HISTORY OF CRICKET - Sack vs ST PETER’S
The two schools first met in October 1932 for a ‘Whole Day ‘game in Colombo which St. Peter’s College won on the first innings. This is believed to have been a third-term fixture of the 1933 season. After a lapse of three years, a further ‘Whole Day’ game was played in 1936 which also ended in a first-innings win for the Colombo boys.
The series of two-day encounters began in earnest in 1937 and has continued annually since, with interruptions only from 1942 to 1945, when sporting activities at St. Peter’s College were suspended due to World War II, and later in 1961, 1991, 2022 and 2025.
The tally to-date reads: Played 83 games, 18 wins to SPC and 6 wins to SACK and the rest ending in draws. SPC tally includes first innings wins registered in the first two encounters in 1933 and 1936, which were both ‘Whole Day’ games and also the 50-over game played in 2021.
SPC - 18 wins – 1933^, 1936^, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1955, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1980, 1981, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2021* (^ ‘Whole Day’ games, * one-dayers)
SACK - 6 wins – 1939, 1948, 1951, 1956, 1957 and 1976
No Matches – 1934, 1935, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1961, 1991, 2022 and 2025.
INDIVIDUAL RECORDS:
Batting – Highest Scores:
SPC - Tyrone Le Mercier 235*in 1962 (Katugastota).
SACK – Mohan Ratnakumar 204 in 1978 (Katugastota)
Bowling – Most wickets in an innings:
SPC - Rumesh Ratnayake 8/23 (match bag 13/37) in 1981; Maurice Decker 8/32 in 1963;
SACK – Bede Perera 8/26 in 1975; Mahesh de Alwis 8/47 in 1985
Let us now turn back the clock and revisit the encounters between the two Saints schools from their inception. Despite every effort to gather details from each game played over nearly ninety years, a few gaps remain in the records.
1930 Decade – (SPC 2, SACK 1)
The ‘Whole Day’ match of 28 March 1936 ended in a comfortable first-innings victory for St Peter’s at Wellawatte. The home side came within two wickets of an outright innings win when stumps were drawn. C. Dias ran through the Antonian batting, claiming 6/21 and 4/19 to finish with an impressive match haul of 10/40. As for the batting, J.R. de Silva (57*) and T. Herat (50) played well for the home side. (SPC 218/7; SACK 108 and 28/8)
The inaugural two-day encounter, played on 12 and 13 March 1937 at Bogambara, ended in a draw after heavy rain on the second afternoon enabled the home side to escape defeat. Openers Louis de Niese (44) and Percy Perera (65) guided St. Peter’s to 198, before R. Van Cuylenburg (5/20) ripped through the Antonian batting to dismiss them for 96. Asked to follow on, the Antonians had reached 13 for 1 when torrential rain brought play to an abrupt close. (SPC 198, SACK 96 and 13/1)
In 1938, the Antonian pair of Ralph Harris (41) and Vernon Elias (42*) batted resolutely to secure another draw.
The Antonians recorded their maiden victory in 1939 under the captaincy of Denis Roberts, thanks largely to a splendid 82 by Ralph Harris in a low-scoring contest, complemented by a fine bowling spell from Charles Schubert (5/26). The match also marked the first meeting between the two schools at Katugastota. (SPC 101 and 107; SACK 151 and 57/4)
1940 Decade – (SPC 3, SACK 1)
The clash in 1940 ended in an absorbing draw on a slow and sodden outfield in Colombo. A splendid spell of bowling by Samarasinghe (5/8) triggered a batting collapse, that curtailed the Petes first innings score to 95 after being 89/4. Kuthdoos (5/14) then had the Antonians crashing to 79 in their second innings (SACK 130 and 79; SPC 95 and 95/6).
