The cricket rivalry between S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, and Royal College, Colombo is one of the most celebrated in Sri Lanka. While much attention is given to the famous main encounter, the Battle of the Blues, there is also a two-day match, the ‘mini battle’, which is played between the 2nd XI teams of both schools for the Reid Gunesekera Shield. This serves as a vital foundation for the continuation and development of this long-standing cricketing tradition.
As a two-day match, the Mini Battle fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among 2nd XI players, who see it as an opportunity to prove themselves on an important stage. Even without the large crowds of the main encounter, the enthusiasm and competitive energy remain strong.
This year’s mini battle was played on the 5th and 6th of March at the SSC grounds. Royal College, having elected to bat first, approached their innings with a blend of caution and intent. Muditha Gunasekara anchored the top order with a composed 47, displaying steady temperament. The middle order, bolstered by Sasindu Mapa’s gritty 36 and Chanithu Kankanamge’s patient 32, steadily accumulated runs to build a foundation for a competitive total. On the bowling front, Thomian
Akhilesh Rajakaruna’s accuracy earned him a four-wicket haul, while Minon Warnasuriya accounted for three crucial wickets. Once the Royalists posted 222, the Thomian response faltered against disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, with only a 51-run partnership between Chanuth Eheliyagoda and Mahith Rajapakshe offering resistance. Ultimately, Sandul Abeywardene’s devastating six-wicket burst dismantled the lower order, restricting the Thomians to a modest 124 all out.
The Royal batters entered their second innings with lessons learned from the first day’s play. Mapa, unfazed by the mounting pressure, launched a counterattack with a brisk 52 off 65. Senevirathne anchored the middle order with a measured 42, ensuring a steady flow of runs despite disciplined bowling. Thomians, Warnasuriya and Rajakaruna bowled noteworthy spells, each capturing three
wickets. Royalists chose to declare at 152 for 7, hoping for an exciting outcome. When the Thomian batters responded, the Royal attack continued to dictate terms, which made run-making a tall and arduous task. Gunathilaka, with a fluent 38, showed real resistance as wickets fell at regular intervals. As the day concluded, the Thomians found themselves restricted to 85 for 4, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw, allowing S. Thomas’ College to retain the coveted Reid Gunasekera Shield.