Continue Annual Cricket Encounter

Cartman Cup and Luke Shield in celebrations of 128 year old Cricket legacy

St. Benedict’s College and Wesley College announced their arrangements for their annual cricket encounters for the Cartman Cup and Luke Shield.

This year both schools celebrate a great 128 year-old cricketing legacy dating back to 1896.

They also join in hands in celebrating 150th anniversary of Wesley College which also coincides with the weekend of the big match.

The two-day match for the Cartman Cup will be played on 23 and 24 March at P. Saravanamuttu Stadium (P. Sara Oval) while the one-day encounter for the Luke Shield will be played at the same venue on 2 March.

Both matches will be organised and hosted by the Bens-Wesley Joint Committee, along with the patronage of both schools.

In February 2021, Director of St. Benedict’s College Dr Brother Pubudu Rajapaksha and Principal of Wesley College Avanka Fernando signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding to host the annual Bens-Wesley cricket encounter with a purpose. This was followed by the introduction of the Cartman Cup in memory of former Principal of Wesley College Rev. James Cartman for the two-day match.

The one-day match for the Luke Shield is in memory of former Director of St. Benedict’s College Brother Luke Gregory, first held in April 2022.

This year St. Benedict’s is led by Sharujan Shanmuganathan and Wesley by Sanithu Amarasinghe.

“Certainly, both teams have favourable chances, but our aim is to bring the cup home. We've had a strong record in previous years but it all comes down to performing on the day. We're committed to giving our best for our alma mater,” said Sharujan, a Sri Lanka under 19 player.

The Joint Committee under the guidance of Bro. Dr. Pubudu Rajapaksha Director of St. Benedict’s College and Avanka Fernando Principal of Wesley College have made elaborate arrangements for crowds to be entertained at both matches.

In addition to this, both matches will be telecast live on television.