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| DATE : 29th March 2002 |
| EVENT: 3rd Battle of the Blues Encounter |
For the third successive year the oldest cricketing rivalry in Sri Lankan history was enacted with the holding of ‘Desert Battle of the Blues’ Dubai on 29th March 2002 at the Dubai Exiles grounds. The occasion sure brought back fond memories for both old Royalists and old Thomians. The day-night match was played against the backdrop of a typical Battle of the Blues carnival atmosphere, with the ground painted with Blue Gold & Black and the familiar big match tunes played by the band in attendance.
Old Royalists were able to regain the challenge trophy by scoring a convincing victory over the Old Thomians. Royalists loosing the toss and being put into bat scored 120 for the loss of 6 wickets. A well compiled 23 by Amal Karunaratne and quick 16 and 14 by Chintaka Edirimanne and Heshan Desilva respectively gave the Royalists a confident start. The final overs were treated with some great hitting by Nurendra Perera (32 not out and Yasantha Pieris (15 not out) to the usual big match chanting from the die hard Royal supporters. Thomian bowling was spearheaded by Marlon (2 for 23) and Algama (2 for 32). Chasing the Royal total of 120, the Thomians were soon in trouble waters, loosing quick wickets against the powerful bowling department headed by Chintaka (4 for 10) and Suresh Perera (2 for 2). The main scorers for the Thomians were – Manoj Algama (12), Lyndon Loos (14) and Lashan Egalahewa (13). The man of the match award for the Selvaratnam (snr) Memorial Trophy was given to Nurendra Perera of Royal for his superb knock of 32 not out and a disciplined bowling spell (1 for 19).
Earlier on in the day the Royalists also won the Veterans match (for the third successive year). The Thomians scored 86 for the loss of 3 wickets in the allotted 10 overs with Rajiv (17 not out) and Faizal Marjan (15 not out) being the main scorers. The Royalists got the required score loosing six wickets. Deepal Rajaguru (22), Sugath DeSilva (12) and Chanaka (11) were the main scorers for the Royalists. |
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| Scores : Royal – Thomian Challenge Trophy Match |
| Royal : 120 for 6 wickets in 15 overs. |
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Nurendra Perera 32 not out, Amal Karunaratne 23, Chinthaka Edirimanne 16, Heshan De Silva 14 and Yasantha Pieris 15 not out
(STC Bowling: Marlon 2-23, Derick Janson 1-24, Manoj Algama 2-32 and Chrishantha 1-18.) |
| St.Thomas : 70 all out. |
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Manoj Algama 12, Lyndon Loos 14 and Lashan Egelahewa 13
(RC Bowling: Chintaka Edirimanne 4-10, Yasantha Peiris 1-19, Nurendra Perera 1-19 and Suresh Perera 2-2) |
| Result : Royal won by 50 runs. |
| Man of the Match: Nurendra Perera of Royal. |
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| Scores : Royal – Thomian Veterans’ Game (10 overs) |
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St. Thomas' : 86 for 3 wickets in 10 overs. |
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Royal : 88 for 6 wickets. |
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Deepal Rajaguru 22, Sugath De Silva 12 and Chanaka 11.
(STC Bowling: Samantha 2-15 and David 2-26) |
| Result : Royal won by 4 wickets. |
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| Other Fun Events |
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Keeping to the spirit of the event, the joint organising committee had also arranged a Royal-Thomian Ladies cricket match. The cricketing talent amongst the ladies was given due prominence and the Royalist ladies pulled off a great victory in this inaugural match. |
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Later into the night, a ten-a-side Rugby encounter was also worked out, under the floodlights of the Dubai Exiles. This time the Thomians managed to register victory with a score of 10 with Royalists unable to score. |
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The kids were not forgotten amidst the usual big match fun fair – they had games and entertainment arranged during the day. The crowd enjoyed a sumptuous Sri Lankan food against the toe tapping sounds of Lankan ‘Baila’ music. |
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| Note of Thanks |
On behalf of the joint organising committee, we thank all participants, their families and all other fellow Royalists and Thomians for making this event a great success.
Last but not least, we extend our special thanks to our sponsors - for the tremendous support given in organising this grand event. |
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