The 1941 encounter ended in a tame draw at Katugastota with E Schokman (60 & 32*) of St Peter’s scoring the only half-century of the game. V Joseph (48) and Ralph Harris (43) batted well for the Antonians in the second innings to set up a target of 117 in even time. The visitors finished 36 runs short with six wickets in hand. (SACK 198 & 176/5d; SPC 258 & 81/4)
The Petes, led by Dion Walles, recorded back-to-back victories when the series resumed after a four-year break due to World War II. In 1946 at Katugastota, the Colombo boys secured a nine-wicket win after N. de Silva (50*) and Martinus (44) guided them to 202. The left-arm spin of T. M. Cooray (5/46) helped keep the Petes in check. Walles (4/18) in the first innings and H. Joachim (4/15) in the second were the standout bowlers for the visitors, while Antonian skipper Hugh Fernando top-scored with 42 in the second innings. (SACK 80 and 138; SPC 202 and 17/1)
In the 1947 encounter at Mount Lavinia, SACK were dismissed for a paltry 48 and went on to suffer a 10-wicket defeat. Wickremasinghe (4/10) was the chief destroyer for the Petes, while Samaradasa (50) and Dunuwille (6/57) were the main contributors for the Antonians. (SACK 48 and 101; SPC 124 and 27/0)
The 1948 match at Katugastota produced arguably one of the Antonians’ greatest come-from-behind victories. A fine spell from Pararajasingham (6/62) restricted the Petes to 261, but the hosts faltered in their first innings and were forced to follow on, trailing by 141 runs. Openers Cooray (82) and Hannan then transformed the contest with a 127-run opening stand. Set 102 to win in 50 minutes, the visitors appeared in control at 88 for 3 before a dramatic collapse saw them lose their last six wickets for just three runs, handing the Antonians a thrilling nine-run victory. The chief architect of the win was T. K. Hannan, who claimed 7/30. (SPC 261 and 92; SACK 120 and 241)
The following year, in 1949, the Antonians were afforded the opportunity to test the Bambalapitiya turf for the first time, only to be soundly beaten by an innings (SPC 260; SACK 105 and 132)
1950 Decade – (SPC 2, SACK 3)
This decade proved to be the most fruitful for the Antonians, who recorded three victories and came close to securing a fourth.
The Petes began the 1950s in commanding fashion, posting an innings victory at Katugastota in 1950. The visitors piled up 314, with Paiva, H.I.K. Fernando, Ghouse and Kelly contributing the bulk of the runs. For the home side, M. Wijeratne (4/16) and Marapane (3/52) were the only bowlers to make a meaningful impact. The Antonians were subsequently dismissed for 171 and 124, sealing a comprehensive win for the Petes (SPC 314; SACK 171 and 124)
However, the Antonians bounced back in 1951 with an impressive seven-wicket triumph at Bambalapitiya. The victory was built on a splendid all-round bowling display by the pace duo of Upali Dorenagama, who claimed 4/43 and 5/48, and Tissa Udurawana, who returned figures of 3/20 and 2/29. L. Wettasinghe (58*) stood alone in resistance for the home side, while a wounded skipper, Bernard Weerakoon, led by example with a fighting unbeaten 41 in the first innings to steer the Antonians to victory. (SPC 105 and 128; SACK 154 and 80/3)
Four years after the gripping 1948 encounter, St Peter’s again showed bold intent by enforcing the follow-on at Katugastota in 1952. This time, however, the match lacked the drama of the earlier clash. Chasing a modest target of 93, the Petes stumbled to 43 for 5 at the close. Tom Deen struck a resolute 65 in the first innings, while an opening partnership of 118 between ACM Lafir and Ronnie Stephen in the second ensured the Antonians’ safety. (SPC 233/9 and 43/5; SACK 129 and 196/9 dec).
The following year, 1953, saw Tom Deen once again display his fighting qualities. His determined 47 at Bambalapitiya proved crucial in steering the Antonians away from defeat.
In 1954 at Katugastota, the Antonians had the visitors teetering on the brink, only for the Peterite last-wicket pair to cling on until stumps. The match ended in dramatic fashion when skipper ACM Lafir brought himself on and claimed two wickets in the final over. Ronnie Stephens anchored the Antonian batting with twin scores of 79 and 72, while debutant Ranjith Dorenagama impressed with a fluent 59. In the second innings, Lafir (48) and Tom Deen (46) scored briskly in search of an early declaration. The bowling honours were shared by J. Abdeen and Sivananthan. (SACK 246 and 193/3d; SPC 189 and 141/9).
St Peter’s dominated the 1955 encounter at Bambalapitiya, cruising to a ten-wicket victory. Left-arm swing bowler M. Salgadoe starred with a remarkable match haul of 10 for 40 and also top-scored with 44 in a low-scoring contest. (SACK 63 and 81; SPC 137 and 14/0).
