107TH BATTLE OF THE NORTH St John’s seeking sweet revenge
The big match fever which has caught up in Colombo will now spread even to the Northern Province where one of the oldest big match in the peninsula, the 107th Battle of the North between traditional rivals St John’s Jaffna and Jaffna Central which is scheduled to be played over three days from March 7 to 9 at the Jaffna Central ground.
St John’s led by fourth year coloursman Jeyakumar Amidayan prior to this big game has had a successful season and will be looking to seek revenge for the defeat last year while Jaffna Central led also led by a fourth year coloursman Poobalasingam Darvin will go all out to make it two in-a-row.
Looking back at the performance of the two teams the Johnians seem to have the edge having recorded eight outright wins from the 14 matches that they have played so far and their two outright defeats have been to teams from Colombo namely S. Thomas’ and Prince of Wales.
Jaffna Central on the hand has not been in action as much as the Johnians as they have played only six matches securing three outright wins with the rest being drawn.
On paper the Johnians looks a well balanced and a stronger side as they possesses three centurions in Sajeenthiran Kapilraj who has two against Union College and Jafnna College, Paramanantham Thuvarakaseelan and Abrham Anojan.
The three along with skipper Jeyakumar Perinparajah Brinthapan and Navakumaran Kiruthigan the opening partner of Sajeenthiran will be the batsmen for the Centralites to keep an eye on.
The bowling will be spearheaded by spinner and last year’s best bowler Maheswaran Vintharakan and opening bowlers and right arm pacies Mekalingam Nilosan and Brinthapan while they also posses’ bowlers in the likes of Thangarajah Kabilan and Anojan to support them.
Jaffna Central will depend on their openers Pakiyarajah Niroj and Sathyalingam Dilan to give them a good start. Last year’s best batsman Junius Kanistan will be no doubt be the thorn in the flesh for the Johnians and if he is not dislodged early then they will be asking for trouble.
Much will be expected from skipper Darvin, Murugathasan Kabilan, Sumbramnian Nishantharuban and the late order batting to bolster the Centralites scoreboard. Their bowling too should be sharp as the Johnians could be menacing if they are not checked and the responsibility in curtailing them will be in the hands of right arm pacies Sivalingam Sowmitharan, skipper Darvin, Nishantharuban, Niroj and spinners Kalliyugavarathan Sansayan and Bavananthan Niruban.
And has mentioned the encounter is no doubt going to be an interesting tussle with Jaffna College looking forward to make a repeat of last year and St John’s coming into the game with the aim of seeking revenge.