Sports

Wesley's Glorious Years of Cricket - (Early fifties) By Bryan Claessen

I had the good fortune to be a member of Wesley's first eleven Cricket Teams during the 1950 to 1953 seasons. These were indeed our glorious Years of Cricket. Derrick Mack captained in 1950 and '51. Radley Claessen in 1952 and I lead Wesley in 1953. Wesley was placed second in the Inter-Collegiate Championship of 1950-51. The following season we took the top spot although we drew with St.Thomas' and in 1953 we had the distinction of being un-beaten Champions. It was an exciting four years of Cricket with Mr.A.V. Fernando as our honorary coach. Every player was self-motivated and totally committed to the task of winning. Wesley had the capacity to bat right down to number eleven. There were batsmen of sheer elegance, possessing every stroke in the book, and there were others with solid defence. Our fast bowlers were awesome whilst others had the ability to swing the ball with great control and our spinners had a natural gift of luring the unsuspecting batsmen to venture out of their crease at their peril. It was of course good fielding that made the difference because it restricted our opponent's ability to score. It generally made batsmen hesitant and negative in their approach and frustrated them as they repeatedly failed to penetrate the field. Good fielding of such a high standard provided our bowlers with confidence, which is an ingredient so virtually necessary in the battle for supremacy between bat and ball.

There were two other aspects of paramount importance to Wesley's successes. First, we had an unrelenting determination; a will to win.We always played hard and we always played fair. Secondly, the players had the benefit of knowing that the whole school - teachers and students alike, without exception, were supporting them all the way. The intensity of support was inspiring and we were all fired -up for action by the famous War-Cry originated by Rev. James Cartman (Principal 1945-49) Because of this dedicated support and the sense of total unity that prevailed, the successes of our Golden Years must surely belong to all Wesleyites of the time and our achievements remain as their most cherished recollections to this very day. Be that as it may , we had our moments of nail- biting concern and one such occasion was our 1951 encounter with Prince of Wales College at the Campbell Park Grounds. Prince of Wales insisted that one of their teachers should umpire. This made it necessary for oar Coach to join him as a matter of courtesy. During the first Innings, Prince of Wales scored 142 runs which we considered to be an easy target for Wesley because of our very strong batting line-up. That assumption proved disastrous. Apart from a couple of small partnerships, Wesley made a right royal mess of things to find itself at a very precarious eight (8) wickets for around 100 runs. This was when George Jayatunga joined S .Musafer, our keeper.

It was reported on the grape vine that "Mus" as he was affectionately known was constantly looking up towards a bright blue sky on a blazing hot afternoon. The coach who was by this time quite disgusted by our efforts, unobtrusively moved upto us and whispered What the hell are you looking up for ?" Mus was quick to respond. "It might rain. Sir", he said. Yes, there was no doubt Mus was praying for a miracle like the rest of us. What we didn't know was that Mus wasn't going to surrender his wicket without a fight. George and Mus moved the score along steadily and then right out of the blue Mus pushed the ball into the covers and took off for a run like a scalded cat. The fielder lunged forward, picked up the ball and hit the stumps at the Welikada Gaol end. Mus was half way down the pitch but he kept running as if he wanted to reach the gaol to incarcerate himself for his grave error of judgement. He charged into the stumps flattening them in the process.

The fielders appealed and jumped around in glee but the Umpire was confused as he pondered if it was MUS who brought the stumps down , and according to the best traditions of this great game, the Prince of Wales Umpire gave MUS the benefit of the doubt. Such an incident should be sufficient to create a climax to bring this story to a conclusion but not so, with MUS at the centre wicket. He was out to the last ball of the over, caught Senaratne, bowled Sooriyaratchi for 20 runs when the scores were dead level. T.Allallasunderam at number 11, Wesley's fastest sprinter at the time strode out to bat. He walked straight up to George Jayatunga, who was to take the strike and nervously announces "Push and run, George" and that is exactly what they did to win the game. In this the School's 125th Anniversary, I join in the spirit of Celebrations and wish Wesley success in all its endeavors - both on and off the field. As a means of paying tribute to the gallant players and perhaps to refresh some fading memories I now give the names of all the cricketers who were a part of our glorious early fifties.

L.Abeywardene, N. Gallaher S.Musafer D.Mack L.Adhihetty, D.Ebert, G.Abeysooriya B.Perera H.Felsinger, M.Samsudeen, S.Allalasunderam R.CIaessen A.Batuwitage Abu Fuard N.Fernando V.Adhihetty, S. Mack, A. Chapman, GJayatunga, D.Range, P.Schokman A.Casiechetty MJurampathy R.M. de Silva H.CIaessen Ansar Fuard G. Nanayakkara and Bryan Claessen.

Editors of Note: Bryan Claessen Captained the Wesley Team in 1953. In 1953, he was selected to play for Ceylon against, Australia skippered by Lindsay Hasset. Bryan was one of Wesley's best exponents of spin bowling, which included the "googly" He now lives in Australia.

Vincent Perera - Wesley's Groundsmen Remembered by Edmund Dissanayake

Vincent Joined the Ground Staff in 1958 Ranis, the bell-ringer, quite seriously told me, that be would not fit in, because "he was wearing shoes". But following the good example set by Wilbert, Vincent served the School with great acceptance till he resigned in 1985, after a period of 27 years. His family lived about 25 miles away, but he seldom took leave of absence. He was dependable, courteous, thorough in his work, and absolutely efficient. ' One incident about his integrity is recalled. When the School wanted to purchase a set of balls for practice, he made available 24 Kookaburra Balls used in the previous season. (Most ground boys used to sell used balls for a few rupees). Cricketers who knew him were full of praise for Vincent. Men of his calibre are a rare commodity today.

Wilbert -Groundsman remembered by Edmund Dissanayake

Wilbert joined the Ground Staff of Wesley u 1920. he was only 15 years old. He served the School devotedly for 48 years, when he retired because of feeble health. He passed away on the 23rd of April 1968., The good father that he was, he endeavoured to provide the bare necessities for his family of five, by sacrificing his mid day meal. It is said that he often partook of only a cup of plain tea at lunch time. Wesleyites had the highest regard for Wilbert. He had a good knowledge of the game. Very often the team that was selected by the School, was the same as he himself had in mind. Umpires who came to Campbell Park did not have to double check the markings of the wicket. Wilbert's measurements were always accurate. Wilbert had great faith in Wesley. The Old Boys rallied round splendidly to launch a Fund for his family. The Principal, Mr. Harold Nonis, and the Hony. Sec of the Old Boys' Union, Mr. J. G. P. Wickramanayeke were of great help to him. Wilbert's devotion to duty, loyalty, integrity, sense of responsibility and quiet efficiency were the hallmark of his character.

Reminiscences of Cricket at Wesley by Milroy Muthuvaloe

I joined Wesley in 1950. After captaining the Under 14 and Under 16 teams, I had the privilege of being appointed as the Captain of the 1st Eleven Cricket team in 1963. We went through the season unbeaten defeating St Peter's , Kingswood, and Under the able guidance of our coach Henry Van Buuren, former Captain, and astute tactician, we were selected as the first recipients of the Lifebouy Shield, for the best School's cricket team of 1963. Darell Maye was selected as the "Schoolboy Cricketer of the From 1960 to 1962 we came under the able guidance of B.J.H. Bahar (Snr), who hailed from far away Hambantota. Our Cricket was right on top. Other members of the team were Everard Schoorman (Australia), Milroy Jebarajah (Canada), Batcha Fuard (New Zealand), Sarath Wickramaratne, Mervyn Harmer Clifford Rodrigo, Rodney Perera, C.Perera, L.Femando I was invited to be the Honorary coach of the 1st Eleven in 1981 I accepted the challenge although the facilities available were limited. We were unbeaten m 1981 and in 1985.

It was with a great sense of satisfaction that I can state that during the period 1981-1988 many centuries were scored by the boys trained by me. On for occasions , more than a 1000 runs were scored by individual players. Navin de Silva achieved this twice in 1981 and in 1982. In addition be captured more than 50 wickets each year. Duminda Nissanka scored 1000 runs in 1987 Navin de Silva was selected to lead the Sri Lanka School cricket team tour of England and its worthy of mention that Captain and Vice captain of our current national team, Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva played under Navin in this tour. Our unbeaten team of 1985, skippered by Mylvaganam Ganesh was adjudged the Best Schools Team and was awarded the Lifebuoy Shield again, for the third time, the second being under the Captaincy of Amaresh Rajaratnam. in 1969.

Before I conclude I must also refer to the 1983 Under 17 Team skippered by All -rounder Mahendra Dissanayake, which won the All-Island Division II Tournament, winning all six(6) matches. Mahendra captained the 1st XI in 1984. He holds the School record as the best bowler against St Peter's capturing 8 for 54, in 1985. In the same year, in the match against the invincible Nalanda team, on the Nalanda Grounds, Mahendra was in devastating form capturing 7 for 34 arid 7 for 30. Even Asanka Gurusinghe and Roshan Mahanama who were stalwarts in the national team later found it extremely difficult to face the deadly inswing of Mahendra. Further, Mahendra sportingly agreed to play under the 1985 Captain M.Ganesh, although he could have continued as Captain for another year. He materially helped the school to become Champions in 1985, through his personal example with bat and ball, and advice when asked by his Captain. It was with great regret that I accepted a Staff Post in Nuwara Eliya in 1988, which prevented me from serving My Alma Mater longer --- signed Milrov Muthuvaloe

Reminiscing Soccer at Wesley by Neville Abeygunawardene

It is not possible to write precisely of my initial involvement with Wesley Soccer but I am sure - it was the Principal Mr. C. J. Oorloff who invited me to Wesley after a friendly game of Soccer between Wesley & the CR & FC In those early days, except for a few at Wesley, the rest were at best average and nil at worst! yet with total commitment, and enthusiasm dovetailed, the results of the preparatory matches of the third term, held out promise for our teams - the 1st Eleven and the under 18. Lest I forget or rather lest we forget let me express my deep gratitude to the late Terrence de Zilwa, it was he who provided the Soccer team with first set of soccer jerseys, shorts and stockings. Terrence never missed a match where the "Double blues" went into action. It was he who requested Mr. Oorloff to present me with a double blue tie, as a token of appreciation for my services to Wesley soccer. This gift remains a treasured momento.

When for the first time the "Double Blues" took the field in competitive soccer, there appeared a large "fan" support from both College and the public. Our initial success against Carey College, Christian College, Richmond College, De Mazenod College and Kingswood College, were not only the fruits of labour, but a clear signal to the fancied soccer schools that a new star had appeared in the horizon. Many are the unforgettable pieces of action, for example the De Mazenod encounter at Kandana, when we were trailing one-nil in the final minutes of play, a free kick was awarded to us for a minor offence near 40 yards out in the middle. Upali Samararatne took some measured steps back amidst the absorbing mass, and let go a drive probably rare even in major soccer which sent the sphere curling into the corner of the net, to draw the match and keep the "Blues" undefeated I recall another incident when playing Richmond at the Galle Esplanade, an infuriated crowd invaded the field and manhandled our players triggered off in an incident on the field involving Lou Adhihetty, which could have turned into a fracas if not for the intervention of the late Dr. Dahanayake.

