Bens-Wesley clash: celebrating a 130-year legacy

St. Benedict’s College and Wesley College will clash in their annual Inter-School Big Match for the Cartman Cup on March 20 and 21 at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo.

The annual cricket encounter between Wesley and St. Benedict’s began in 1896 at the Racquet Court Grounds in Fort, where Wesley triumphed by 64 runs.

The past six years have shown that the spirit of the Bens–Wesley encounter remains as vibrant as ever.

In recent years, several young cricketers have risen to the occasion. For Wesley, players like Sahil Dias and Semila Liyanage delivered crucial half centuries in 2021.

The Benedictines found a standout performer in Sharujan Shanmuganathan, whose batting heroics – including a magnificent 98 not out in 2023 – cemented his place among the rivalry’s modern stars.

Wesley’s last outright victory came in 2017 under Thisuraka Akmeemana’s captaincy while St. Benedict’s most recent triumph arrived in 2024 under Sharujan Shanmuganathan’s leadership.

This year, Wesley will be captained by Rashmika Amararathne while St. Benedict’s will be led by Mevan Dissanaike.

The teams

St. Benedict’s First XI Cricket Squad: Mevan Dissanaike (Captain), Dinath Senila (Vice-Captain), Vidul Insuka, Tehan Bitar, Ruwindu Didulaka, Mihila Jayaweera, Manikya Deshapriya, Mario Fernando, Ayesh Gajanayake, Nadun Fernando, Paranthaman Rohith, Yowel Edirisingha, Yohan Edirisingha, Lithika Jayasundra, Vihanga Rathnayaka, Dumeen Liyanarachchi and Sithum Hasaranga.

Wesley First XI Cricket Squad: Rashmika Amararathne (Captain), Lithum Senuja (Vice Captain), Jeewahan Sriraam, Sehandu Athauda (Deputy Vice-Captain), Navindu Kumara, Chanuka Vidashana, Senura Lakshan, Nethuka

Binuk, Kavindu Nimsara, Anuk Pieris, Methunula Mayaduna, Dinuja Samararathne, Ahamed Al Nahyan, Shamma Jonathan, Charana Malimbada, Reshan Anuhas, Govindu Nissansala, Thimira Sandeep, Sheked Fernando and Tharusha Liyanage.

Nathan Thilakaratna (Vice-President Media Unit, Wesley)

Source  - Sunday Observer