Exciting finish to Josephian-Peterite ‘Big Match’ in Sydney – Petes claim bragging rights as college camaraderie wins the day – By Lawrence Machado
The inaugural Battle of the Saints in Sydney had all the drama and excitement you could have wanted for such an important cricket match between the old boys of both famous Sri Lankan schools.
Chasing the imposing Peterite total of 177 from 25 overs, the Josephians, led by former Sri Lankan schoolboy star Rohan Wijesinghe, were coasting to victory after big hitting by their in-form openers Randall Ebert and Sohan Rodrigo saw them 100 for 2 in just 13 overs.
At 132 for 3, the Josephians had the upper hand and were lustily cheered by one-man cheer squad and ex-president Chris Fernando, with support from another patriotic, jovial Joe Kenneth Brohier.
Former Josephian skipper Dylan Fernandopulle made a quick 11, Delan Daniels stroked 21 while Ashan Wickramayake stuck 22 as the momentum swung towards the Joes.
However, the Peterites, skippered by live wire wicketkeeper Trevine Nicholas, fought back via their left arm spinners Spiridon Fernando and Shanika Abeygunawardene to put pressure on the Josephian batsmen. The Josephians lost six wickets for just 24 runs and it came down to the last over when they needed seven runs with one wicket standing.
They were in the game when Ebert, who returned to the crease, scored two but that was all they could manage with the last wicket falling in the next ball. Ebert topscored with 44, with three sixes and two fours, before being dismissed by Niresh Wijesuriya. Allrounder Sohan Rodrigo, who opened the bowling and batting, made 36 not out with three fours and a six. He was always in the match, conceding just 15 runs from his four overs, and also taking an outfield catch.
Spiridon Fernando, with 32 not out and a haul of 3 for 30, was adjudged Man of the Match. Shanika Abeygunawardene had splendid figures of 3 for 19 off five overs while Nipuna Weerasooriya took 2 for 37 and Niresh Wijesiri 1 for 26 to help the Peterites in their remarkable win.
Earlier electing to bat first, St Peters had good contributions throughout the innings after openers Niran Wijesuriya (20 with four boundaries) and Krishane Perera (28, with three boundaries) gave them the right platform with a stand of 39.
Trevine Nicholas made a quick 26 with a six and a four, while Nipuna Weerasooriya (34 not out with three sixes and a four) and Spiridon Fernando (32 not out, with four boundaries) took the attack to the bowlers to post a challenging target despite a flurry of late wickets as the Joes hit back.
The Josephians used as many as nine bowlers with spinner Pramuka Perera (3 for 20) their most successful. Fernandopulle, who captained St Joseph’s in 2014, finished with two wickets while Ebert took one. Another Josephian all-rounder who took the field was the popular Suresh Mirando, a man for all seasons.
Former Sri Lanka Test and one-day star turned commentator Russell Arnold was there to cheer on the Peterites while the papare band and drums, backed by a DJ, ensured the Big Match atmosphere – a throwback to the fun-filled encounters between the old rivals – was there all day.
Well known Sri Lankan musician Melantha Perera was also a surprise visitor at the match, which was well attended by families and members of the respective old boys clubs, who have always had a great camaraderie among themselves. The energetic Brad Stevens, the popular radio DJ in Sydney (Alive 90.5) and Sri Lanka, livened up the match with his regular commentaries and updates.
“Josephians and Peterites, being brother schools, have always shared the same Catholic spirit and I’m so delighted that a Joe-Pete in NSW became a reality this year,” said Lalith Grero, president of the Old Josephians Association of NSW.
“The game, which was tightly contested, was played in an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill. Although the Joes lost by just five runs, it was an entertaining game for the keen spectators. Both Old Joes and Peterites should be applauded for the magnificent game.
“Josephian Upeka Perera and Peterite Trevine Nicholas took the main burden for organising this event. My thanks to the Peterite president Roshara Alles and his committee for supporting this event. As the current Old Josephian committee has set a goal to have youth activities this year, we wholeheartedly supported the event. With the current level of enthusiasm, we can make the ‘Battle of Saints in NSW’ an annual event.”
“We could not have asked for a more exiting end to the first ‘big match’,” said Roshara Alles, the president of the St Peter’s College OBU Sydney. “What a match and great atmosphere as both teams and their fans made sure it was an enjoyable day for all.
“We are very proud of our team who worked well together on and off the field to be ready for the challenge.
“Hats off to the Josephian committee, led by president Lalith Grero, and their players, for organising the match. This game was long overdue as we usually only played against each other during the Quadrangular tournament also featuring the Old Antonians and Old Benedictines.”
“It was a cracking game, and we all enjoyed it specially as we had waited a long time for this match to happen,” said Upeka Perera.
Nicholas, who had never kept wickets before this game, said the victory was amazing and paid tribute to all his players for putting in all the hard work before the match and never giving up on the field.
“It was an amazing game and we are so happy to win as it was nerve wracking at the end,” said Nicholas pointing out that they relied on their left arm spinners Fernando and Abeygunawardene to contain the free scoring batsmen.
The match was played at the Kareela Reserve in Doonside, which is the unofficial oval for Sri Lankan sports events in Sydney.