Then I recall Upali, in the game against St. Matthews at Mount Mary executing one of his menacing "gliding" tackles, not only brought down the player but his pants too! Up in Katugastota to play St. Anthony's, the Kandy District soccer champs, our goal keeper Terrence Gunawardene who in later years was Commander of the Air Force, was stricken with high fever, and though advised to stand down was determined to play. I recall the names of Michael Fernando and Rajah Authukorale. Terrence Gunawardene's performance was class. Though it was a drawn game, the major honours went to us.

Let me add a few words of appreciation to every member of the senior and the junior teams, of that period who excelled in the sport and brought honour to their Alma Mater. Lou Adhihetty, Gunasekera, Wimal Goonetilleke, Upali Samararatne, who skippered the "Double Blues" then, were excellent in leadership, apart from their individual performance. I may hasten to say the O.K. Hemachandra, now Deputy Inspector General of Police, Michael Fernando, Upali Samararatne, Nalendra Abeysooriya, Terrence Goonawardene, Rajah Athukorale. Samidon, Razark, and Lou Adhihetty could have donned National jersey, if only if they had pursued with the sport. In Hemachandra there was a very crafty player whose mid-field manoeuvres were.' the base of the team's success. Upali Samararatna's dare and dash and Terrence Gunawardene'.s safe hands were no mean contribution to the glory of Wesley Soccer. The sheer speed and control of Abeysooriya in the wings, and the deft and droit foot work of Michael Fernando, Samidon, Rajah Authukorale, to name a few were a delight to watch. These were then the days when the "Double Blues" bloomed and blossomed at Soccer!

Neville D Abeygunawardene - Wesley's soccer coach of the 50's

Neville - to sir with love by Nizam Hajireen (Soccer and Rugby International)

Forty years of service is certainly a landmark in the life of any individual and if such service is offered 'gratis' the worth is immeasurable. This then is the concise version of the life of Neville Abeygunawardene, the former National Soccer Coach who sadly today lies gravely ill and confined mostly to bed, reminiscing the green years not in a state of good cheer and comfort but more in pain and ponder - the residue of cancer. Seated by the side of his bed last week it saddened me deeply to see his weak and wrinkled body which was once the epitome of the dictum 'mens sana incorpors sano' with the only exception that his faculties were yet in fair control though not the same which kept his trainees in rapt awe throughout the discourses on soccer tactics and stratagem.

It was a hard way to the top

I came to know Neville in the mid fifties when he represented Young Stars FC Kandy skippered by Tom Deen and still later when he played for the Nugegoda District team as a nimble footed yet cut 'Inside Forward'. But my admiration grow to a point of adoration when I had the privilege of being under his mentorship in both the Police soccer team and the National soccer squad. He had the unique ability to get individuals of varied levels of talent dovetailed into a very effective outfit. His initial handling the soccer squads of the army, navy, police, and the air force toughened his stance on discipline more than anything else. Apart from training in the finer points of the sport, he was very particular on behavioral conduct of the trainees be it on or off the field. Just one incident passes my mind right now. Dinapala, a physically strong player in the national squad called his team mate with these words 'dhapan machang boley' a term innocuous and not disparaging at all. Blowing the whistle loud and clear Neville warned the player to mind his language saying that he is training the national team and not a common fish mongers club. Some had to pack up their bags and leave the squad for impropriety in language and behaviour. Probably these attributes contributed to fortify the technicalities in the sport and thus provide a spate of international victories that no other coach to date could equal, leave alone surpass.

Uncompromising in shady situations

When the late Sugathadasa, President of the Football Association went back on an assurance not to play the national squad sans at least two weeks of prior training, Neville tendered his resignation and the entire national squad led by Peter Ranasinghe refused to play, a resulting in the suspension of the coach and the team. However in the resulting litigation the coach and the team were recalled. Similarly when B.G.S. David district judge presiding over the selection of the team for the pre olympic tie in Israel, Neville is alleged to have thrown the relevant selection file in the face of the top brass for pressurising in include just one player who had the nod of the selectors. Having walked out the coach was brought back with no change in the squad and the assurance that the coach alone will either swim or sink with the team and none else whomsoever. Having won the runner up trophy at the eighth Agha Khan Gold Cup international tournament in Dacca, Neville refused to the suggestion of the manager to extend the tour and insisted that the team return home the next day. A few officials then hatched up an inquiry to suspend the coach which never saw the light of day. The famous Saudi tour where the pocket money of the players were denied to them and the coach blew the top off under another mock inquiry ordered by the late Minister Vincent Perera and which ended with the officials found guilty and the coach exonerated. Of the seven litigations that spanned the coaching career of Neville, he came out in all undeterred and undefeated.

So strong was his opposition to slippery, and slimy deals that even to this day thousands of his trainees stand so proudly behind him. I am sure to a man they would be praying that Neville would soon recover from his unfortunate illness and here we thank this peerless coach for all he has done for the poor man's sport.

Thank you Sir!

Neville D. Abeygunawardene — a coach par excellence by Gamini Perera
Neville Dias Abeygunawardene passed away on Christmas night after a long illness. He was 73 years at the time of his death.Well known as one of the most outstanding mentors in local football, Neville’s knowledge of the birth and growth of the sport in Sri Lanka in his book titled "50 years of Association Football in Sri Lanka (1939 - 1989)" made Neville a moon among the stars in the profession.

It was the day after this writer had completed reading his book that he visited the maestro at his then residence down Pepiliyana way.After a long chat with Neville, mainly on football here and abroad, I felt almost bewildered at the colossal knowledge of the game, he was endowed with. His command of expression always kept the listener spell bound. Neville one of my close friends for over three decades was hail and hearty then.Abeygunawardene was responsible for Sri Lanka’s victories over Burma, India, Pakistan and several professional European clubs which visited our land.

Matchless

When it came to intricate questions of coaching, Neville was matchless, simply brilliant.

Explaining the varied patterns, systems, methods and tactics in modern football, he made it obvious that our standards in these aspects were almost pedestrian.To his few detractors who accused Neville of being a theoretician and hardly practical, Neville simply smiled and said "the proof of the pudding is in the eating".Neville, saw red on hearing of misdeeds and mismanagement. Speaking to this writer in his ancestral home in Eheliyagoda, Ratnapura he said that, "excusable are the wrongs done through blissful ignorance but woe be unto those who wittingly err for personal gains and selfish ends".Being a thorough disciplinarian and deeply technical oriented his approach to administrative matters vastly differed from the usual stereotype approaches.

Young coaches

"There are so many up and coming young coaches in our country and if correctly directed, they could be as good as any other in Asia.The pleas for foreign coaches by some is not only plain cock and muck, but a total admission of an inferiority complex in them," Neville, once told this writer.Neville learnt to play the game when he was a tiny tot at Sivali Vidyalaya, in the 'City of Gems'. He was eternally grateful and proud that Ratnapura provided him with all the opportunity to learn and play football for years.Neville ended his school career at Ananda College, Colombo, where he shone both at football and cricket.

Serious entry

Neville’s serious entry to football was in Kandy, where he teamed up with the late Tom Ossen for Youngsters SC. While Ossen went onto win international playing honours, Neville, as coach had the privilege of coaching the amiable Ossen in the national squad. Neville also played for Nugegoda District and was a good ball player.After training himself under the then England national football manager Sir Walter Winterbottom and that great English coach, Billy Wright, Neville continued his training in East Germany and France.The author of two books on football and volumes of writing on the sport, he was also a highly gifted poet.

Archives of English FA

His felicitation of the FIFA presented in rhyme was not only hailed by the world body as a brilliant original, but also achieved a place in the archives of the English FA.He started his coaching career in 1955 with the Wesley College team and was the first national coach of the Maldives.Sacked and suspended twice, resigned thrice, subject to fourth floor interrogation and several inquiries, filed litigation against authority a number of times, all in the course of a colourful football career, the firebrand, was always very much lively and alert, with a razor sharp tongue that gave expression to his brilliant mind.

Neville Abeygunawardene - a person who pioneered a fundamental change by Premasara Epasinghe

Neville D. Abeygunawardena is a person who pioneered for a fundamental change or reversal of conditions or ideas in the field of soccer in this country in the 1960s and 1970s for the betterment of the game. He was an instigator, a coach who revolutionised the game of soccer in Sri Lanka. His contribution to soccer was enormous. He was a man of many parts, a rebellion, who always stood for fair play, justice and for the rights of the footballers and their welfare. As a coach and soccer administrator, he was a staunch disciplinarian, who always called a spade a spade.

Neville, hailed from an aristocratic family from Thalgaswela Walauwa, Eheliyagoda. He was an outstanding soccerite, who served as our national football coach for many years, and did yeoman service to the poor man's game.The golden era of Sri Lanka's soccer dawned under his stewardship as national coach. The players like that gentlemen Peter Ranasinghe, Mahinda Aluvihare, Hasim Deen were some of his brilliant products.

He was born on 29th March 1930. He was an uncompromising disciplinarian.Accompanying the wrath amongst the administration saw him sacked thrice as the national coach, yet, brought him back by popular demand of players - a rare achievement indeed. Neville took V. A. Sugathadasa and Vincent Perera to courts and on each occasion, he came victorious. Football was his life.He was a versatile writer too. He authored two books on soccer, one of which is the history of Sri Lanka football. His presentation to FIFA in poetry was hailed. It was titled Viva FIFA. It is the only contribution in the archives.

In the years gone by, soccer was a popular sport in Ratnapura. He studied at Seevali Maha Vidyalaya, adjoining Kalu Ganga. He played soccer for the Ratnapura side in the years 1945 and 1946. He was interested in cricket too.In 1947, he joined Ananda College, Colombo. His parents were keen to take him out from Seevali as he was a mischievous boy. He used to jump into Kalu ganga and swim. As he had 'two sullis' on his head, the parents, for his safety brought him to Colombo. They say that a person with 'two sullis', will die in water.

One of his contemporaries at Seevali was internationally reputed Joe Abeywickrema. Further Soma Udabage was also a classmate of Neville. English literature and Latin were almost compulsory at Seevali during this period.After joining Ananda, he attended cricket practices with Molligoda, Hewavisanthi, Bonny Wijesinghe and Bobby Wickremasinghe. He was an all-round student - a member of the Sinhala and English debating teams at Ananda College.

Although, Neville did not represent the country, he played for a leading club Harlequins. Due to an injury, he have to give up playing. Then, he took up to coaching. He was a vociferous reader on soccer. First, he coached Wesley College, where they became unofficial champions in soccer in 1952/54.

