schoolboys will have their share of entertainment within the accepted framework but discipline will be maintained at any cost", said the Sports Co-ordinator of St. Anthony's College, Kandy Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundera.

He made these observations when he addressed a conference held in connection with the 93rd Battle of the Blues between St. Anthony's College and Trinity College at the Auditorium of St. Anthony's College in Kandy.

Also associated at this media conference was Ranjith Peiris (Chairman - Old Antonians SC), Palitha Abeyratne (MIC), Sumedha Arrawawela (Secretary Old Antonins Cricket Wing) and Sahan Pallihakkara (SACK cricket captain).

Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundera said in the good old days the staff of both schools were heavily involved in the match and in fact when these two schools first met in a cricket match, both schools included in their teams members of the staff. It was only in 1914 that the big match was played comprising only schoolboys.

Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundera said that the schoolboys must enjoy themselves but without being a nuisance to other spectators.

Strict security will be enforced at the grounds and also the premises. Misbehaviour by the schoolboys or spectators will not be tolerated as there will be also private security in the grounds and deterrent action will be taken against the miscreants.

In conclusion he said that this match will be played for the late John Halangoda Trophy and recalled that late John Halangoda was one of the finest cricket coaches the local cricket scene has seen. He was responsible for moulding the Antonian cricketers into a fighting outfit in the early fifties which ultimately led to the all conquering cricket team of 1954 which won the big match by an innings in their Centenary year.