The Antonians staged a strong comeback in 1956 under the leadership of Wijepala Premaratne, recording a comfortable innings victory at home against a formidable Peterite side. Half-centuries from Anton Rambukpotha (89), skipper Premaratne (76), and Adrian Berenger (56) powered the Antonians to an imposing first-innings total. Ken Duckworth (56 and 83) waged a lone battle for the visitors. Charlie Joseph (4/35) then bowled superbly in the second innings to seal an emphatic win. (SACK 327/7; SPC 110 and 207)
The 1957 encounter at Bambalapitiya brought the Antonians their second successive victory, this time by 54 runs. Despite being dismissed for a modest 92 in the first innings—largely due to the left-arm spin of Russell Duckworth (5/19)—they fought back strongly. Adrian Berenger (5/15) ensured the Peterites were kept firmly in check. (SACK 92 and 151; SPC 115 and 74)
A superb unbeaten century by Antonian skipper SW Seneviratne (149*) and a fine spell of bowling by his teammates Charlie Joseph (5/52) in the first innings and Franco Rudolph (6/8) in the second were the highlights of the drawn game in 1958 at Katugastota. (SPC 278 and 74; SACK 251 and 43/0).
The 1959 encounter also ended in a draw, but not before Antonian captain Charlie Joseph dazzled with a breezy, unbeaten 115, while Peterite bowler Anton Perera delivered a fiery spell of 5/78 to seize the spotlight. (SPC 272 and 108/8; SACK 242/9d)
1960 Decade – (SPC 3, SACK 0)
St Peter’s were easily the dominant team in the 1960s, winning three games to none.
In 1962, the Petes narrowly missed toppling the Antonians at Katugastota, falling short by just one wicket. The match, however, is best remembered for the marathon unbeaten innings of 235 by Peterite vice-captain Tyrone Le Mercier. Even after six decades, this remains the highest individual score in First XI cricket at Katugastota. Le Mercier came to the crease at 41/4 and was left stranded when the last wicket fell at 383. His innings, which lasted nearly four hours, featured 30 fours and 2 sixes. Michael Joseph’s 56 was the only half-century for the home side. (SPC 383; SACK 109 and 209/9)
The 1963 encounter at Bambalapitiya was marked by a remarkable bowling performance from Maurice Decker, who claimed 8 for 32 in the first innings. The home side were convincing winners by an innings and 42 runs. (SPC 207; SACK 86 and 79)
It was a draw at Katugastota in 1964. (SACK 215/9d & 84/6; SP 294/8d). When the Antonians travelled to Colombo in the following year, in 1965, they suffered another innings defeat. (SPC 219; SACK 83 and 82). The 1966 game ended in a draw at Katugastota. (SACK 201/9d & 83/4; SPC 191)
In 1967, at Bambalapitiya, the home side cruised to a nine-wicket victory with just 25 minutes remaining. The Antonians, dismissed for a meagre 68 in their first innings, fought back gamely in an effort to save the match. Laxman Denepitiya (29), Randy Sims (29) and J. Weerasekera (23*) resisted stubbornly, but their efforts proved in vain. For the Petes, C. Christoffelsz led the scoring with an unbeaten 73, while Tony Opatha contributed a valuable 49. (SACK 68 and 151; SPC 208/5d and 12/1)
A splendid all-round performance by the Antonian skipper, Randy Sims, who captured 5/58 and scored a polished 55 in the second innings highlighted the 1968 game that ended in a draw at Katugastota. Chris Sims (61) top scored in the first innings. D Juriansz (6/45) was the best performer for the visitors. (SACK 148 & 192/7d; SPC 174/8d & 99/4)
In 1969, the two teams played out a draw at Bambalapitiya. The Antonians secured a slender first-innings lead of just 7 runs, but D. Stewart (75) and R. Inman (60) guided the hosts to set a target of 200 runs in 155 minutes. After losing two early wickets, the visitors adopted a defensive approach to play for a draw. Terence Sims remained unbeaten on 68 in the Antonians’ second innings, while Roy Dias made notable contributions with the bat in both innings, scoring 54 and 38. In the bowling department, Jack Robertson (4/34) and D. Juriansz (4/40) impressed with their efforts. (SPC 138 & 205/5d; SACK 145 and 140/5)
1970 Decade – (SPC 0, SACK 1)
The Antonians held the upper hand in the 1970s. Though they managed to secure only one victory, four other matches could easily have swung in their favour if time had allowed.