He coached the national football team for 18 years. He was a controversial figure. He was removed as national coach thrice by V. A. Sugathadasa, Vincent Perera and Kitchilan. He went to courts and won. In 1962, for the first time in the history of soccer in Ceylon, the entire national team went on strike. They walked out of the national camp pool. Peter Ranasinghe was his captain. Football President V. A. Sugathadasa suspended, Neville and the team for five years. Neville took Sugathadasa to court. E. R. S. R. Coomaraswamy appeared for Neville and Neville Samarakoon, former Chief Justice appeared for Sugathadasa. Neville and the Sri Lankan players won the case and they were all re-instated.

Not only in Sri Lanka, he was the national coach of the Republic of Maldives for six months. He took the Maldivian team to Larecenion Island in Madagascar. Maldivians lost to Cameroon 2-1.In 1968, pre-Olympics against Israel in Tel Aviv for 70 minutes the scores were nil. Sri Lanka goalie Hasim Deen was trampled. Lionel Pieris was replaced as the custodian.Last 10 minutes they scored two goals. Some of the players who played against Israel were Mahinda Aluvihare, S. P. (Sene) de Silva, Barjoos Sourjah, Hashim Deen, Edward Wickremasuriya, Jainulabdeen.Neville's greatest achievement as the national coach was the first international win over Pakistan. Then, Sri Lanka beat First Division Club of Switzerland - Swiss Red Star.

Neville, firmly believed that there must be nurseries - to improve soccer standard in Sri Lanka. "You have to tap them young," he said.Outspoken Neville served at the Wellawatte Spinning and Weaving Mills for 20 years in the personnel division. In 1978, he joined Mercantile Credit.During the latter stages of his life be became a victim of cancer and died a couple of years back. It was definitely an irreparable loss to Sri Lanka soccer. He was a honest, dedicated person, who helped many soccerites in Sri Lanka.

His wife's Gladys, was a great inspiration to him. When he was sick, Gladys and children - Rohan, Roshan, Ronald and Romaine looked after him and treated him well. But, unfortunately they could not save this versatile sportsman cum coach.

Play up ! play up ! and play the Game by Pete Mendis

From the 125th Anniversary Souvenir

In the first term of 1946,a notice that the lst XI cricket practices will beheld at the Prison Grounds was displayed. During the first week there was a turn up of about 10, this number gradually increased. Wilbert and M.Marshall, lugged the material to the grounds. (I met Marshall at Wesley when I came down to Sri Lanka in 1997 and seeing him after 50 years evoked mutual memories. The practices were taken very seriously, under the watchful eye of our Captain Edmund Dissanayake, who was ably assisted by Alan Ratnarajab (now deceased). We did well in all our third term matches, defeating Kingswood by an innings and Prince of Wales by three(3) wickets. We were a well knit team displaying a high 'espirit de corps'. Within that term a trip was organised to the 'ruined cities'- accompanying us were two members of the staff- Maurice Weerasooriya better known as "Tojo' and SheltonPeiris. Mr. Paul Senaratne. who was the son of a well known Methodist Minister, Revd. G.A.F.Senaratne, was the District Engineer, C.G.R. our genial host.

Some Senior Police Officers, whose sons were Hostellers mapped an extensive and interesting programme, with comfortable transport provided as well. After a few days , Tojo, a great gentleman, but of the moody type, announced that he was leaving us- none knew why- but however, the planned programme was earned out, under the leadership of Shelton and Edmund. With the commencement of the first term , we bad only Edmund to direct us at the nets, with Fred de Mel (Pappa) dropping in, on and off. The 'Thambi-boutique' was our rendezvous for a stimulating 'gabdee', and cup of tea! followed by a bee-line to Bertus Perera's home, in the company of his very hospitable parents, and the delightful presence of his sisters- Clarice and Junie. Bertus joined the Police and rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police. Then we had a another fine sportsman- L.VJayaweera, father of Vivian who was an Officer in the Mounted Corps. Later L.V. J. spent time after his strenuous work coaching. Our first match in 1947 was with Royal, at Reid Avenue whom we defeated after a lapse of eleven years.

The Monday following was decided a full holiday by the over-joyed Revd. James Cartman., who at the assembly that morning spoke of the teams 'grit and unity'. We felt seven feet tall ! The next match in 1947 was against St Thomas' which will certainly go down in Wesley's cricketing history, as the 'touch and go tragedy match', for Edmund our Skiver, whilst fielding at silly mid-off, switched m the middle of the over to silly mid-on, and was bit on the head when Ronnie Weerakoon(STC) pulled Jayasundera to the mid-wicket boundary. Edmund dropped unconscious, and was carried off the field by the Rev Cartman and Prefects, and rushed to Durdans Nursing . Home, where he re-gained consciousness many days later. Bewildered as we were by this unfortunate incident which caused grievous injury to Edmund, - a fine batsman and a sterling bowler- we were determined to 'play up! and Play the game! ' and infused with a renewed fervour we were able to defeat St Thomas' by 112 runs. Alan took over the role of captain and the team to a man supported him. It is of interest to mention, though on a no(e of regret, that our performance of that year against Royal and St Thomas' has yet to be repeated even after as long as half a century.

This is an open challenge which Wesley must take seriously. In our day we had an aim and a direction, and without doubt like the great lads of today. Some of the 1947 players flit into mind like Harold Matthysz, D.T.Ramanayake, Piyasiri Abeyewardene, Vivil Dias, Denis Van Twest, Clive Bartholomeusz, Natty Prins, and Orville Mottau- of course there were others too who played their part for Wesley. Our next match was against Trinity at Asgirya. We received a warm welcome, as our reputation had preceded us!- though, of course , the media coverage of Trinity was in the superlatives that it had the best school-boy side, which included five (5) cricket Lions. It was our first match on turf. We drew a thrilling match having to make 147 in 90 minutes That year our next encounter was with St Benedict's College., whom we defeated by an innings on the Railway Grounds at Mount Mary. There was an unbecoming incident which marred the very spirit of sportmanship, when supporters of the defeated team smashed the glass pane of Rev. Cartman's car. -The Wesley team and supporters displayed great restraint This annual fixture was off the cards for nearly 40 years and revived in 1980, when Edmund was Prefect of Games. On my meeting Edmund, during a recent visit to Sri Lanka, he told me how thankful he was to Henry Van Buuren ( Wesley Captain of 1935) who coached him, besides giving useful instructions on the strategy of planning and directing not only one's team but also the method adopted by opponents.

Wesley has a high spirit of sportsmanship. I recall Edmund stepping down from Captaincy to give Harold Matthysz a chance. We also had the benefit of M. Sathasivam's great experience as be too coached our team. Both, Henry Van Buuren and Satha boosted the morale and image of the team. One cannot forget the interest, influence and the encouragement the Rev James Cartman exerted in the resurgence of post-war cricket at Wesley, despite the few facilities, in contrast to what are available now. Cricket then moulded us to "Play up! Play up! and Play the game! " and also face up to the challenges of life. What of Wesley today ? Pete Mendis London 1998

Editors Note: Pete A. Mendis apart from his keen interest in Cricket was also involved in many other activities of the school such as the Histographers Society, and was a rumbustious Hosteller, though pint sized! He is the only son of the Late Rev. George Mendis, a one time Chairman of the Methodist Synod. He is married and now lives in London, England

Sport in Wesley -Then kindly sent to me by Mr.N.S.Weerasekera

The writer was old boy of the college and was considered the Doyen of Sports writers In Sri Lanka. We expect knowledgeable young old boys like Richard Dwight and Eric Gauder to update this in future newsletters . Past and present Wesleyites I am sure be interested in what I shall be saying in the course of this article, dealing namely with sports of all forms at the old College in Dam Street, Pettah from 1893 when I was admitted into that institution as a free scholar at the age of ten. In those far off days the Principal was Rev. T C Hillard B A (Lond); the Head master Mr C P Dias MMC and his chief Assistant W E Mack.

Of my old Principals and teachers at Wesley, there is none alive today and of my contemporaries in College as far as I can remember only R F Honter, famous old Wesleyite now living In retirement in England. J,Deheragoda Retired Supdt of Police: J.C.Alwis a veteran of over 80 now living at Wellawatte; A,W.Dissanayake retired schoolmaster of Richmond; Chevalier A Sellamuttu who was a classmate of mine and Robert De Alwis after a master at Kingswood. I can still remember my first from master namely J.W.Amerasekera, also J.A.Wijeyekoon and C.W.Alwis (afterwards a Mudaliyar of the Supreme Court).

I am sure most of my readers will be interested in the following facts. From 1893 till 1897 when Price Park was opened out. Wesley had no Playground. We young pupils indulged in a little cricket in the small compound adjoining the big hall. The older boys used to walk in the evenings to the racquet courts carrying their materials and practice there. The Chalmer's granaries now occupy that space. Later when Price Park a very poor sort of playground was opened out, both senior and junior boys indulged in Cricket and Football on the park. It was in 1893 that Wesley met Royal for the first time in a cricket match. The game took place on the old Royal College tiny playground in San Sebastian.

Wesley were led by A P De Bruin, afterwards Headmaster of All Saints' School at Galle and a famous Church Organist. In the team were C R Perera, a fine left hand batsman. Z H Mantara, later the captain of the Malay CC: Sir Gerard Wijekoon, Ben Honter eldest of the Honter brothers: M H Akbar and W L Faber. Later in 1895 Wesley met Royal -on the Racquet Court, when on the Wesley side were C.R.Pereira.EB Relich,RF Honter WA Joseph and a great fast bowler and Louis Scharenguivel. The last two lived in small park near my place, In 1897 Wesley beat Royal, I believe for the first time on Galle Face Green. M L Warish led Wesley and C E Perera played a brilliant historic innings of 98. In 1898, C E Perera Captained Wesley and among my team-mates were W ONathanielsz and B Joseph, a younger brother of W A Joseph and one of a famous family of eleven brothers who played a match against Bloomfield at the Racquet court. Another member of the Joseph family, Lennie is still alive today.

He also played for Wesley. In 1899, I commenced playing regularly for Nathanielsz. W A Wijekoon a fine all rounder, A W Dissanayake, Richard De Alwis and Lyn Barbut the greatest left hand bowler produced by Wesley. Today, my mind goes back to 1900, when a famous combined colleges team led by E Weerasuriya of Royal beat the invincible Colts CC by a few runs at the Victoria Park. In that famous team were Lyn Barbut, A W Nathanielsz and Willy Ekanayake younger brother of the famous H J V. I'm sure readers will pardon my modesty when as Captain in 1901, 1902. 1903 I set up a record for no one had captained Wesley Three times in a succession. Many years after A R Seneviratne equalled my record but I believe it still stands unique as I also won the Hill Medal in 1903.

