Royal College and S. Thomas’ College will clash in their 144th Battle of the Blues cricket encounter on March 16, 17 and 18 at the SSC ground in Colombo.
Royal will be led by Dasis Manchanayake but the Thomians captained by Romesh Mendis go into the match with an unbeaten record and four outright wins.
The Thomians recorded outright wins against Dharmapala, Isipathana, Mahinda and St. John’s and skipper Romesh Mendis stands out as the highest run maker with 776 runs that includes a century and five half centuries.
Thishen Eheliyagoda (597), Mahith Perera (542), Dineth Goonewardane (419), Senesh Hettiarachchi (353) and Senadhi Bulankulame (333) were also among the runs.
All rounder Nathan Caldera scored 341 and claimed 60 wickets while Charuka Pieris (55), Akash Fernando (49) and Abeetha Paranawidana (30) were the other bowlers to be among the wicket-takers.
Royal on the other hand go into the match as a virtual underdog having lost two matches although winning three games.
They will have to bank heavily on skipper Manchanayake who has scored 1062 runs with two centuries and seven half centuries.
Rehan Pieris (842), Uvindu Weerasekara (600) and Sanvidu Senaratharachchi (470) are the other leading run-makers for Royal while their highest wicket taker is Nethwin Dharmaratne with 32 scalps.
Royal College squad: Dasis Manchanayake (captain), Sineth Jayawardena, Uvindu Weerasekara, Sanvidu Senaratharachchi, Sandesh Ramanayake, Bulan Weeratunga, Ramiru Perera, Menaka Heiyanthuduwa, Isula Geeganage, Thamod Yasoda, Rehan Peiris, Nethwin Dharmaratne, Kuchila Ranmandala, Dinura Senarathne, Anush Polonowita, Ranuka Malaviarachchi, Ovina Ambanpola, Geesan Perera
S. Thomas’ College squad: Romesh Mendis (captain), Dineth Goonewardena, Akash Fernando, Charuka Peiris, Senesh Hettiarachchi, Mahith Perera, Nathan Caldera, Senadhi Bulankulame, Kavindu Dias, Arith Adhikaram, Shanil Perera, Abith Paranawidana, Thisen Eheliyagoda, Yumal Bolegala, Dhiren de Silva, Sadew Soysa , Ashen Perera, Avinash Fernando, Darien Diego (YK)