News
145th Battle of the Blues: Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter Set to Thrill Cricket Fans
Cricket enthusiasts across Sri Lanka are gearing up for the much-awaited 145th Battle of the Blues, the prestigious encounter between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College. Scheduled to unfold on the hallowed grounds of the SSC from the 7th to the 9th of March 2024, this historic fixture promises to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, rivalry, and sporting excellence.
Dating back to 1879, the Battle of the Blues stands as one of the oldest and most revered cricketing contests in the world of school cricket. Generations of players have showcased their talent and passion on this grand stage, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and forging lifelong memories for players and spectators alike.
This year’s edition of the Royal Thomian encounter holds special significance as both teams vie for supremacy and bragging rights. Royal College, buoyed by their past successes, will be eager to continue their winning streak and maintain their stronghold in the rivalry. Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ College, determined to turn the tide in their favor, will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
The players have been diligently preparing for this momentous occasion, undergoing rigorous training sessions and honing their skills under the watchful eyes of their coaches and mentors. With months of preparation behind them, they are primed and ready to showcase their talent and determination on the field.
The atmosphere at the SSC Grounds is expected to be electric, as passionate supporters from both schools converge to cheer on their alma maters. From the iconic chants to the sea of blue and black flags, the fervor and intensity surrounding the Battle of the Blues are unmatched, creating an atmosphere that is as exhilarating as the cricket itself.
Adding to the excitement of this year’s encounter is the anticipation of a thrilling contest between bat and ball. With talented players on both sides, the Battle of the Blues promises to deliver moments of brilliance, nail-biting suspense, and unforgettable cricketing drama.
As the countdown to the 145th Battle of the Blues begins, cricket fans across the nation eagerly await the spectacle that is about to unfold. With history, tradition, and sporting prowess on full display, the Royal Thomian Cricket Encounter is set to enthrall audiences and reaffirm its status as the pinnacle of school cricket in Sri Lanka.
Football
Quarter Finals Set for Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – Four Epic Battles Await!
After weeks of intense group-stage action across the island, the Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 – 1st XI School Football Challenge Trophy now heads into its Quarter Final stage with eight of the country’s top school football teams set to battle for a place in the semi-finals.
The group phase produced thrilling matches, dramatic finishes, and moments of pure school football passion, and now the competition reaches its knockout phase where every goal — and every mistake — will count.
🏆 Quarter Final Line-Up
Quarter Final 1
Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakkachchi Central College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 8.30 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Zahira College, one of the tournament favorites, will look to continue their dominant form against the spirited Vaddakkachchi Central College, who impressed in their provincial campaign to earn a historic spot in the final eight.
Quarter Final 2
Kalutara Muslim Central College 🆚 Gateway College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 11.00 AM | 📍 City League Grounds
Unbeaten so far, Kalutara Muslim Central College will face the technically disciplined Gateway College in a tactical showdown that promises end-to-end action.
Quarter Final 3
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 🆚 Royal College, Colombo
📅 5th November | ⏰ 1.30 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
A Colombo classic awaits as Royal College step into the quarter finals following a protest decision that eliminated Aligar Central College. St. Joseph’s, Group C leaders, will aim to maintain their strong run in what is expected to be a fierce and emotional derby encounter.
Quarter Final 4
Hameed Al Husseini College 🆚 Darussalaam College
📅 5th November | ⏰ 4.00 PM | 📍 City League Grounds
Two of the most passionate teams in the competition collide in the day’s final fixture. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest as both sides chase their dream of a semi-final berth.
🎥 LIVE COVERAGE
All four matches will be broadcast live on Sri Lankan Sports TV, giving fans across the nation a front-row seat to witness the best of Sri Lankan school football.
The Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of promoting youth football, sportsmanship, and school pride, powered by Lifebuoy Bodywash — encouraging young athletes to play clean, play strong, and play fair.
Football
Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has reached the most exciting stage yet as teams battle for quarter-final glory.
In Group B, Kalutara Central College has stamped their authority with 2 wins from 2 matches, boasting a flawless defense and an impressive +2 goal difference. The battle for the second spot is wide open between Royal College and Alighar Central College, both on 3 points and looking to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Maris Stella College has unfortunately bowed out after a tough group stage.
Meanwhile, Group C promises drama in the final match between St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s College. A win for Joseph will see them top the group, while Patrick could sneak into the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory. A draw would favor Joseph’s qualification on goal difference.
The quarter-finals, scheduled for 5th November at City League, will feature the following fixtures:
- Q1: Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakachchi Central College – 8:30 AM
- Q2: Kalutara Central College 🆚 St. Joseph’s College / St. Patrick’s College – 11:00 AM
- Q3: Gateway College/ St. Joseph’s College 🆚 Royal / Alighar – 1:30 PM
- Q4: Hameed Al Husseinie College 🆚 Darussalaam College – 4:00 PM
Fans can expect high-octane football and edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka’s brightest school football talents compete for the prestigious Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster Trophy 2025. Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, match updates, and exclusive interviews.
Football
Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.
Current Standings:
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 5 |
| St. Benedict’s College | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| St. Patrick’s College | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| St. Joseph’s College | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢
Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.
St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪
With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.
St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡
With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.
St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵
After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.
Qualification Scenarios:
- 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
- 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
- ❌ If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.
The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.
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