The only other Wesleyite who was Captain and won the Hill Medal was the present principal Mr P H Nonis. In those far off days, apart from Royal, the other schools Wesley met In cricket were St Thomas', I would like to mention that in 1903. when the school champions Royal were beaten by Trinity College, Wesley went upto Kandy and on Bogambara grounds beat a famous Trinity eleven led by C V Aluwlhare and John Halangoda by one run. In my time the Combined Colleges, made up of the best cricketers of Wesley, St Josephs, Royal , St Thomas' and Trinity used to meet the leading first class teams in Ceylon and it fell to my honour to lead the combined colleges in several of these games.

In later years these matches ceased to function and today rarely do we hear of a combined colleges team beating the leading sides in Ceylon. Since my time at Wesley that ended in 1906 when I was a junior master and a Lieutenant in the Cadet Corp under captain CV Honter, amongst the famous Wesleyites whom I taught in the middle 3rd Form later won the Ceylon University Scholarship to go to England, not to mention other famous old Wesleyites like Mr.C.E.De Pinto and Mr.Eric Gunasekera afterwards the headmaster of Wesley, and a few others that I cannot remember.

Talking of famous cricketers produced by Wesley since 1903 belie the best were the late R E S Mendis, Sammy Gunasekera, both left handers who played for all Ceylon: F W Dias who was Captain in 1908-1909. T Sathasivam another fine left arm bowler whose son M Sathasivarn later played for Wesley and called as a batsman, A M Fuard. and R N Kannangara one of the greatest all rounder ever produced by Wesley scoring 1000 runs and taking 100 wickets in one year. After that come the brothers Mayol H S Joseph, who Is now I believe settled In Australia; A C Mendis a good left hander who played for the Notts; S Nagendran who also played for all Ceylon; Aban V Fernando, who was at one time master and cricket coach at Wesley and is now a well known sports journalist and the brothers Claessen - Radley and Brian.

I am not referring to famous - Wesleyites in the last ten years as their records are well known to readers. Among the greatest batsman produced since 1893, by Wesley first must be placed C E Perera; next comes In M Sathasivam who has done well for All Ceylon. I must not fail to mention that three best left arm bowlers were L Barbut, R E S Mendis, and Sammy Gunasekera. I can only deal briefly with Wesley's other sporting pastimes like Boxing. Athletics, and Soccer. In Boxing Wesley produced three of the greatest Boxers of all time in FC Jayawardene his brothers AP and AB and Henricus, who is still alive and a keen old sportsman. Also LV Jayaweera a truly fine pugilist and more recently HC Zavahir.

In Athletics Wesley have held annual meets and produced a fairly high standard of sport. The greatest Athletic product of Wesley was MA M Sheriff who later won the Athletics blue at Oxford University and also in the United States. Since the days of the school at Price park Wesley played Soccer matches with Royal, St Joseph's and other schools and did well. Since the days of the school at Price park Wesley played Soccer matches with Royal, St Joseph's and other schools and did well.

Sport in Wesley - NOW - from the Prefect of Games Mr Kenneth de Silva

Cricket: The 1st XI team was not a normal Wesley outfit but their performance was very satisfactory. The under 13 team won 6 out of 8 matches played in the All island Division Two tournament. We lost to Holy Cross, Kalutara in the Semi Finals. Faris Mahroof was the Vice Captain of the under 15 cricket team that took part in the World tournament. He was gifted with cricket gear by the joint efforts of the OBU.

Soccer: The under 16 Soccer team reached the finals of the Colombo district. schools football association tournament, but were unlucky- to lose to Isipathana College. The match was drawn and the championship was decided on a penalty shoot-out which we lost 3-2 (In November 2000) This under 16 team also reached the semi finals of the All Island Schools Championship. Chess The under 19 team won the St John's College invitation schools championship in Feb. 2000.

Chess: Our under 17 Chess team won the Bishop's College 125th anniversary invitation schools tournament in June 2000 and the western province schools championship in July 2000.

Rugger: The under 13 squad won the All Island School's championship for the 2nd consecutive year in November 2000. The Wesley boys scored over 200points and conceded only 5points in winning all the 6 matches played.They were feted by the OWSC at Tea withe the former Rugby union President Lionel Almeida being the guest of honour. The OBU, Welfare Society and the OWSC also presented a purse to the coach Mr. Disantha Priyadarsana. If we keep this talented coach on a permanent basis we could surely see more successes in the future. The under 15 emerged Runners up at the All Islad Schools Tournament held in Oct 2000.They also participated in Malaysia where they won 4 matches and lost the semi final. Steve Perera and Lahiru Boteju were selected for the under 19 Rugby squad in the Junior Asia in Sri Lanka.

Satha - bewitching elegance on and off the field by Alfred Gogerly Moragoda CCS From the 125th Anniversary Souvenir

Sri Lanka's recent cricket exploits prompt an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling ' s Recessional " The tumult and the shouting have died. The Captains and their teams have departed. "The humble heart, which the Recessional terms an ancient sacrifice has been amply demonstrated by Sri Lanka's outstanding players personally. They have emphasized that the credit of success belongs to their team and not to themselves individually. However, the sacrifice for a contrite heart, also counselled in the Recessional, is hardly to be noticed anywhere. On the contrary, some even green to gloat over Sri Lanka's straight victories in the Wills World Cup matches and the Singer World Series matches, especially, and this not without some sense of justice, over its humiliation of the same adversaries in the finals of both these events. Even the newspapers have gone to town over.

Sri Lanka's cricket. An editorial refers to the "decisive defeat of the Aussies for the second time" and goes on to add "our cricketing talent is truly extraordinary ... the exhilarating batsman ship of a Sathasivarn or the wicket- keeping of a Navaratne or the all round performance of a Gunasekera or Prins were the first indications of an island full of cricketing talent." All the names mentioned above are those of true sportsmen. But, perhaps, Sathasivam got more fun and joy from his cricket because he was that kind of person. It was fantastic that he was placed on remand for the murder of his wife. Those who knew him well certainly knew him as a murderer most merciless of the cricket ball.! He was the most naturally gifted batsman the world has ever .seen, the most charmingly disdainful of any kind of bowling, the most nonchalant in situations most desperate.

It was well-nigh impossible to seta field to contain him. He found than gaps with effortless ease. And he did it with artistry and finesse. It is no wonder he captained two countries at cricket. Had he played in his heyday in England, the cricket world could have placed him in no other class than that of Ranji and Duleep. These two I have not seen. But Hobbs and Sutcliffe I have, and Hammond and Bradman, and Miller and Dexter, and Worrell and Sobers. And Satha was indisputable their peer. This is only my opinion. And I have no hesitation in recording it. The bewitching elegance with which he walked to the wicket won my heart in a way in which the erect grace of Miller, the lordly hauteur of Dexter and the measured arrogance of Bradman, as they marched to their stance, failed to captivate me.

And the smile with which Satha took his place at the wicket, looking gleefully round the field noting the spot- left vacant by the opposing captain, was certainly not that of a crude and graceless murderer. So I visited Satha in the remand goal, moved by my affection, faith and goodwill. And as we talked he continue smiling with the same nonchalance he showed when he had a bat in his hand to face the wiles of the opposing bowlers in the most averse circumstances ii the cricket field. He chattily asked what his person said and what the person said about the murder he was alleged to have( committed And I told him that none of his fellow cricketers would dream that he had any hand in it The truth of this Keith Miller, Australia's greatest all-rounder clearly illustrated, when he also visited the remand to add his own quota to Satha's buoyancy.

In the course of my own visit to see him on remand the question of questions that Satha asked me was what my own wife thought about the charge that he had murdered his wife. I did not want to be untruthful. I confessed that not only my wife but all her friends, many if whom has been to her old school, were in no doubt that he had committed the murder, and they were all out for his blood Satha grinned. He had once had a skirmish with my wife's old school, which at that time had a Principal with an alphabetical name, something like Miss L. M. N O.P. The father of one of Satha's friends had a spadous jalopy. This Satha, then in his final year at school, had taken with his friends in the early hours of one morning, and in it they had loaded, as they passed by the flower pots that had the fairest flowers that ever blew in Cinnamon Gardens. Those days no garden gate was ever locked.

The morning found these flowerpots neatly arranged inside the premises of the alphabetically named Principals school. Satha and his friends were singing happy songs within its sacred walls as the maidens arrived in school. As word got around the Principal came on the scene. Satha went down on his knees. And, moving on his knees, one knee following the other in measured time, he came up to the Principal and asked her to be his bride. The Principal replied that she was still too young to think of marriage, but would keep the proposal in mind for consideration when she was old enough. Round one to the Principal. She then nicely told the gathered school boys that they has better leave in a hurry.

Some of the flower pots had been recognised by a damsel or two as belonging to their mammas, and the clamouring owners were on their way to claim them possibly in the company of the minions of the law. The Principal said she did not wish to see nice boys in trouble. They scrammed. Round two to the Principal. The next Principal of this school had the same name as the boy who did not have a penny to pay for his pie. But why should I not give the name of the chief guest she invited one year for the school prize giving. He was the Rev Lakdasa de Mel. The Principal in presenting her annual report, proudly reported that her school had won all the shields at the all island athletics meet for girls schools that year.

When it came to the Chief Guest's turn to speak he said all the nice things a Chief Guest is expected to say about teachers and parents and school girls and so on. lie also said that he was not a bit surprised, when he heard that part of the Principal's report about the prowess shown by the girls of her school in athletics, because he has always known that this school produced the fastest girls in the island. The Principal's face did not go cherry red. She smiled broadly and clapped. We loved her. When I saw Satha on remand I chose to speak of happy days. All these things, we recalled, may be to keep myself in good cheer. For Satha I had no need to cheer. He remained the embodiment of confidence and good cheer. As I left he asked me to give my wife his regards, and to tell her that, when he comes out, she is the next on his list.!

Editors Note: Alfie Moragoda, was for a short period, on the staff of Wesley, prior to his joining the prestigious Ceylon Civil Service, where he had a distinguished service holding many top administrative positions. Alfred was a prolific writer to leading newspapers under the pseudonym of Gaymede. He is the composer of the song "Minneriya Serenade" which was an inspiration of his courtship days.

Danesh Dissanayake Scores 5 Centuries by Dayaprasad Peiris

When Wesley skipper Danesh Dissanayake made his second successive century against Royal at Reid Avenue this season be achieved the rare distinction of getting those centuries on the same grounds. Danesh Dissanayake made exactly a 100 runs at Reid Avenue in 1988 and then followed up with another century of 114 against Royal this year. Of course the non-availability of the Wesley College grounds this year due to the laying of a turf wicket at Campbell Park forced the Wesley- Royal game lo be played at Reid Avenue this year too.

