Annites and Devans clash in Battle of the Rocks

The much awaited 41st ‘Battle of the Rocks’ big match between two leading Cricket playing schools in the North Western Province, St Anne’s College Kurunegala and Maliyadeva College Kurunegala will be played on March 28 and 29 at the Welagedara Stadium ,Kurunegala commencing at 9.30 a.m on both days.

This time the match is organized by the St Anne’s College Old Boys Association in association with Maliyadeva College Old Boys Association and sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider. This was revealed at a press briefing held at Hotel Blue Sky Grand in Kurunegala on Saturday evening.

The 28 th one day limited overs encounter between the two teams will be played on March 30 at the same venue and Damro, a leading brand name in home appliances has extended their support for the ninth successive year.

Both schools have produced many talented Cricketers over the years including six international stars namely Ranjith Madurasinghe ,Eric Upashantha ,Rangana Herath , Jeevantha Kulathunga , Minod Bhanuka (all from Maliyadeva ) and Lanka de Silva.

In his welcome speech , Asanka Jayasinghe, the president of the St Anne’s College Old Boys Association said that we are fortunate to join hands with Dialog Axiata as main sponsors because they are empowering only seven big matches this season. It’s very special and also a big boost for us. Also he revealed that a number of old boys who are abroad are also expecting to come to Sri Lanka this time to witness this historic match .

Speaking on the occasion the president of the Maliyadeva College Old Boys Association Saman Jayasinghe said that the result of the match is not important. The friendship between players of both teams is very important . Therefore both teams should play according to their potential, also in a friendly manner, instead of thinking about the result.

Rev fr Chandana Hapuarachchi, the Principal of the St Anne’s College, Kurunegala also emphasized the importance of friendship between these two school’s which has been going on for over one hundred years .

The Principal of Maliyadeva College Kurunegala W.M.C.K.Mahamithawa said that this is not a battle between these two schools although it is known as ‘Battle of the Rocks’.This is only a friendly encounter between us. Players should show their talent and the result is not important .

Chaminda Gunaratne Secretary of the St Anne’s College Old Boys Association gave the vote of thanks. The official playing kits for both two day and one day matches were distributed among players.

Source:Daily News