Royal-Thomian rivalry

Royal–Thomian Rivalry refers to the competition, both in academics and sports between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. Both schools have rich histories of academic excellence, as well as sport competition and school pride. Both were founded in the 19th century, and between them they have produced a large number of Sri Lanka's most prominent scientists, writers and politicians, as well as noted figures in many other fields.

Royal College, Colombo is a government-funded public school that accommodates approximately 8,000 students. S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia is an Anglican private school that has about 2,500 boys on roll and a branch network of three constituent colleges in Kollupitiya, Guruthalawa and Bandarawela with a total of over 5,500 students. Royal and S. Thomas' have been careful to preserve many parts of their proud history, retaining a number of traditions.

"There is no Royal without S. Thomas' and no S. Thomas' without Royal!"

Known simply as the Royal-Thomian, the cricket match has been played by the schools since 1879. This annual cricket match is played for the D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield, and is affectionately known as the Battle of the Blues due to the colours of each school's flag. The first match was played between the Colombo Academy and St Thomas' College in 1879, thus was known as the Academy College match till 1881. The first match was played with schoolmasters participating as well as schoolboys. From 1880 onwards, only schoolboys were allowed to play in the match.

As of 2016, the tally stands as Royal having 35 wins and S.Thomas' with 34 wins. This is regarded as the most prestigious cricketing event in the country. The match itself is preceded by many activities including the legendary Cycle Parade which usually happens on the day before the big match, with the official objective of visiting the captain's house to encourage him.

...
Wikipedia