by Reemus Fernando

St. John’s College Jaffna and their arch rivals Central College Jaffna have a success story to celebrate when they meet in the annual Battle of the North Big Match at Central College ground on Thursday.

For the first time in the historic match, the two schools have in their ranks players who have represented the national youth team.

Ranjithkumar Newton who captains Central team and St. John’s Kugadas Mathulan were among country’s top speedsters selected to represent the Youth team late last year. The two pacemen did well during the Youth Asia Cup.

Hence both Mathulan and Newton are expected to lead the pace attacks of the two schools.

St. John’s are captained by J. Ashnath. They encountered fluctuating fortunes this season. Their report card shows two outright victories against two defeats at the end of ten matches. They could not complete their full quota of matches in the tournament proper and that has made them fight for their place in the Division II Tier ‘A’ tournament. They have taken the first step successfully in the relegation matches beating St. Peter’s College Negombo by an innings and 56 runs to keep alive their chances of remaining in the top Tier of Division II tournament.

Central too had two victories against two defeats and will be eager to conclude the Tier B tournament on a successful note.

When the two teams meet it is St. John’s who lead the talley 38-29.

St. John’s College Team

(Seated from left) A. Sansajan (Coach), S. Thileepan (Master in Charge), U. Abijoyshanth, J. Ashnath (Captain), V. S. B. Thuseetharan (Principal), M. Randyo (Vice Captain), K. Mathulan, C. A. Aravinthan (Prefect of Games). (Second row-standing from left) S. John Nathenia, E. Vandat Mario, S. Vinukshan, R. Anushanth, S. Aatharsh, V. Sanjay, Y. Sarujan, K. Sanjuthan, D. Larun. (Back row- standing from left) N. Krishan, G. Methun, S. Kirshan, A. John Stafford Arnold, R. Nithursijan.

Central College Team

(Seated from left) V.Paruthy, K.Balakumar (Prefect Of Games), R.Newton (Captain), S. Indrakumar (Principal), T.Abilash (Vice captain), F. Kulendran Shelton (Coach), S. Similton, S. Manimaran (Master in Charge). (Second row standing from left) S. Thison, M. Karthikan, S. Niyanthan, N. Sajith, K. Mathusuthan, T. Venujan, R. Akshayan, M. Thison, A. Abishek, P. Navinthan, A. Sharalan, S. Danushan. (Back row from left) U. Voltan, J. Jenoshan, V. Harish, S. Sarujan.

The Hundred Sri Lanka International Challenge 2025, where over 650 international shuttlers representing 28 countries including Sri Lanka, commenced at the St. Joseph’s College Indoor Complex, Darley Road on Tuesday. Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, the hosting venue, graced the opening ceremony as chief guest, with Rohan de Silva, President of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB), Dinesh Jayawardene, Vice President of SLB and Chairman of Organising Committee and other invitees and dignitaries making their presence at the inauguration of Sri Lanka’s first high-ranked international badminton tournament this year.

The six-day competition, which was initially planned to be staged at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo, was shifted to Darley Road due to unavailability of the original venue. St. Joseph’s College authorities swiftly responded to the request made by Sri Lanka Badminton officials in making the Hundred Sri Lanka International Challenge 2025 and the upcoming Hundred Sri Lanka International Series 2025 that will follow soon after, a success, given the fact that the competition is of great importance to the country, both in badminton as well as toursim.

“I should thank St. Joseph’s College and Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi for promptly coming forward in assisting Sri Lanka Badminton to rearrange this 12-day competitions at their Indoor Complex. Their assistance should be greatly appreciated given the fact that SLB had limited time to make all venue arrangements after the original venue was taken out from hosting over 650 international players competing under one roof. Over 80 players are expected to be in action every day, and there are 80 to 90 officials on duty at any given time to make this event a success. Approximately 200 hotel rooms will be utilised during the 12-day tournaments, which is definitely a boost to tourism in Sri Lanka in addition to the country’s badminton,” noted Dinesh Jayawardene, Vice President of SLB and Chairman of Organising Committee.

The Hundred Sri Lanka International Challenge 2025 will feature five events – Men’s and Women’s Singles, Men’s Women’s and Mixed Doubles, where over 650 international badminton players from 28 countries, including hosts Sri Lanka, will contest. The global event is sanctioned by Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Asia (BA). A total prize money of USD 17,500 will be on offer at the Hundred Sri Lanka International Challenge 2025 which is sponsored by Hundred, Mobil, McFoil, 3M and Rovin

Senuja Wakunugoda scored an unbeaten century for St. Joseph’s to seal 17 runs victory according to Parabola Method as the Darley Road team ended the unbeaten run of St. Anthony’s Katugastota in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ limited overs tournament at Katugastota.

Batting first the home team made 252 runs as Kevan Fernando scored an unbeaten half century. In their essay the Joes were helped by a quick fire half century by Aveesha Samash and an unbeaten century by Wakunugoda. The Joes were 17 runs ahead according to Parabola method.

Joes win at Katugastota

Scores

St. Anthony’s 252 all out in 50 overs

(Januka Rathnayake 30, Anjana Weerasekara 25, Sadew Amarakoon 37, Kaushika Kumarasinghe 41, Kevan Fernando 61n.o.; Yenula Dewthusa 2/33, Nimthaka Gunewardena 3/41, Demion de Silva 2/38)

St. Joseph’s 249 for 3 in 41.2 overs

(Aveesha Samash 68, Senuja Wakunugoda 102n.o., Yenula Dewthusa 41; Ryan Gregory 2/44)