When the St. Peters travelled to Katugastota in 1970, they experienced the host’s turf for the first time. The highlight of this drawn match were the near-centuries of Mahesh Gunathilake (99) and Roy Dias (93). Both came tantalisingly close to becoming the first players to score a century on Antonian turf, and would later share the field as teammates in Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test match in 1982. (SACK 194 and 168/7; SPC 178/8d and 123/2)
At Bambalapitiya in 1971, half-centuries from Gunathilake brothers, Suresh (61) and skipper Mahesh (69), anchored the visitors’ innings, but torrential rain after tea on the second day brought an abrupt halt, and the match ended in a draw. A couple of dropped catches allowed the home side to avoid the follow-on by a mere five runs, with Sunil Fernando’s exceptional 6/34 standing out. (SACK 216/4d & 128/5d; SPC 111 & 12/1).
The following year, in 1972, the Antonians hosted St. Peter’s and had them on the ropes despite Roy Dias’ brilliant 111 in just 118 minutes, including 21 fours. Set a modest target of 57 for victory, the match ultimately ended in a draw as the home side were unable even to begin their second innings. Suresh Gunathilake top-scored for the Antonians with 65. (SPC 200 and 140; SACK 284).
The Antonians again dominated the 1973 clash at Bambalapitiya, securing a 62-run first-innings lead. It required a determined all-round effort from Peterite captain Gamini Goonasena, 57 and 37 with the bat, along with figures of 4/57, to help the hosts salvage a draw. For the visitors, Mohamed Rivi (2/22 & 4/57) was the best of the bowlers. (SPC 95 & 177; SACK 157/9d)
In 1974 at Katugastota, the Antonians again dominated a drawn encounter, thanks largely to an unbeaten century from Bernard Perera (103*). His innings was highlighted by a brisk 108-run stand for the sixth wicket with Ajith Seneviratne (43), compiled in just 60 minutes. For the visitors, skipper Ruwan Jayaweera fought valiantly, contributing 51 and 41 in his two innings. (SPC 209 and 153; SACK 295/9 and 0/0)
The 1975 match at Katugastota is remembered for Bede Perera’s sensational bowling spell of 8/26, which almost secured a win for the home side. Chasing 88 to claim victory, the Antonians managed 74/3 by stumps. (SPC 155 and 116; SACK 183/7d and 74/3)
The only outright result of the 1970s came in 1976 at Katugastota, when Bernard Perera’s side recorded a seven-wicket victory—their first in the series since 1957. After conceding a first-innings lead of 17 runs, the Peterites were dismissed for just 89, with spinners Thaiyar Mohamed (4/43) and skipper Bernard Perera (4/28, match figures 7/71) doing the bulk of the damage. The Antonians reached the target of 74 for three wickets, with Ranjith Peiris’ 80 in the first innings standing as the highest score of the match. This win remains as the Antonians’ last success against the Petes. (SPC 182 and 89; SACK 199 and 74/3).
The game in 1977 ended in a thrilling draw at Bambalapitiya with hosts St Peter’s finishing at 93/6 in pursuit of 110 runs in 90 minutes. (SACK 180 and 112; SPC 183/9d and 93/6)
Antonian Mohan Ratnakumar’s monumental 204 stole the spotlight in the drawn encounter at Katugastota in 1978. He shared a commanding 140-run partnership for the fourth wicket with all-rounder David Ginger (74). Half centuries from A Fonseka (66) and Kitto Fernandopulle (63*) took the visitors to safety. (SPC 214/8d and 185/4; SACK 374)
Centuries by Michael Elias (148) and Amal Silva (113*) dominated proceedings in the drawn encounter at Bambalapitiya in 1979. Supporting the batsmen, spinner Roshitha Perera claimed 5 for 45 to secure first-innings honours for the Colombo side. For the visitors, Sarath Seneviratne top-scored with 62.(SPC 239/9d & 215/6; SACK 200/9d)
1976 Clash
Courtesy The Sunday Observer 12/03/1978
1980 Decade – (SPC 2, SACK 0)
Rumesh Ratnayake was at his devastating best at the dawn of the decade, spearheading successive St Peter’s victories in 1980 and 1981. Across the two encounters he claimed 22 wickets, firmly announcing himself as a future Test star.
