113th Battle of Nilwala starts today:

Traditional rivals clash in Matara

Priyan De Silva - Matara sports corr.

The 113th annual cricket encounter between St Servatius College and St Thomas’ College Matara will take place on March 22, 23 and 24 at the Uyanwatta Stadium. St Thomas’ College will host this years three day encounter while St Servatius College will host the 50 over game on the March 29.

The big match in Matara has been played continuously since 1900. St Thomas’ lead the series with 32 wins with Tharaka Dushantha leading the Thomian’s to victory in 2007. St Servatius’ have won 27 games and It was Nimal Munaweera that led St Servatius College to their last win in 1971.

Fifth year colors man Gihan Nimsara leads the St Servatius first XI this season. He is a right hand batsman who has scored more than 800 runs with a century and five half centuries to his credit. He is an economical right arm medium fast bowler who has captured eight wickets and held on to 10 catches.

Vice captain Sanjika Ridma is a fourth year colorsman and the only player in the 112 year history of the Battle of Nilwala who has scored a century on debut.

All rounder Jayanga Nirmana de Silva leads the Matara Thomian’s first XI this year. Jayanga is a right hand batsman bowls right arm medium fast. He has led the under 13, 15 and 17 teams of the college and this is his sixth year with the senior team.

Left hander Dhanusha Lanka Kulasooriya is the vice captain for this season.