U-19 Cricket: 142nd Royal-Thomian at SSC next weekend

The twice-postponed 142nd 'Battle of the Blues' big match cricket encounter between Royal College and S. Thomas' College, will be played on October 28, 29 and 30 at the SSC ground in Colombo. 

The decision to go ahead with the match was made by the Joint Match Organising Committee (JMOC) of the 142nd encounter today (21) after series of discussions between the authorities of two schools, its Cricket Advisory Committees and the health authorities. 

"The 'Royal-Thomian Cricket Match' with its rich history spans 142 years, has an important place not just in the traditions of both schools, but also in the history of cricket, being the oldest uninterrupted cricket series in Sri Lanka and the second longest in the world. Having been postponed twice already this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic the 142nd Royal Thomian encounter will now be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo on October 28, 29 and 30," issuing a joint statement, the JMOC said. 

"The two Heads of Schools (HoS) have made the decision to proceed with the plans for playing the match in consultation with their respective Cricket Advisory Committees and the Joint Match Organizing Committee (JMOC), having taken into consideration the improving Covid-19 health situation as well as the recent government circular permitting the resumption of some sports, including cricket," it added.

The relevant government authorities have granted permission for the match to be played with strict guidelines to be adhered by the organisers.

Consequently, the match will be played behind closed doors, without any invitees or spectators. 

Further, the two teams and match officials will follow all Covid-19 protocol and health and safety guidelines of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that will regulate playing conditions, as well as be within a Bio Secure Environment (BSE) as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.

"As always, the safety of the school boys will be of paramount importance." 

"It must be further noted that the two schools and the JMOC will not be organising any event other than the match itself, and that neither the two schools, nor their two alumni associations nor the JMOC have endorsed or authorised any groups gathering to view the match at the SSC or any other location. The JMOC has made arrangements to broadcast the match live with our principal sponsor Dialog Axiata via the Papare channel on Dialog TV in the interest of all present boys, old boys, parents, supporters, and the cricket-loving public who are encouraged to watch from the comfort of their homes," the statement further explained.