St Peter’s victory in 1980 under Rohan Buultjens, however, was clouded by controversy. The run-out of L.V. Ekanayake by Peterite wicket-keeper Amal Silva sparked uproar when Silva gestured that the ball had gone towards third man while it was in fact lodged in his pads. Play was halted for over 15 minutes as the crowd grew restless over the alleged “fake fielding.” Amal (81), skipper Buultjens (64 and 27*), and Rumesh Ratnayake (3/55 and 6/65) were the chief contributors for the visitors. For the Antonians, Fazeel Sheriffdeen (54) and skipper Angelo Liyanage (54) added 103 for the fourth wicket in the first innings. (SACK 225 and 147; SPC 285/9d and 87/2 )
The following year, in 1981, brought a crushing innings defeat for the Antonians at Bambalapitiya, just a week before their famous big match. Led by Michael Elias, St Peter’s dominated proceedings, with Rumesh almost single-handedly dismantling the visitors through match figures of 13 for 37 (8/23 and 5/14). The Peterite innings was powered by centuries from Rohan Paulas (104) and Dane Joseph (112*). (SPC 294/4d; SACK 89 and 144)
In 1982, the sides settled for a tame draw at Katugastota. Pradeep Fernando (4/60 and 3/56) kept the visitors in check, while Rohan Paulas (57) top-scored for St Peter’s and Marlon von Hagt (46) led the Antonian reply. (SPC 203/7d & 144/6; SACK 158/8d)
The 1983 encounter at Bambalapitiya demanded resolute resistance from the Antonians, who occupied the crease for 330 minutes in their second innings to reach 152/5 and secure a draw. Senerath Seneviratne (5/23) had earlier dismissed the visitors for just 102, setting up the contest. Athula Sandakelum (48* off 117 balls) and Laxman Panditharatne (44) then guided the Antonians to safety after Dashantha Gunewardena (4/44) had restricted the Peterite batting. (SACK 102 and 152/5; SPC 191/7d)
In 1984, the game petered out to a draw at Katugastota.
An exciting draw unfolded at Bambalapitiya in 1985, with the Antonians falling 23 runs short with three wickets in hand. Chasing 117 in limited time, the visitors were well placed during a brisk 50-run stand between Damian Nadaraja and skipper Angelo Wickremasuriya. Late wickets, however, saw them close on 94/7. The match is best remembered for Mahesh de Alwis’s outstanding spell of off-spin, returning 8/47 in the second innings and match figures of 11/55. (SPC 98 and 148; SACK 130 and 94/7)
In 1986 at Katugastota, skipper Rienzie Perera (73) and Shamy Thariqshad (67) powered the Antonians to a formidable 243/7 declared in a rain-affected draw. Fewer than 30 overs were bowled on the second day, with the visitors extending their overnight score of 32/1 to 76/4 before rain had the final say. (SACK 243/7d; SPC 76/4)
A likely Antonian victory in 1987 at Bambalapitiya was thwarted by rain. Chasing 77 in 11 overs, the visitors were well placed at 71/2 with one over remaining when play was abruptly called off. Ruwan Kalpage enjoyed a fine all-round match, scoring 67 and 24 and claiming 4/36, while Priyantha Perera’s 82 in St Peter’s second innings proved crucial in preserving the draw for the hosts. (SPC 147 and 147; SACK 218/6 and 71/2)
In 1988 at Katugastota, a defiant seventh-wicket partnership of 95 between skipper Ruwan Kalpage (73) and Shamy Thariqshad (73) was not enough to prevent the visitors from conceding first-innings honours. (SPC 242 & 114/6; SACK 221)
1990 and 2000 – (SPC 1, SACK 0)
Mutthiah Muralitharan’s remarkable match haul of 10 for 72 (4/45 and 6/27) dominated the drawn encounter at Katugastota in 1990. There is no record of a fixture in 1991.