Danesh Dissanayake has been a consistent run getter and a capable medium pace bowler who did great service to the team from 1985 when be joined Wesley after doing so well at Nalanda. Danesh Dissanayake when he made die second century against Royal be broke the existing record for the highest number of centuries previously held by Brian Claessen and Lou Adhihetty making four centuries each. When Brian Claessan played for Wesley from 1951 to 1953 there was a complete rejuvenation in the game, as many watched his batsman ship which delighted them. His stature, poise and the way be stroked the ball to all parts of the field was full of glamour and sheer artistry.

During his three year spell be made four delightful memories for Wesley, 101 not out against Trinity in 1951, 115 against Kingswood in 1951, with both those innings played cm their respective grounds in Kandy. Brian Claessen also made several fifties during his career. Then in 1953 as Captain he made a fighting 105 against St.Thomas' College in the second innings of a drawn encounter led by P.I.Peiris on the Mt. Lavinia turf. In the final game Claessen made a belligerent unbeaten 157 against Richmond College, at Campbell Park associating in a record partnership with Abu Fuard who made a defiant 101. Wesley will always remember the Claessen era with nostalgia.

The next Wesleyite to score four centuries was the left hander Lou Adhihetty who made 114 against St Josephs in 1955 and followed up with three centuries, 147 against Kingswood. 104 against Trinity, and repeated his performance against St. Joseph's making 116 in 1956 at Darley Road. Brian Claessen had the distinction of playing for All-Ceylon against Len Hutton's England players in a whistle stop game at the Oval as a schoolboy along with the Thomian skipper lan Peiris in October 1953.

Danesh Dissanayake now has the privilege of surpassing these two cricketers making five centuries for Wesley during his career. Dissanayake made 107 not out against Carey in 1985 at Campbell park, 145 against Issipatana in 1987 at the Colts grounds, 100 against Royal at Reid Avenue, 105 against St Joseph's in 1989 at Darley Road and 114 against Royal at Reid Avenue. The full fledged all rounder has done quite well and in 1988 became the first schoolboy batsman to reach the golden 1000 runs.

Danesh Dissanayake during that season missed several centuries including 93 against St.Thomas at the P.Saravanmuttu Stadium. A bright prospect for the future and if recognised by the national selectors he should perform quite creditably in competitive cricket.

Dayaprasad Peiris Editor's Note'. This was an article written by Dayaprasad Peiris and appeared in the "Island" of 7th April 1989. He submitted this for publication in the souvenir, shortly before he passed away. He was a regular sports contributor to the "Island" Newspaper.

Dharshika Jayakody - Wesley's Batting Prodigy by Edmund Dissanayake

Dharshika Jayakody, Wesley's cricket captain has broken all batting records. As at 1st November 98', he has notched up 8 centuries. Of the 18 Inter-Collegiate matches arranged by the School, 13 more remain to be played, and one can reasonably expect Jayakody to increase his tally. In 1997, Jayakody scored 116 Vs St. Joseph's, 131 Vs Kingswood, 110 Vs Trinity, and 136 Vs Richmond. In 1998, he scored 125 Vs St. Thomas, 126 Vs Carey, 101 Vs Nalanda, and in the third term of 1998, 171 not out Vs Maris Stella. Jayakody began to blossom as Captain of the Under 15 team. He is grateful to his Junior coaches Messrs. Buddhadasa, Kodituwakku, and W. A. N. Silva who nurtured him in the formative stages.

Under the watchful eye of Bandula Warnapura, presently head coach, very much more could be expected from Jayakody. His father, a former Bank Executive, has given him all the encouragement that he required. Jayakody is also an excellent off-spin bowler, his best being 6 for 54 against Prince of Wales in 1997. It is important to bear in mind that individual performance alone will not help to produce good cricket What is most important is collective team-effort that will produce glorious victories as evidenced in earlier years.

Roshan David by Edmund Dissanayake

Rohan David became the second Wesley cricketer to score 5 Centuries for the School, when he scored 107 runs against Mahinda College in 1991. His earlier centuries are as follows:

In 1989 he scored 108 Vs. Carey, 150 V Mahanama, 100 Vs Issipatana. In 1990, Roshan created a batting record when he scored 199 Vs Royal at Reid Avenue. He was unfortunate to miss a double century by just one run. David's 199 included 33 hits to the ropes In addition, David had a big score of 89 V St. Sebastian in 1990, and a good bowing performance of 8 for 97. David captained the School in 1991. He was left handed batsman, and a right handed spin bowler. He should go far in cricket if the Cricket Board takes a close look at him.

A country tribute to Sir Donald Bradman by Bryan Claessen

Recollections of acts of sportsmanship By Edmund Dissanayake

The cricket match between Trinity and Wesley played at Campbell Park in 1956 will be remembered for the splendid sportsmanship displayed by Trinity in bowling as many as 6 overs in 12 minutes (no mandatory overs then) and not employing "delaying tactics" to baulk a Wesley victory. In the final innings Wesley were left with 12 minutes to score 49 for victory. To the eternal credit of the Trinity players, they refrained from employing "delaying tactics." They did not delay unnecessarily in setting the field, nor did they delay between overs. If one were to leave 3 minutes for an over, only 4 overs would have been possible. But Trinity bowled as many as 6 overs. The way that these two senior cricket schools played the King of Games that day, was an object lesson to everybody. "For when the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, he writes not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game". It is also relevant to record that Trinity’s coach was none other than "Gentleman" Hilary Abeyratne, presently in Australia.

In 1946, in the match between Royal and Wesley, Harold Matthysz of Wesley was given out to a catch that went off his boot. Mahes Rodrigo the Royal skipper, recalled Harold to the wicket. Shortly after, Mahes played for All-Ceylon. Again, in a match played on the Nalanda Grounds, Royal skipper, Sarath Samarasinghe, (who was also wicket-keeper) who had the ball in his hands, refrained from running out the opposing batsman as he had collided with a Royal fielder in the middle. In the early sixties, Wesley batsman Milroy Jebarajah, aware that he was out caught behind, walked back to the pavilion, although there was no nod from the umpire. On that occasion, the President of the Umpires’ Association, Dodwell Soysa, who was an eye-witness to the incident, presented Jebarajah with a bat, on the following day.

There is the case of Danesh Dissanayake, Wesley’s opener who did likewise in the match against Thurstan in 1986, being applauded all the way to the Pavilion, it will be recalled that Danesh captained Wesley in 1989, and was selected as "The Ceylon Schools’ Best All-Rounder". He is presently in Australia. Again Wesley Captain Mahendra Dissanayake went halfway to the pavilion to recall an Isipatana batsman who had been given out caught. But sad to say, when Mahendra was on 85, a feeble solitary appeal for L. B. W, was upheld, when he attempted to glide a ball outside the leg stump. Sometimes it is dangerous to be too good! He too is presently in Australia. He was selected as "The Sports Star" in 1985.

Two Sri Lankan masters by Ramachandra Guha ( from "The Hindu" the Indian daily)

Cricket in Sri Lanka is founded on the schools. And in the honours system in schoolboy cricket, the batsman always takes precedence over the bowler. At that level, to score 50 or 100 is more generously rewarded, by fellow schoolboy and teacher alike, than to take four or five wickets. This background might explain why that beautiful, fractured island has produced so many great batsmen but very few bowlers of true international class. The doyen of Sri Lankan batsmen was undoubtedly F.C. (Derek) De Saram. He was born in 1912, into a home of sport and privilege. De Saram was an upper class Burgher who studied at Royal College, Colombo, before going up to Oxford in 1932. Here he was treated shamefully by the cricket authorities (as, years before at Cambridge, had been the experience of another brown-skinned aristocrat, K. S. Ranjitsinhji). They would not even give him a net, so he went off instead to the tennis courts. Here the equation was man-to-man, and the colour of one's skin did not matter so long as one beat one's opponent 6-0, 6-0. De Saram got his tennis Blue two years in a row, then tried his hand once more at The Parks. He was picked for the game against the visiting Australians, scoring an immaculate 100, this against Clarrie Grimmett and Bill O'Reilly, who otherwise carried all before them that summer. Of an Oxford total of 216, last year's reject made 128 (96 of these in boundaries), a lowly 16 being the next highest score. Three of his four sixes were hit off Grimmett. De Saram had now to be chosen for the University match, where he stroked a silken 85 in two hours at the crease.

While De Saram played active cricket, he got, on the average, one chance every five years to bat against bowlers of quality (there were none at home). From what he did to them we may consider him to have been a player of high class. In 1936 he played for Minor Counties against the Indian touring side, being "merciless" on Mohammed Nissar and Amar Singh, a pairing almost as deadly with the new ball as Grimmett and O'Reilly were with the old. He returned to Colombo the same year, his Oxford degree safely in his pocket. Then in November 1937 he was invited by the Catholic Gymkhana of Bandra to play for "The Rest" in the Bombay Pentangular. It was the first time this team of leftovers had made its appearance in the tournament. Also chosen for The Rest, and accompanying De Saram on the boat from Colombo, was the Buddhist opening batsman S. S. Jayawickreme, who had once battled with Derek for Royal College.

In the winter of 1932-33, while his mate was cooling his heels in Oxford, Jayawickreme was enjoying a fine tour of India with a Ceylonese team, scoring 50 and 100 in the two representative matches, being especially severe on Mohammed Nissar. When The Rest played the Muslims they were without Vijay Hazare, but even in his presence De Saram would have assumed, as of right, the mantle of leading batsman. He scored 50 in the first innings, his compatriot Jayawickreme contributing 67. When the Rest were set 266 to win in the fourth innings, Jayawickreme was out early for a duck, and the leg spin of Amir Elahi was too much for most of the others. But De Saram stayed till the end, scoring 133 not out with 22 boundaries, drives and cuts in the main, taking his side to within 33 runs of victory. This was the first ever competitive first-class match organised at the Brabourne Stadium, and De Saram's remains one of the finest innings played at that once famous, but now neglected, cricketing venue. Almost 20 years after he battled Elahi, De Saram came up against another show bowler of quality, Johnny Wardle. With the rest of Len Hutton's M.C.C. side bound for Australia, Wardle had stopped in Colombo to play a one-day match against All-Ceylon. De Saram, by now well into his forties, picked Wardle off his toes for six and then hit him repeatedly over extra-cover: the kind of treatment the Yorkshire left-armer never received from the stay- at-home English batsmen.

The poet Alan Ross, who was covering Hutton's tour for The Observer, wrote that "Wardle must have thought himself faced by a species (of batsman) newly arisen from the ocean". So long as the journeys were made by boat between Australia and England, touring teams bound for one or other country would stop en route at Colombo. Bradman played there, as did Miller, Compton, Statham and Hutton. The talents of the home side in these pick-up matches so impressed Jack Fingleton that he suggested that the best Ceylonese cricketers, like De Saram, be considered eligible for selection to Indian Test sides. The Indians, always patronising towards their little neighbours, offered instead to allow Ceylon University to enter the Rohinton Baria Trophy, and to organise an annual three-day match between the state side of Madras (later Tamil Nadu) and Ceylon (not yet Sri Lanka), played for the Gopalan Trophy, this named after the Madras fast bowler and double international. In the first of these fixtures, played in 1952 at Chepauk, De Saram was captain of Ceylon. He would, in most people's judgment, be skipper of an all-time Sri Lankan eleven as well.

