COLOMBO: The Royal-Thomian Battle of the Blues Inter-School Big Match has been filled with nostalgic memories over the years and the 144th encounter, which began at the SSC Grounds in Maitland Place on Thursday, will be even more unique for several reasons.
Thisen Ehiliyagoda will be the cynosure of all eyes as he will complete three generations of Thomian cricketers when he makes his debut for S. Thomas’ in the 2023 encounter.
In a rare coincidence, exactly 100 years after the captaincy of Ajith Abeygunawardena’s Maternal Grandfather Punchi Banda Arthur Lankatilleke in 1923, and 50 years after Uncle Ajith Abeygunawardena played in 1973, Ajith’s nephew, Thisen Eheliyagoda, will represent S. Thomas’ as an opening batsman.
Lankatilleke, who was a wicket-keeper at first, turned out to be the Thomian opening bowler and had a matchbag of five for 62, getting one for 23 in the first innings and four for 39 in the second innings.
In fact, in the 1923 Big Match, Thomian Skipper Punchi Banda Lankatilleke’s magnanimous gesture of playing an extra over gave Royal victory, which otherwise would have ended in a draw.
Thereafter, 50 years ago in 1973, Artie Lankatilleke’s grandson Ajith Abeygunawardena played in his second Royal-Thomian cricket encounter.
Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ Skipper Romesh Mendis will be another player in focus as his father Manoj Mendis led the Thomians in 1994 while Romesh’s grand uncle Duleep Mendis Captained the team in 1972.
In addition, Royal’s Nethwin Dharmaratne will join a select band of players as his father Yasas Dharmaratne was the Vice-Captain of the Reid Avenue team of 1996.
Yasas will be remembered for his batting heroics in the 1996 Big Match, where he was associated in a double century partnership for the third wicket along with Anushka Polonowita.
The connection with Dharmaratne goes back further as Nethwin’s uncle Dinesh Dharmaratne had the honour of leading Royal in the 1994 Big Match.
In another rare feat, 14-year-old Thomian left-arm spinner Abeeth Paranavidana will play in this year’s Big Match.
Caption:
(From left): Romesh Mendis (2023), Manoj Mendis (1994) and Duleep Mendis (1972)
