The wait is over! The Royal–Thomian Old Boys Cricket Big Match the most anticipated sporting showdown among Sri Lankan expats blasts off today at Woodley Park, Los Angeles, promising a full day of nostalgia, rivalry, and electrifying cricket action.
Despite recent rains, the mood is electric. Thanks to diligent wicket covers, organizers are confident that the pitch will be match-ready for a timely start at 9 AM sharp.
And here’s where it gets thrilling…
Royal College Old Boys are fielding a powerhouse team this year, bolstered by four legendary coloursmen from the past:
- Kithsiri Udawatte
- Ruchira Jayasuriya
- Harshana Rajakaruna
- And last year’s centurion, Malintha Thotuwilage (incidentally Jayasuriya, Rajakaruna and Thotuwilage were part of the 1999 Royal College big match team).
They’ll join consistent stars like Manjula Warawitage, Peshan Wedanarachi, Danushka Waragoda, Prasanna Jayalath, and Imthinan Hussein, forming a seasoned squad with serious firepower. These stalwarts have long carried the banner for RCOBANA, and this year, they’re eyeing another classic win.
On the other side, the Thomian Alumni of California (TAC) are charging in, led by none other than Vishan De Mel, a big-match veteran who donned the Thomian cap from 1985 to 1987 and even represented Sri Lanka U-19 against England’s youth team a side captained by none other than Michael Atherton, and featuring stars like Nasser Hussain and Mark Ramprakash.
De Mel is flying in from Canada, joined by John Lewis and several other alumni showing just how big this game really is.
The Thomians are also fielding some serious cricketing muscle:
- Vice Captain Naveen Peiris, a proven all-rounder with a jaw-dropping record including all 10 wickets in a single U15 game back in his school days!
- Vinuk Ubayasiri, a rising star and son of STC rugby legend Pujitha Ubayasiri.
- Shammika Rodrigo, a former skipper and wicket-keeper, known for his six-hitting prowess that can shift momentum in seconds.
- Veterans like Ryan Jayatillake (who represented TAC last in 2017) and Channa Karunaratne jetting in from Canada to add depth and experience.
If the last two encounters are any indication with Thomians edging a 3-wicket win in 2023 and Royalists sneaking a 4-run thriller in 2024, this year’s match is shaping up to be a nail-biter for the ages.
The coveted Teachers’ Trophy, dedicated to the educators of both colleges, is on the line and both teams are out to make history.
Venue: Woodley Park, Los Angeles
Time: 9:00 AM Sharp
Battle Cry: One Spirit. Two Schools. A Legacy of Cricket.
Bring your flags, your voices, and your pride, because this isn’t just a match. It’s a movement. A reunion. A rivalry reborn.
