Inaugural Royal-Thomian Twenty20 on March 27

The inaugural Twenty20 game between traditional rivals Royal College and S. Thomas' College will be played for the J.R. Jayewardene Trophy on March 27 commencing at 2 p.m. at the P. Sara Oval. This was disclosed by the Organising Committee Chairman Royal Thomian Jayantha Kudahetty at a press briefing held at Hilton Residencies yesterday.

Addressing the media Kudahetty said that Royal which celebrates its 175th year ventured on another event to make history once again.

Earlier the Royal Thomian set two records for school cricket playing the annual encounter for three days and second by the using of coloured clothes for the one dayer. This new venture got approval from both heads of the schools and it will be an annual event" said Kudahetty.

Warden of STC Rev. John C Puddefoot said that as an Englishman he is not personally in favour of this short version of the game. But the present day it has became an entertainment for players as well as for the spectator.

Players will have the opportunity to use the bat according to the type of the ball he receives and the bowler will try to grab the wicket.

The batsman wants the ball to hit to the maximum distance to thrill the crowd as well as to swell the score. He thanked the sponsors Dialog Telekom for coming forward to make this event happen.

Royal Principal Upali Gunasekera said that the organising committee has taken great pains in arranging this event on a grand scale. This could not have been a success if not for the sponsorship from Dialog Telecom.

Earlier too Dialog Telecom played a vital role in doing their best for the promotion of the Royal Thomian encounter which has gained the highest credentials for big matches.

Group Chief Executive Dialog Telecom Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya thanked the organising committee for inviting them to be part and parcel of an inaugural event which is making school cricket history. Our company's theme has been to serve the masses first. With this event coming up Dialog Telecom becomes a part of another first, said Dr. Hans.