First a gentleman, then a cricketer
It did happen at the Royal-Dharmapala inter-school match at Reid Avenue
on Oct. 13. This match was keenly contested, Royal led by 18 runs on the
first innings. But in their second essay were struggling at 37 for 4.
But a resolute fifth-wicket stand of 76 runs between Rochana Wijeratne
and Menuka Keenawinna restored the batting.
Dharmapala made a valiant bid to get the breakthro' with their bowlers
giving nothing away backed by keen fielding. The Royal batsmen were constantly
in two minds and hesitant when it came to running between the wickets.
A direct throw to the 'keeper's end broke the stumps, but the batsmen
were safely in. The umpire said 'no'. The 'keeper kicked the ball to no
man's land. It was an ungentleman-like behaviour on the part of the player
concerned. It also shocked the handful of spectators who were there to
witness this game. It isn't cricket.
There was no match referee unlike in an international game. He would
have been duly punished for putting the game to shame. The umpire at the
middle showed a blind eye. They should have admonished the player.
This is nothiong new in present level of sport - be it cricket or rugby.
As a result sportsmanship and the spirit of the game is on the wane. It's
here the school coaches and the master-in-charge must educate them put
aside the skills, but to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner on and
off the field. First a genteman, then a cricketer.
Apparently like in the past the management by those, who administer
sport in most schools are weak. This in turn result in player misconduct
on and off the field. Some even refuse to shake hands after a game. It
happened in a schools rugby match between a school in the Hill Capital
and a Colombo school. Latter lost the game.
The dressing room was locked when the winning team came to shake hands.
But the prompt action by an ardent oldboy of the school, got the door
opened. They were told to shake hands and embraced each other. All forgotten
what happened at the middle. That's what sports is all about.
In the past schools had firm disciplinarians who managed sports. There
were many. Three of them to my knowledge - Christie Gunasekera of Royal,
T. Kandaswamy of Nalanda and former Principal of Ananda G.W. Rajapakse.
They would not only punish the player concerned, but banned him from playing
for the entire season. BW
Old Thomians to conduct super rugby 7s on Oct. 27
By Bernie Wijesekera
Old Thomians Rugby Football Union to mark their 150th commeration will
be organising rugby fiesta - a schools rugby 'sevens' and a ten-a-side
for Oldboys of eight leading rugby playing schools - (over-35).
This two-day rugby festival will be staged at the CR&FC Grounds
on Oct. 27 and 28. This was revealed to The Sunday Times by the president
of the OTRFU, Arjun Dharmadasa. Arjun, a past stalwart of the school also
played for the Up-Country and has led a President's XV against the visiting
Bracknell RFU from London in 1983. At present he is doing much for the
development of the sport in Sabaragamuwa. It's part of the 150th commemorative
celebrations, but the schools 'sevens' will be an annual contest. Sri Lanka
could hold their own in the shorter game in the Asian region.
There is not much 7s competitions in the schools circuit. This was one
reason the OTRFU has decided to make this an annual contest for the schools,
Dharmadasa said.
Thomians took to rugby in 1955. Its first coach was 'double international,'
Old Royalist Mahes Rodrigo. Mahes, a nippy scrumhalf and an agile 'keeper
in the mould of an Ian Healy. As an opener he scored 138 against the mighty
Windies which team included Clyde Walcott and Everton Weekes. He stood
up well to the awesome pace duo Jones and Trim. He successfully, coached
the Royal rugby team.
But the long standing rugby coach was evergreen Quentin Israel. He coached
the First XV for 19 years and the under 17 for 6 years spanning over 25
years. He will be honoured at the 150th anniversary, Dharmadasa said. The
first team in 1955, was led by SBL Perera. The players, who shone for the
school and played for the national team from 1955-65 were C. Henricus,
Frankie David, Selva Cannagasabay, Maxim and Wendell Flamer Caldera, to
name a few.
There are few records in the history of Thomian rugby, according to
Gamini Weerasinghe. Three brothers 'Baila' Samrasinghe, Rajpal and Mohan
led the Thomians. At present two brothers Savantha and Charya de Saram
are playing for CR&FC. Savantha is an outstanding forward. Chirstopher
Jordasche, John Rucra, followed by Michael Jayasekera, a versatile sportsman
who excelled in three sports cricket, rugby and athletics. He played rugby
at the national level. His son Jason at present plays for the Thomian under-17
team. Players of yester-year- Kolitha Gunatilleke, P.L. Munasinghe, Ranjan
Perera.
Chaminda Rupasinghe, Asanga Seneviratne, etc, few played for the country.
Twins Jeevan and Jayan Gunatilleke. Jeevan captained the Lankan Youth
team to Chile, this year.
The first Thomian to play for Sri Lanka was late Justice E. F. Noel
Gratiaen. On Oct. 27 there will be a STC present vs. Oldboys XV-a-side
match at 5.30 p.m. played for the Jason Martinstyne Memorial Trophy. Oldboys
wishing to participate could contact the following: 'Asanga Seneviratne
336020, Gavin Jayasekera 077-330491, Ray Abeywardena - 433730, Savantha
de Saram - 077891696, Harin Gabriel - 077-301038.
All past rugby captains of STC are requested to contact Gamini Weerasinghe
with the following details:-
Year of captaincy - address, Telephone No. They could either 'phone
on 729786 or Fax 729785.
Chief guest at the final: Ranjit Sri Nissanka.
All past Thomian ruggerites are requested to attend this gala festival
to mark the 150th anniversary. Funds accrued will go to the school's rugby
development fund. |
