Junior Level Cricket Recommences

Junior Level Cricket Recommences at St. Xavier’s College After a Twelve-Year Hiatus

Cricket at St. Xavier’s College has a storied history dating back to the era of Rev. Fr. A. Siriwardene in 1925. The game saw a significant revival in 1958 thanks to Old Xaverian Athula Senanayake, who reintroduced hardball cricket, leading to regular matches. OBA Ex.President Russel Jacob was instrumental in forming the first -ever non-planters Cricket Club -Summer Hill Cricket Club in the late 90’s while Rukmal Fernando keeping the ball rolling with his Blue Starts Cricket Club. During Mr. Gaston Boniface’s tenure, cricket regained popularity in Nuwara Eliya, marked by the Nimal Madiwaka Challenge Cup against Gamini CC. In 2010, the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) introduced the Mayor’s Cup with Gamini PPA, establishing it as the longest continuous cricket encounter in Nuwara Eliya’s history. Also the OBA deserves credit for inaugurating the Baker’s Cup with Paynter’s PPA six years ago.

In 2012, the OBA sponsored junior-level cricket at St. Xavier’s, but the initiative stalled due to a lack of interest from the then administration. Nevertheless, the OBA managed to introduce two under-15 encounters: The Rambukwella Challenge Cup with Gamini CC and the Rev. Fr. Kingsley de Silva Challenge Cup with Our Lady’s School.

The arrival of the current Principal, Mr. Mathews, in October 2023 has reignited the college’s cricketing spirit. The recommencement of junior cricket was inaugurated on June 21, 2024, marking a new chapter for the sport at St. Xavier’s. Speaking at the ceremony well attended by the players, parents and teachers, the OBA Joint Secretary emphasized that the main objective is to promote holistic education and achieve 21st-century educational goals.

Mohomed Zaky, an Old Xaverian and former captain, will coach the junior cricketers with assistance from Tharanga Wijekoon. Mr. Thiruchelvan will serve as the Master in Charge, guided by W.L. Chathurika, PTI of the College. The OBA Cricket Committee, spearheaded by Messrs. Broodian Keller (Vice Principal),Chaminda Emmanuel, Sanjeewa Weerasunghe, John Christopher, Gerald Anthony, Tony Mazwell and Mohomed Irshard will oversee the program.

We invite Old Xaverians and friends to support the team by providing cricket gear and sponsorships for matches.