Trinity–Antonian Cricket Encounter

The Battle of the Blues (Kandy), also referred to as the Trinity–Antonian Cricket Encounter or Hill Country Battle of the Blues, stands as the sixth oldest traditional school cricket match, commonly known as a Big Match, held annually in Sri Lanka. Dating back to 1914, this encounter sees Trinity College and St. Anthony's College, engage in a three-day cricket contest. The John Halangoda Memorial Trophy is bestowed upon the victor of the match, determined by either an outright win or, failing that, a first innings triumph. It is noteworthy that a first innings victory does not formally register as a win for the respective team in the records.

Furthermore, following the conclusion of the three-day match, a limited-overs encounter is typically held a week later. This series was inaugurated in 1980 and the winning team is awarded the Sir Richard Aluwihare Trophy.

History

1914 to 1999

Both Trinity and St. Anthony's College embraced cricket as a sporting pursuit during the late 19th century, inaugurating their respective first XI programmes soon after. The initial cricket fixtures between the two institutions featured teams consisting of both staff and students. However, these early encounters are not recognised as official first XI inter-school matches and are consequently excluded from the schools' overall records.

The first official first XI cricket match between the schools was played in March 1914 at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy with St. Anthony's emerging victorious by 42 runs. C. E. de Silva captained Trinity with C. C. Senaratne captaining St. Anthony's. Trinity won the encounter in 1915 but due to exigencies created from the ongoing World War I, the series was suspended in 1916.

It recommenced in 1917, which was won by St. Anthony's. Trinity went on to record 11 consecutive victories from 1918 to 1928. During the period following the culmination of World War I, St. Anthony's were deprived of their cricket ground and practice pitches due to the British Army occupying the land.

A disagreement between the two schools, regarding the age rule resulted in the cancellation of the encounter in 1956 and 1957.

2000 to present

In 2001, the encounter was not contested as Trinity terminated their season early due to disciplinary reasons.

The centenary encounter of the series was held in 2017 with the two schools taking on each other on 10 to 11 March 2017 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.

The matches were postponed and eventually called off in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 106th encounter took place as a three-day match from 3 to 5 April 2025 at St. Anthony's College Cricket Stadium. This marked the first time in its history that the encounter was held over three days.

Trophy

In 2005, a tribute was established in memory of John Halangoda, an alumnus of Trinity College who later served as a cricket coach at St. Anthony's. This commemorative trophy, known as the John Halangoda Memorial Trophy, was introduced to honour his legacy. It is awarded to the victorious team at the conclusion of the three-day match.

The victors of the limited overs cricket contest are honoured with the Sir Richard Aluwihare Memorial Trophy. This award pays tribute to the legacy of Sir Richard Aluwihare, the first Ceylonese Inspector General of Police and a veteran of World War I. Aluwihare, an alumnus of Trinity College, was a notable cricketer and served as head prefect during his time at the institution.

Venue

The three-day encounter is alternatively held at Asgiriya Stadium, which is the home ground of Trinity and St. Anthony's College Cricket Stadium, which is the home ground of St. Anthony's. Bogambara Stadium and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium also had been match venues in the past.

The same principle applies to the limited-overs series as well, with the visiting team at a particular year's three-day encounter assuming the role of the host for the subsequent limited overs engagement.

Locations and key abbreviations

Statistics and results

Statistics

Results of the last encounter

;106th three-day match

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;43rd limited-overs match

List of fixtures and results

* Result denotes which side won the encounter outright, or if it was drawn.

Two-day matches: 1914–1979

Two-day and limited-overs matches: 1980–2024

Three-day and limited-overs matches: 2025–present

Match and series records for the three-day encounter

Best performances

Batting and bowling records

Records for the limited overs series

Best performances

Batting and bowling records

Notes

;Sources
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References

External links

Trinity College website

Trinity Digital History

St. Anthony's College website

St. Anthony's College OBA

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Trinity College, Kandy
1914 establishments in Ceylon
Recurring sporting events established in 1914
Student sport in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan sports trophies and awards
Big Matches
Cricket in Kandy
Schools cricket matches
Sri Lankan cricket in the 20th century
Sri Lankan cricket in the 21st century