An unbroken 167-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Amedha Ellepola (110*) and Umesh de Alwis (60*) steered the Antonians to safety in 1992 at Katugastota. They had been in dire straits at 38 for 5 in reply to St Peter’s imposing 232 for 4 declared. (SPC 232/4d and 164; SACK 205/5 and 30/2)
In 1996, Antonian all-rounder Indika Fernando registered his maiden century, compiling a fluent 114 (15 fours, 2 sixes off 148 balls) at Katugastota. With both teams opting for extended batting practice ahead of their respective Big Matches the following week, Asanka Pinnaduwa (50) and Tharaka Guneratne (50) joined Fernando to step up a impressive total for the home side. (SACK 245/7d & 121/4; SPC 251)
A fine all-round display by Antonian skipper Mahesh Palihakkara (55* and 8/114) and a blistering 146 by Peterite Angelo Fonseka were the defining performances in the high-scoring draw at Katugastota in 1998. (SACK 278/4 and 137/2; SPC 317)
In 2001, resolute second-day batting enabled the Antonians to salvage a draw at Bambalapitiya after being dismissed for just 88 in the first innings. Peterite Malin Silva entertained with a superb 122, while N. Wijeratne returned impressive figures of 5 for 26 for the home side. For the visitors, Nafees Nizam (5/96) and Tyrone de Silva (73) were the standout performers. (SACK 88 and 174/4; SPC 303)
The 2002 encounter at Katugastota also ended in a draw, though not before the home side secured a commanding 91-run first-innings lead. Antonian Nuwan Ratnayake, unbeaten on 85 in the second innings, and Tyrone de Silva, who claimed 5 for 36, were the principal contributors. (SACK 229 & 165/5d; SPC 138 & 116/3)
The Antonians forced a draw at Bambalapitiya in 2003, recovering well after conceding a daunting 118-run first-innings deficit. Resolute knocks from Mohammed Rizlan (73) and Tyrone de Silva (49), supported by the rest of the batting line-up, ensured survival. For the home side, Sheehan Wijetunge shone with 6/49 in the first innings, while Nadhula de S. Wijeratne produced a strong all-round bowling effort, claiming 4/32 and 4/57. (SACK 96 & 254; SPC 214/7d)
Heavy rain curtailed play in the 2004 match at Katugastota, with only 92 overs possible across the two days. (SPC 195; SACK 66/1)
Half-centuries from Harshana Medagoda (55) and skipper Shameer Munas (74) enabled the Antonians to secure first-innings honours at Katugastota in 2006. For the visitors, K. Magage followed up his 43 in the first innings with an unbeaten 50 in the second, batting resolutely to help force a draw. (SPC 229/9d & 176/7; SACK 302/9d)
The 2007 encounter at Bambalapitiya ended in a tame draw, the Antonians enjoying a slender 24-run first-innings lead. Malindu Perera top-scored with 62, while Kasun Ekanayake impressed with figures of 4/38 for the visitors. (SACK 244 & 104/4; SPC 220)
After 27 years without an outright result, dating back to 1981, the Peterites finally broke the sequence in 2009, defeating the Antonians by 10 wickets at Bambalapitiya. Dashing opener Andy Berenger (79*) guided the home side to the modest target of 102 without loss. Angelo Perera (62) and A. Fernando (74) had laid the foundation in the first innings, while Adel Riyal (61) was the Antonians’ leading scorer in the match. (SACK 201 & 145; SPC 250/9d & 102/0).
2010 and BEYOND – (SPC 5, SACK 0)
The Peterites followed their elusive win in 2009 with another emphatic 10-wicket victory in 2010 at Katugastota. Medium pacer Lahiru Jayaratne was the architect of the win, claiming a match haul of 10 wickets (5/33 and 5/39), well supported in the first innings by fellow seamer Nilochana Perera (5/39). (SPC 240 & 4/0; SACK 130 & 113).
An entertaining 72, studded with four fours and six sixes, from Antonian all-rounder Saranga Rajaguru was the highlight of the drawn encounter at Katugastota in 2011. Shehan Fernando matched that brilliance in the visitors’ second innings with a sparkling 70 off just 42 deliveries, an innings that included five fours and four sixes. Sidath Jayaweera, Fernando’s team-mate, emerged as the standout bowler of the match, claiming match figures of 5 for 49 and 3 for 77. In the home side’s first innings, Kansihka Ranaraja top-scored with a well-made 51. (SACK 184 & 199/5d; SPC 153 & 93/3)
Antonians had the better of the drawn encounter at Katugastota in 2012, underpinned by solid batting performances across both innings. Sachin Bulathsinhala struck a composed 60 in the first innings, while Manoj Sarathchandra (62) and Saranga Rajaguru (51) added further weight with half-centuries in the second. The bowlers complemented the effort, with Saranga returning figures of 4/47 and Sachin claiming 3/32. For the visitors, Lahiru Nilantha’s unbeaten 52 stood out as the lone half-century. (SACK 240 & 168/8d; SPC 174 & 105/3)
