Reviewed by Sathira Marahela (Web Content Team)
Photographed by Anuk Paranagama (Trinity College Media Unit)
The 107th edition of the ‘Battle of the Blues of the Hill Capital’ between Trinity College, Kandy (TCK) and St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota (SACK), took place from 12th to 14th March 2026 at the Trinity College Cricket Stadium, Asgiriya.
The three-day encounter brought together students, staff, parents, and Old Boys in a spirited celebration of tradition and school cricket.
The atmosphere remained lively throughout the match. The rhythm of papare bands and the waving of flags across the stands reflected the unique character of this long-standing rivalry.
Winning the toss, College elected to bowl first on a surface offering early assistance to the seamers. The decision proved effective as the Trinity bowling attack took early wickets, reducing the Antonians to 13 for 3. SACK recovered through a resilient unbeaten 64 runs from Master Sisal Attanayake and a steady 44 runs by Master Kaushika Kumarasinghe, guiding their team to a first-innings total of 157.
The Trinity response began cautiously. By the close of the opening day, College had reached 66 for 3, with the captain, Master Dimantha Mahavithana, anchoring the innings with a composed half-century.
Day two saw a significant recovery led by Master Aadham Hilmy. With TCK at 111 for 7, Master Hilmy produced a determined century, scoring 125 runs. This became the highest individual score for a Trinity batter in the Big Match since Kaushalya Weeraratne’s 148 runs in 1999.
Master Hilmy’s inning was heavily supported by a valuable 29 runs from Master Sethmika Seneviratne and 15 runs from Master Viduneth Dhammage. They guided TCK to a total of 264.
This performance provided College with a first-innings lead of 107 runs. SACK began their second innings late in the day, reaching 9 for 1 before play ended early due to fading light.
On the final day, TCK maintained pressure on the opposition. Left-arm spinner Master Kanilka Anthony delivered an outstanding performance, claiming six wickets in the innings to finish with a match haul of ten wickets. Master Anthony’s match bag of 10 wickets became the highest number of wickets taken by a bowler in the last 29 years. (1997, S.Fernando – TCK, 11/69)
Although Master Kaushika Kumarasinghe contributed a determined 59 runs, the Antonians were dismissed for 170.
With a target set for 64 runs, TCK began the chase at a brisk pace, reaching 63 for 1 in just 5.2 overs. However, play was interrupted by an on-field disagreement and a crowd invasion. Following a period of deliberation by the match officials regarding the resumption of play, the umpires awarded the match to TCK under the laws governing forfeiture.
This result marks the first outright victory for Trinity in 14 years, the previous win occurring in 2012 under the captaincy of Niroshan Dickwella. This victory also tied the record for the largest margin of victory by wickets which was last set in 1927 and again in 1951.
For his historic achievement and exceptional contribution of ten wickets in the match, Master Kanilka Anthony was named Man of the Match of the 107th Encounter.
The other individual trophies were awarded to: Best Fielder – Master Viduneth Dhammage, Best Bowler – Master Kanilka Anthony and Best Batsman – Master Aadham Hilmy.
The College extends its gratitude to the players, officials, and supporters who made this encounter memorable. We also acknowledge the dedication of the coaching staff and management for their guidance throughout the season.