This selection would not, perhaps, be based on his batting genius alone. For De Saram was, by both nature and upbringing, an autocrat. In 1962, by which time he had put away his kit for good, he was a key figure in the right-wing, military-aided attempt to unseat the democratically elected government of S.W.R.D. Bandarnaike. The coup failed, and De Saram was incarcerated for a long time in Colombo jail. In the late 1960s he was visited in prison by his fellow Oxonian and batting stylist, Colin Cowdrey. Cowdrey - who had chased some of those hits off Wardle back in 1954 - reported later that for their meeting the old warrior had put on his M.C.C. tie. A near contemporary of De Saram was Mahadevan Sathasivan. "Satha was from a prosperous business family, yet the elite St. Thomas's College rejected him, possibly because he was a Tamil. He joined the rival Wesley College, then hit a double century against the school which would not have him. Satha was a cricketer who liked the high life, a wanderer who went on to captain no less than three countries at the sport he chose to play in the daytime. Madras cricket lovers still speak in wonder of the 215 he scored in four hours of magical batsmanship at Chepauk for Ceylon against South Zone in 1947, this knock a strong claimant for the title of best innings ever played on that great ground.

When Satha went into bat his manager said he would present him a bottle of Scotch if he made 100. He was 120 not out at close of play, then extracted a promise from the manager that he would send him for a week's holiday in Bombay if he achieved a second one. After partying all night Satha went on the next morning to his double hundred. In this innings he would come down the wicket even to C. Rangachari, India's fastest bowler. Like Mushtaq Ali he dressed smartly, sporting a white handkerchief tied around his neck, and, like Mushtaq again, he played on dancing feet. S. K. Gurunathan, writing of his innings in The Hindu, said that Satha played all the shots, most majestically the late cut and a leg glide by which "he waved the ball from his presence". Three years later he scored a faultless 96 against a Commonwealth attack led by Fred Freer, Frank Worrell and George Tribe, three Test bowlers, the last one of the greats. While still in his pomp as a player, Sathasivam was arrested on a murder charge. He was accused of killing his wife with an ammi, the massive cylindrical stone that Tamils use to grind the batter for their idli and dosai. Satha dipped deep into his savings and flew out a Queen's Counsel from London. The Q.C. was able to get him acquitted, so the Ceylonese batsman escaped the fate of the Jamaican and West Indian fast bowler Leslie Hylton, hanged in 1955 for wife-murder. Satha then settled down in Singapore, captaining its cricket team, and later, after the island's merger with its northern neighbour, led Malaysia as well. When the tempers had sufficiently cooled he returned to his homeland, to become once more a habitue of the bars and pavilions where they discussed great cricket feats, his included. De Saram and Sathasivan were batsmen of genius and men of will. They would be automatic choices in an all-time Sri Lankan eleven - at any rate, in an eleven selected by men above the age of 50. They were worthy forerunners of those who have come since, of strokemakers and artists such as Duleep Mendis, Roy Dias, Aravinda De Silva, Arjuna Ranatunga and Sanath Jayasurya.

Wesley’s Sporting Principals by Edmund Dissanayake

From left:
Rev. David S. T. Izzett (1941 - 1942)
Rev. James Cartman (1945 - 1949)
P. Harold Nonis (1957 - 1961)
Mr.Shelton A. Wirasinghe (1962 - 1983)
Dr. L. Louis de Z. Adihetty (1985 - 1988)
Mr.Dunston Fernando (1989 - 1995)

Mr.Dunstan Fernando is the present acting principal of Wesley College which was founded on the 2nd. of March 1874, has had the unique distinction of having as her head no less than six principals who were active sportsmen....Rev. David Izett, Rev. James Cartman, Harold Nonis, Shelton Wirasinghe, Dr. Lou Adhihetty and Dunstan Fernando, the present Acting Principal. The first four named have completed their innings on earth, brilliantly.

REV. IZETT was the principal from 1941 to 1942 and was also a very keen sportsman having represented King’s College, London, at rugby. He encouraged every sport at Wesley. Hence, it was not surprising that under the captaincy of Albert Perera, Wesley emerged unofficial cricket champions in 1941. The vagaries of cricket could be judged by the fact that S. Thomas’ who had been beaten by Wesley, defeated Royal, who in turn defeated Wesley. The team was coached by School Master F. J. Senaratne who had not played cricket at all! He learnt his cricket by reading books. During Rev. Isett’s regime the Wesley hockey team drew large and appreciative crowds, wherever they played. The team was captained by A. Nithyanathan, who in later life functioned as Chief Justice of an African state. Ceylon’s hockey wizard A. Mylvaganam, who captained All-Ceylon, was a live wire of this team.

REV. JAMES CARTMAN was the principal from 1945 to 1949. Rev. Cartman used to turn out regularly for the Colombo Cricket Club, where he excelled as a bat and a cover point fielder. Rev. Cartman was the first President of the Ceylon Schools’ Cricket Association, which was inaugurated in 1947. At that time, the responsibility of selecting teams for the schools rested solely on the Schools’ Cricket Association, which was devoid of any interference from other bodies. They acted very responsibly, and earned many plaudits for their selection of school teams. It was during Rev. Cartman’s principalship that Wesley defeated cricket rivals Royal and S. Thomas’ in 1947, both matches being played on the opponents’ grounds. In athletics, while still schoolboys Mohamed Sheriff, Harold Matthysz and Ian Campbell, competing with the cream of Ceylon’s athletes, secured Ceylon titles in long jump, the javelin throw and high jump events, respectively. Others who excelled were Norman de Laharpe T. Van Rooyen and T. Alalasunderam. Rev. Cartman was able to invite top cricketers of the world to Wesley college, whenever they passed through Colombo. The cricket war-cry, which he introduced. "Zam Zam Zake, Zam Zam Zay, Ishoba, Ishoba Qoh Ah Eh" continues to be rendered at school functions even today. On match days, Rev. Cartman spearheaded the war-cry at assembly. Certainly, his personal interest produced results.

HAROLD NONIS was the principal from 1957 to 1961. He was the first Wesleyite to head Wesley. He skippered Wesley in 1921. A left-handed bat, he notched up a century against St. Joseph’s in 1921, Seventeen years later C. P. W. Van Geyzel broke his record, all his runs coming from SINGLES! It was during Harold Nonis’ regime that Lucky Goonetilleke was selected as the Best Schoolboy Bowler of 1959. Lucky played for All-Ceylon, and the crowd present at the Colombo Oval would remember how he clean bowled England Captain Ted Dexter neck and crop.

SHELTON Wirasinghe came as Principal in 1962 and functioned in that capacity till 1983. He played for Richmond College, Galle as an opening bat; and was a hard nut to dislodge. Wirasinghe was also President of the Schools’ Cricket Association. During his principalship the school was selected twice as the Best Schools’ team. The first was in 1963 under the captaincy of Milroy Muthuvaloe. That year Darrel Maye was adjudged "Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year". The team was coached by former cricket captain Henry Van Buren. The next occasion was in 1969 under the captaincy of Amaresh Rajaratnam. In 1969 Wesley registered victories over Isipatana, Kingswood, St. Joseph’s, Royal and Richmond. This team was coached by former captain, Edmund Dissanayake. Shelton Wirasinghe passed away on the 13th November 1985. A tribute paid to him by the late Kenneth de Lanerolle, who was principal in 1984 is worth recalling...."This man of such vitality, such wit, charm and compassion has gone, leaving a void in many places where he was needed and loved. He was committed to Truth, Beauty and Goodness..." Mr. Kenneth M. de Lanerolle who passed away on the 5th of May this year had the privilege of heading three schools Wesley, Kingswood and Carey with great acceptance. During Wirasinghe’s period of office, allrounder Navin de Silva was selected to lead the Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Tour of England in 1981, and it is worthy of mentioning that Arjuna Ranatunge and Aravinda de Silva, captain and vice captain respectively of the national team later played under Navin on this tour. In 1981 Navin was selected as the "Best Schools’" Captain, and the "Best Allrounder".

DR. LOU ADHIHETTY was appointed principal in 1985. His appointment is unique in that he is the first Sri Lankan cap to be appointed head of any school. Lou captained Wesley at cricket, hockey, soccer and athletics. His consecutive centuries against St. Joseph’s and his centuries against Kingswood and Trinity will be long remembered where the ball flashed to the boundary, bullet-like! While in England, Lou captained his school Millfield at cricket.He won his national cap in hockey at the Asian Games in Jakartha in 1962. He won his "Hockey Blue" at the Cambridge University. Lou is presently in Switzerland, and continues to support the school in several ways. Once again, in 1985, Wesley was selected as the "Best School Team". Mylvaganam Ganesh was captain, and the coach was former captain Milroy Muthuvaloe. There can be no doubt that it was because of the active encouragement of the head that produced excellent results.

DUNSTAN FERNANDO, having served for a long period as vice-principal of Wesley was appointed its principal in 1989. And continued in the post till 1995. Once again he was invited to head Wesley in Sep. 2000 until the return of the new principal M. A. P. Fernando from abroad. Dunstan Fernando had an infinite knowledge of the intricacies of cricket. His active interest and encouragement extended to cricketers when it was most needed, materially helped them. Dunstan’s love for cricket nearly took toll of his life when he was vice-principal. At the Annual Staff-Prefects cricket match Dunstan opened batting with me. Very soon he was among the runs, and scored freely all round the wicket. The score began to mount...but the pace was too much for Dunstan, who collapsed through exhaustion and was rushed to the hospital. But everybody rejoiced when he returned to school, shortly after. Dunstan’s knowledge of the game was such, that he would have been an excellent coach. Whenever the team did badly, his very presence and active encouragement worked wonders. He did not look up to teaching as a profession but as a vocation. He was an excellent teacher of English and mathematics. In fact just now he has undertaken to teach English to several members of the staff, free of charge! The extensions to Campbell Park were made during his period of office. During his period of office two cricketers scored five centuries each. Danesh Dissanayake was the first Wesleyite to complete five centuries in 1989, while two years later Roshan David followed suit. However, it was Dharshika Jayakody who in 1998 completed the scoring of eight centuries. Dunstan will always be remembered as a great builder in addition to cricket. The Rev. Daniel Pereira block of classrooms, extensions to the Labrooy Block, chaplain’s quarters, and for the first time a much needed CHAPEL came to be built. The personal interest of these few principals certainly helped the school to occupy a very high place in sports.

