The Canadian version of the original Saints Quadrangular that started in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1963, was played last weekend at Ajax Cricket Club Grounds. It was conducted after a lapse of two years and this year’s event was the 8th Edition. The participating teams were Old Peterites XI, Old Benedictines XI, Old Antonian’s XI and Old Josephian’s XI. This is T-20 format. Before the start of the game, a two minute silence was observed in respect of the late Ranjith Samaresekare (Old Antonian) who was the initial convener in 1963 and respected as the ‘Guru’ of this event. He passed away in Colombo, peacefully in 2017
On a very sunny and hot day, the event got underway with the first semi finals starting at 9.30 am between Old Ben’s and Old Joe’s with Old Joe’s taking the first lease of the wicket. Old Joe’s made 143/6 in 20 overs with veteran Brian Rajadurai (67) and Sudesh (39) being the main scorers. Chasing a victory target of 144, Old Ben’s fell short by 10 runs and managed only 133/7. Arun (69) was the pick of batsman who could have stayed at the wicket, but perished to Jonathan Alex when the Ben’s were going closing on the victory target. Thereafter, wickets fell and the Joes emerged victorious by 10 runs and booked a berth in the finals.
The second semi was between defending champion’s Old Pete’s XI of Canada, led by national cap, Ruvindu Gunasekera and Old Antonian’s XI. Batting first Old Antonian’s managed only 67 all out in 19 overs. Rajitha Atapattu was the pick of bowlers for Old Petes claiming 3/12. In reply, Petes chased down the target losing 3 wickets and Srimantha Wijeyeratne (36 no.) bringing home the game for Petes and to set up a match with their arch-rivals. (In Colombo, the Joe-Pete cricket match is a ‘Big-Match’ rivalry for the fans of two big Catholic institutions)
The finals started with Petes winning the toss and electing to bat. Due to some very tight bowling by Evergreen veteran Rajive Benedict (3/20), Old Petes managed only 78/7 in 20 overs. But the Petes started well with opening bowler Srimantha Wijeyeratne removing Brian Rajadurai in the very first ball and also had a first ball LBW to remove ex. Josephian captain Dhanuka Pathirana. Joe’s were reeling at 34/4 but a missed opportunity by the Petes fielder cost the game with Sheron (34 no.) taking the Old Joes passing the victory target without any further loss of wickets. Srimantha claimed all 4 wickets to fall at a cost of 17 runs.
A notable personality on the field was Ranmore Martinesz, current ICC International Umpire from Sri-Lanka who captained the St. Peter’s College First XI in 1986, donning his college colours in Canada at this event.
Awards:
Best Batsman – Don Sheron (SJC) / Man of the Match (MVP) – Don Sheron (SJC)
Best Bowler – Srimantha Wijeyeratne (SPC)
Best Fielder – Vivian (SJC) / Highest # of Sixes (6’s) in the Tournament (05) – Arun (SBC)