Cricket fever rises in Jaffna

Commander, Security Forces Headquartes, Jaffna Major General S. D Tennekoon, forgetting his arduous security responsibilities in the peninsula for a moment, joined hands with thousands of school cricketers and fans during the one-day limited overs cricket match between St Patrick College and Jaffna College, held recently for the 17th time in Jaffna.

The winners of the St. Patrick College scored 181 for 7 wickets in their innings while A. Jayendran of St. Patrick College was adjudged the Man of the Match. Similarly, trophy for the Best Bowler was awarded to W.I. Jackson of the St. Patrick College but N. Thanaran of the Jaffna College was the one who was adjudged the Best Player of the match, considering his overall performance.

The match, attended by thousands of cricket fans, vied for the Ranjan Kadirgamar Trophy awarded for the wining team.

Major General S. D Tennekoon, in what was seen as an incentive offered from his side to promote the game and its interests in the peninsula, donated two new cricket bats, each worth about Rs. 6500 to both the principals of contending schools after he, along with 512 Brigade commander, Colonel. S. Ranasingha, 514 Brigade commander, Colonel V.R.L Anthonies and several other senior officers, witnessed the encounter amidst cheers of thousands of student enthusiasts and other fans.

This year 's encounter for the 20th consecutive year, popularly known as the “Battle of the Golds” drew huge crowds after they kicked off their tournament on March 12, 2005. To its credit St Patrick College has so far recorded 29 victories against its opponent, Jaffna College.

Meanwhile, another three-day match between Jaffna Central College and St. John's College came to a finish on March 19, 2005 at Jaffna Central College grounds with no victory recorded for either side. This battle, popularly known as the “Battle of the North” was held this time for the 99th consecutive year..