Their dominance continued in 2013 with a six-wicket win at home, despite a fine all-round performance by Antonian skipper Sachin Bulathsinghala, who remained unbeaten on 94 and captured 6/53 in the first innings. SW Fernando (82) and Sahan Nanayakkara (5/23) were the key contributors for the Peterites. (SACK 187 and 146; SPC 206 and 128/4)
The seventh-wicket pair of Mohamed Alfar and Dilan Bandara shared an unbroken 31-run stand to deny St Peter’s another victory at Katugastota in 2014. For the visitors, Janith Liyanage impressed with scores of 62 and 32 in the two innings. For the home side, Dilan Bandara (6/67) and skipper Nimesha Gunasinghe (5/68) delivered notable bowling performances in the first and second innings respectively. (SPC 241 & 175/8d; SACK 175 & 99/6)
When the Antonians returned to Colombo in the following year, in 2015, they were comprehensively beaten by seven wickets, with Lakshina Rodrigo (93) and Ashan Malka (5/37) playing decisive roles for the hosts. (SACK 155 and 166; SPC 283/7 and 40/3)
In 2017, the Peterites were denied a third successive home victory as the Antonian last-wicket pair held firm to salvage a draw. Fine spells from Mohamed Ameen (3/38 & 5/12) and Chathura Obeysekera (4/34 & 4/49) put the visitors under sustained pressure and left St Peter’s on the brink of victory, after Vinul Gunawardena (61), Santhush Gunathilake (53) and Shalith Fernando (52) had laid a solid foundation (SPC 282/6d; SACK 141 and 98/9)
The Peterites, however, made amends the following year with a tense 54-run win at Katugastota in 2018. Despite a fine match haul of 10/148 by Nimnaka Jayathilaka, it was St Peter’s who claimed the honours. Jayathilaka’s effort was matched by another outstanding all-round bowling display from Mohamed Ameen, who finished with 10 wickets in the match (5/47 and 5/76). (SPC 169 and 184; SACK 137 and 162)
In 2019 at Bambalapitiya, the Antonians battled their way to a draw after being forced to follow on. D. Anjula (91) and R. Jayasena (60) laid the foundation for the home side’s first-innings total, while T. Saboor (4/29) played a key role in securing a 102-run lead. Thamashana Abeykoon (62) waged a lone fight for the visitors. (SPC 246/9d; SACK 144 & 69/3)
An outstanding opening stand of 181 by Antonian openers Chamidu Wickremasinghe (82) and Lasith Werallagama (96) spearheaded the Antonian total of 385 in the 2020 encounter at Katugastota which ended in a draw. Kanishka Maduwantha (6/129) bowled best for the Petes. (SACK 385; SPC 191 and 149/5)
The 2021 clash at Bambalapitiya was reduced to a 50-over game, with the home side winning in a thriller by just 2 runs. (SPC 216/8 in 50 ov; SACK 214 in 50 ov).
The 2022 encounter was not played owing to the prevailing situation in the country, marking only the third occasion in the post-war era that this traditional annual fixture did not take place
In 2023, the Antonians came agonisingly close to victory at Katugastota, only for the visitors’ last-wicket pair to survive the final two overs and force a draw. Thisara Ekanayake was the standout performer, making 54 in the Antonians’ sole innings before claiming a match haul of 10 for 100 (3/20 and 7/80), almost steering his side to triumph. Skipper Lahiru Abeysinghe led from the front with a blistering 73 off just 45 deliveries, powering the home side to a formidable 352 for 9 declared in 78 overs. He was well supported by Thisara’s half-century, while Kavindu Shehan (54) and Induwara Galapitage (47) added to the run feast. In the second innings, Sanshay Gunathilaka showed admirable resolve for St. Peter’s, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 103 balls to help secure the draw. (SACK 352/9d; SPC 149 & 131/9).
A brilliant 226-run partnership for the 4th wicket between skipper Thisara Ekanayake (140) and Janith Rathnasiri (140) helped Antonians top 350 for the second successive year, and take the honours in the drawn game at Bambalapitiya in 2024. After conceding a first innings lead of 121, Peterite skipper Vishen Helambage (116 off 71 balls with 10 sixes, 7 fours) played an incredible innings to salvage a draw. (SPC 233 & 260/4; SACK 354/6d)
The Antonians last tasted victory in 1976 under the captaincy of Bernard Perera. Now, fifty years on, the question remains: can Kaushika Kumarasinghe’s side end that long drought? They certainly have the talent to do so, but the challenge will be formidable, as St Peter’s field a strong and well-balanced team this year.