Lakshman Ravindra Goonetilleke by Premasara Epasinghe

60-year-old Lakshman Ravindra Goonetillekewas undoubtedly one of the best -left-arm fast bowlers that Sri Lanka produced. He sent Dexter's middle stump cart-wheeling at the Colombo Oval with a peach of a ball. In his brief stint as a left-arm paceman, he made his mark. His cricket career was cut short as he took up to planting. Distinguished Old Wesleyite L. R. Goonetilleke held the prestigious post of president of the old Wesleyite Sports Club for many years. Lucky is married to Nirmala. She is a tower of inspiration to him. They have a son Anuraj and two daughters Maheshika and Gihanka. Fatherly figure silver-haired Goonetilleke is a charming personality, a fine conversationalist, a knowledgeable cricketer and an equally fine gentleman.

Premasara Epasinghe - To begin with tell us your reminiscences about your childhood and early schooling. LRG - I was born and bred at Nugegoda. My parents sent me to Royal Primary School. As did not gain admission to Royal college at Grade 6, I joined Wesley College. Some of my contemporaries at RPS were Sarath Samarasinghe, who captained Royal in the late 1950s and Nihal Kodituwakku, the present Royal College, cricket coach. We had a big garden at our home at Old Kesbewa Road, we played tennis-ball cricket. Merril Gunaratne, who later became a Deputy Inspector General of Police also used to play with us. Later he represented Colts CC.

PE - I feel that Royal's loss was Wesley's gain? LRG - Well of course, I was very fortunate that I studied at Wesley. It is a great educational institution. It is multi-ethnic and multi-religious. We lived and studied like one family. Not only we learnt our books our character were moulded at Wesley. Therefore, I do not regret not entering Royal. I know that Royal College is also a great seat of learning. It's rather unfortunate that I could not enter Royal. I consider it as a blessing in disguise.

PE - Which year did you enter Wesley? LRG - In 1954. PE - Which year did you leave? LRG - In 1960. I was a fairly good student, surprisingly, I came down in the University Entrance Examination. Those days they have done away with the viva. If the viva was there, I would have gained admission as I would have got additional marks for sports. PE - Who were your principals at Wesley during your time? LRG - For the major part of my career at Wesley my principal was C. J. Orloff. Then, Mr. P. H. Nonis. They were highly dedicated and committed educationists. Then we had some of the best teachers in the island.

PE - How did your school cricket career begin? LRG - I first played junior cricket and at under 11 level I showed promise as a left-arm fast bowler. I played for the Wesley first XI for three years - 1958, 1959 and 1960.

PE - Who coached you and who was your master-in-charge of cricket? LRG - I was very fortunate that I came under one of the best cricket coaches in Sri Lanka Mr. R. B. Wijesinghe. He initially helped me to become one of the best schoolboy fast bowlers. He corrected my delivery and got me to bowl at one-stump at practices. He concentrated to improve my length and direction, which can be considered as the foundation in bowling. Mr. B. J. H. Bahar and Edmund Dissanayake also coached me. Mr. Dissanayake, who captained Wesley in 1940s was a teacher attached to Wesley and he was in charge of cricket for many years. Edmund Dissanayake and his son Danesh Dissanayke had the proud distinction of captaining Wesley.

PE - Who was your first XI captain in your first year? LRG - Late Nalendra Abeysuriya. Then, I played the following year under Senthil Sinniah, who is living in England.

PE - Who opened bowling with you for college? LRG - From 1958 to 1960 I opened bowling with Mihilar. He was a fine bowler.

PE: Yes. Among the most exciting discoveries of the Post-war era Ted Dexter is one of the games most outstanding personalities. At Cambridge he got his Blue for cricket and for Golf and captained his university cricket team in his third season (1958). He also made his Test debut that same summer scoring 52 against New Zealand at Manchester. His county, Sussex, also recognised his ability by appointing him captain in 1960. Dexter elected England captain in 1961-1962, led the country in 30 of his 62 tests. His highest score was obtained in a Test Match 205 vs Pakistan at Dacca in 1961-62, and those who witnessed the swashbuckling power-packed masterly innings of 70 in 80 minutes in a crisis at Lords against West Indies in 1963 will never forget it.

Abu Fuard - Asia's best off-spinner and king-maker by Premasara Epasinghe (9th July 2000)

They brought honour and glory Born on 6th December 1936, in Colombo, he started his cricketing career at Wesley College, Colombo and shone as an allrounder. Later, he represented Moors SC, Colts CC, and CCC and went on to represent Sri Lanka from 1956 1971. Undoubtedly he was the best-off-spinner in Asia during this era. After hanging up his boots, Abu Fuard took to cricket administration. He was appointed full time Manager of Sri Lanka Team for 3 years from 1985. Prior to this period too, he was a successful Manager. Under his guidance Sri Lanka scored the first test victory against India at Saravanamuttu stadium. This was followed by beating Pakistan and Sri Lanka annexed the Asia Cup. In 1979 Abu acted as Sri Lanka Cricket Manager in the World Cup and during his period Sri Lanka won the ICC Trophy and thus qualified to play in the World Cup proper in 1979. At the conclusion of this Tournament Sri Lanka were placed 4th ahead of India, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Abu Fuard was a member of the selection committee of the BCCSL from 1976 to 1981 and thereafter, served as the Chairman of Selectors from 1982 to 1986. Some of the achievements of Abu Fuard's Cricket Development efforts are there to be seen. To name a few the Sri Lanka Board Headquarters Building (in the initial stages he donated more than 2 million for the construction work which he earned from the Insurance Commissions, entitlements) Asgiriya stadium and Indoor stadium at the NCC grounds.

Premasara - Please tell our readers how your school cricket career at Wesley began? Abu - Although cricket was in my blood, I started my sports career at Wesley, as an athlete. We had a teacher named Mr. Hunter. He encouraged me to be an athlete. I was a sprinter. I was a very active young boy. I first played cricket as an under 13 player. Then I was selected to play for under 15. I was a fast bowler. We had a coach Mr. Alban Fernando, and he turned me to an off-spinner. When I was playing for the Wesley First XI, we had two fast bowlers - Right arm paceman Radley Classen and left arm fast bowler Samsudeen. I started bowling off-spinners and I was successful. My father Mr. A.M. Fuard captained Wesley First XI in 1915. I was the vice-captain for two consecutive years in 1953 and 1954 and unfortunately, I could not lead the side for reasons best known to the school authorities. My elder brother Anser Fuard also played for Wesley First XI and captained Wesley. He represented Moors and NCC. Premsara - Can you remember some of your noteworthy achievements when you were playing in the First XI. Abu - In 1953, I stroked a century against Richmond and put on a 231 runs partnership with Brian Classen, who also later represented Sri Lanka. In the same year, I took 6 for 76 against S'Thomas College Mount Lavinia and captured 9 for 53 against Prince of Wales. Following year, against Trinity Royal & Pow I returned the figures of 6 for 44, 8 for 60 and 9 for 38 respectively. I can remember in 1954, I notched 82 against St. Anthony's College Katugastota and in the two innings against Richmond I was unbeaten with 84 in the first innings and in the second essay scored 58 not out. Premsara - From school you graduated to club circuit and very soon you gained your 'Ceylon Cap' which year did you play for Sri Lanka and against whom.

How did you perform? Abu - I was the 12th man of the Sri Lanka Team the un-official Test against India captained by Polly Umrigar. My first appearance was in 1961, when I played against the mighty Australians led by Ritchie Benaud. This match was played at the Oval. (Sara stadium). I played under that gentlemanly cricket, C.I. Gunasekera for whom I have the highest respect and regard. In my debut I captured 2 wickets for 82. Aussies scored 289 with Norman O'Niell scoring an attractive 70 runs. Sri Lanka scored 187 for 8 at close. I still remember my skipper CI one of the most colourful cricketers that Sri Lanka produced, cracked Lindsey Kline for 24 runs in one over (4,6,4,4,6) I remained unbeaten on 22.

Premasara - Can you name some of the Australian Test players who played against you? Abu - Ritchie Benard captained. Then Bill Lawry, Bobby Simpson, Peter Burge, Brian Booth, Graham McKenzie, Ian Quick, Frank Mission, Ron Gaunt. I still remember that foreign cricket correspondents covering this match that included famous Jack Tingleton, Ray Robinson commented on the fielding of Dhanasiri Weerasinghe on the boundary, bowling of Abu Fuard and the swashbuckling innings of C.I. Gunasekera. Premasara - How about the 1962 England vs Ceylon match? Abu - England led by Lord Ted Dexter were in Ceylon in 1962. The team included Tom Graveney, Ken Barrington, Peter Parfitt, Barry Knight and Rev David Sheppard. I had a good match against them, capturing 3 for 98 and 4 for 45 (Match Bag of 7 for 143).,

Premasara - Your forte is bowling. But you were also partly responsible for beating India at Ahmedabad. This was the first unofficial Test victory that Sri Lanka scored. Comment. Abu - It was no doubt a magnificent team effort. We were left with a target of 112 to win. On a kin-soaked treachery. I opened in the second innings and made 40 runs and won the match 45 minutes before the scheduled close.

Premasara - You told me that it was Mr. Alban Fernando who advised you to bowl off-spinner in the school. Well, when you were mature were you influenced by any one that made you a superb off-break bowler, one of the best that Asia produced. Abu - Well during the time that I just started playing club cricket, I was influenced by Vernon Prins. As I was young I was scared to speak to him. But, he was my idol in bowling. He was a fine off-spinner and a gentleman to the finger tips. I always had a very high regard to Prins and he is one of the nicest human beings that I have met. I learned a lot about off-spin bowling after I met an Englishman named Winslow. I met him when I toured India for the Gopalan Trophy matches. It was my good friend Indian cricket Kripal Singh, who introduced me to him. He taught me the finer points of off-spin bowling.

Premasara - Can you recollect some of your memorable bowling feats against International sides. Abu - Against Joe Lister's International XI in 1964, I claimed 6 for 31 and the following year, for Sri Lanka Board President's XI, against Colin Cowdrey's XI in a limited over game I captured 4 for 61.

Premasara - Any notable achievements in the Gopalan Trophy Games. Abu - IN 1960 at Madras I captured 4 for 21 and in 1961 scored 68 and took 3 for 44 at the Wanathamulla Oval (Sara stadium).

Premasara - What is your profession? Abu - I knew only one thing, and that is Insurance. I joined De Soysa and Company Colombo 2, Principal Agent for nine foreign firms who handled major projects like Gal Oya, Inginiyagala, Kelanitissa, Victoria Bridge, Soccoman Pipelines etc. They did all the secretarial work and Insurance. I was handling the Insurance for them.

Premasara - As far as cricket administration is concerned you have much experience. How did this happen? Abu - It was during late Mr. Robert Senanayake's time as the President in the early 1970s that I got involved in cricket administration. He was a very kind hearted gentleman and did his best for Sri Lanka cricket. Firstly, he did not see eye to eye with one. After about two years, he understood me. Those were the days, that only few, were truly interested to get into cricket administration. Of course, things have changed and new thinking has emerged as now, cricket is a highly professional exercise. I have served the BCCSL actively from 1973 to 1988 for fifteen years. Gamini Dissanayake, Lakshman Jayakody, Dr. N.M. Perera were great Presidents of BCCSL Premasara - Whom do you consider as the best President that you served? Abu - As President's Mr. Lakshman Jayakody, late Dr. N.M. Perera were quite good. Of course, the greatest Board President was late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake.

Premasara - Many say that you were responsible in bringing late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake to cricket administration. Abu - I have heard that many people say this. It so happened by coincidence, that he came to reside opposite our house. He was a lawyer. My father too was a lawyer. As neighbours we associated very closely. Gamini Dissanayake was a very charming, good-hearted, friendly and a charismatic personality who was ever ready to help any one. In 1970, he became a member of Parliament. He loved cricket. Two of us use to spend hours and hours discussing cricket. Those were the days the BCCSL coffers were in the red. In fact even for practice matches, my mother used to prepare curries and soup and I used to take Bread to feed them. Mr. Dissanayake used to see all this. I humbly requested him to help us in our mission of promoting and developing cricket. Thats how I persuaded him to get involved in cricket administration. Luckily at that time he became one of the most powerful Ministers in the J.R. Cabinet.

Premasara - Did he ever offer you a top post in the Government? Abu - Without my knowledge or consent, I heard from outside sources, that I was offered a top post at the Tea-Board. I told him he was doing a great injustice to me as well as himself, in making such an appointment. I told him that the only help that he could render to me was to get involved in the affairs of the Cricket Board and help my mission in improving cricket in Sri Lanka. I appealed to him to come forward as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in SL, and gave him the assurance that I would lead his campaign to be the Board President. After the consultation he had with His Excellency J.R. Jayewardene he obtained the green light. There were people who did not like Gamini Dissanayake's entry to cricket administration some blamed me saying that I am 'Politicising cricket' some of the people who criticised and vehemently opposed my move to bring Gamini to the scene later went to Mr. Dissanayake. I used to see them from my bedroom. I used to laugh to myself about these 'social climbers,' and opportunists. I must tell you, that one person who helped me to get Gamini Dissanayake involved in the Cricket Board was late Mr. K.M.T. Perera, a live-wire at NCC.

Premasara - What do you think is late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake's greatest contribution to cricket? Abu - Undoubtedly the gaining of Test Status to Sri Lanka. He prepared the ground with his dynamic set of officials in the Cricket Board. To gain Test Status he prepared the infrastructure and planning facilities, finance, grounds, administration etc. One day I told him how during Mr. Robert Senanayake's era, we went from pillar to post to find a venue to have our Board Meetings. Sometimes, at Clots and CCC we had abrupt endings to BCCSL Meetings as the clubs needed their Board Rooms. Mr. Dissanayake whatever he did, he did in style. His leadership qualities and PR was excellent. He was a superb conversationalist and a fine orator who could keep any audience spellbound. We started looking for a place for Board Headquarters. I moved in the matter. I contacted my good friend K.M.T. Perera, another good human being. He said that he would help me to get some portion of the land from NCC. In the meantime, Gamini Goonesena came from Australia and I must give him the credit, it was Gamini, who helped us to find a place to put up the present Board Headquarters. I still remember what Mr. Dissanayake told me after he was elected as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. "Abu you all elected me. Now its your duty to deliver the goods. Unfortunately, cricket, as well as the country lost a great man, who served the country. Its a pity and a great tragedy.

Premasara - You were shy of publicity why? Abu - Epa, I am a workaholic. I am a person who never wanted popular applause. But, I acted according to my conscience.

Premasara - Some say that you were the person who broke the 'Elite domination' in Sri Lanka Cricket? Abu - I don't know how far this statement is correct. As you are aware they were like the 'Angels' dancing in the sky. The others, less privileged classes, were the 'Devils' below. SO, the Angels always look down on the Devils. My battle was to give equal opportunities to everyone, whether he was from a Elite school or not.

Premasara - Does that mean that you were responsible in bringing about the so-called 'Common Man's Era' in Sri Lanka cricket. Abu - With all humility, I would like to say so, and to date, I don't regret my actions. I had proved today that opening the door to outstation cricketers has borne results. Of course, it was a long drawn out battle. Lots of people do not know that I was the one who proposed Bandula Warnapura's name as the First Sri Lanka Test Captain as a selector. My good friend K.M.T. Perera as the Chairman of the selection committee backed me to the hilt. There was a certain selector that opposed Bandula Warnapura's name as the captain. But, two of us K.M.T. and I fought for Warnapura, and we achieved what we wanted at that time.

Premasara - Can you name some of the top players, your contemporaries for whom you have a very high regard? Abu - When I was playing for Colts my first captain P.A.T. Kelly was a wonderful human being. Then, there are three top Sri Lankan cricketing personalities for whom I have the highest respect and regard. They are thorough gentlemen. They are Vernon Prins, C.I. Gunasekera and Stanley Jayasinghe.

Golden oldies on show at Wesley six-a-side by Peter Christie

20 February 1999

The Singer sponsored Wesley College six-a-side cricket tournament for the Golden Oldies in connection with the School's 125th anniversary will figure a host of Sri Lankan International players of yesteryear on February 21 Sunday at 9 am at Campbell Park. The Old Nalandians are expected to field a team including the first Sri Lankan Test captain Bandula Waranapura and former Test off spinner Lalith Kaluperuma will meet the Old Wesleyites skippered by Sunil Fernando in the first match scheduled to begin at 9 am . The old Benedictines hope Ranjith Fernando present Sri Lankan cricket team Manager and former wicket keeper will grace the occasion in 'bulk'. Ranjith is one of the fittest 'old goldies'. Royal are counting on Nihal Koddithuwakku the brilliant All Ceylon opening batsman, Ranjan Madugalle the popular former Sri Lankan captain and Ajith Pasqual to help them carry away the first ever old boys trophy. The Old Thomians strategy has not been revealed, but it is expected that Anura Tennakoon, Ajith Jayasekera, ``Holmang'' Mevan Pieris, the Sri Lankan fast bowler and Priyantha Serasinghe will retrieve their whites from the cleaners for Sunday. The other sporting events programmed for the celebrations is the Triangular Cricket Tournament to be played on March 1, between exprtriate Old Wesleyites from the United Kingdom, Australia and those in Sri Lanka. A hockey match between the expatriate Old Boys and a Combined past and present team. On March 6, the school cricket team will be matched against the Past Captains of Wesley. Lou Adihetty, Milroy Mutuvaloe, Everard Schoorman, Ananda Thevedasan, Navin de Silva, Delmer Achilees and Ameresh Rajaratnam are some of the past captians who will pit their experience against Dharsika Jayakody and the strong Wesley team of today. A mini basket ball jamboree at 2.30 pm will close the program on March 13 at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium.

Old Wesleyites to honour three past presidents

Friday the 3rd of December 1999, will not be just another day in the life of the 'Old Wesleyites Sports Club' (OWSC). For to be more specific, the evening of that day is bound to be special, and one among other significant milestones in the life of the OWSC where members of the Club, well wishers and friends, with a sense of belonging and pride, will gather to felicitate three outstanding (club revival) past presidents in Prof; Mahroof Ismail, Denzil Perera and Lucky Gunetilleke. The deep commitment of these past presidents and the measure of their giving in the wider sense, could only be appreciated. - When one begins to realise, that the club which was dormant and eventually defunct for eleven years (1978-1989), was virtually resuscitated in 1989, mainly through the unflagging zeal and fervour of these three presidents. Mahroof, Denzil and Lucky each of them during their respective presidency's along with their accredited committees, spanning a decade (1989-1998), strove successfully in those crucial formative revival years to give the club, tone and direction, a distinctive character of its own and more importantly the much needed financial stability.

The club, which is now well established with the base and foundation so laid for sustained progress, is fortunate to have as its current president, the highly enthusiastic and versatile Capt: Navin de Silva to steer it through into the next millennium. It's against this background and in recognition of the pioneering service rendered by Prof: Mahroof Ismail, Denzil Perera and Lucky Gunetilleke, endearingly referred to as the revival presidents -That the club in oneness of spirit amidst much fellowship will unveil their respective portraits. Truly a fitting gesture of "Honour to whom honour is due, Thanks to whom thanks is due." Mahroof who was the first of the club revival presidents (1989-1993) was an accomplished all round student and the senior head prefect at Wesley. He had a penchant for winning prizes and carried away many of them at the college annual prize giving, inclusive of the prestigious 'Hill Medal' on two successive occasions in 1948 & 1949. As a keen sportsman, he captained the college at hockey and badminton and went on to lead the Ceylon university in both sports. His contribution to hockey was recognised, when he was at one time made the president of the state services hockey association and vice president of the Ceylon hockey association.

The early promise of eminence at college, was seen when he progressed to be the Director of the Medical Research Institute and later to be the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Colombo. Denzil who took over from Mahroof in 1994 was president till 1995. It was during his tenure, that the club developed from the railway carriage stage to have a sophisticated sports complex and a modern club house. As a meticulous student and sportsman he displayed leadership qualities and organising ability at a very early age. He captained the college hockey team and represented Ceylon and travelled abroad as a member of the mercantile hockey team. Denzil is the proprietor of 'Qualipacks' (Pvt) Ltd and had done much in the raising of funds, especially by organising the popular annual dance, not forgetting his touching gesture of the assistance given in the cause of the billiard room.

Lucky who succeeded Denzil in 1996, was the third of the revival presidents and served up to the end of 1998. Being lanky and lithesome, he had the natural aptitude for being a classy left arm pace bowler. He had an outstanding career at Wesley, as a student and a rare bowler, who won many an award with a hat-trick or two to his credit. He made the right kind of impression, to be among the wickets at the NCC and was picked to represent Ceylon. The beauty of a ball with which he bowled the English Captain, Ted Dexter is still spoken of. His administrative ability as a planter and former Director of Whittal Boustead and Gordon Frazer, was in evidence during his three year period as president. He will, amongst others, be remembered for getting down school teams from the north and east to participate in the schools'- 6-a-side cricket tournament and, for providing crutches and artificial limbs to wounded soldiers. Lucky at present is the Director of Link Engineering.

The 'Old Wesleyites Sports Club' came into being in 1941, mainly out of a growing passion for hockey, which existed within the old Wesleyites of that era. A common bond amongst players and enthusiasts had been established throught this sport. And it became necessary on leaving college, to further strengthen this and give continuity to it, which resulted in the OWSC being born. History records that in the early fifties, members of the OWSC played a prominent role in the promotion and furtherance of hockey in the country. Hockey teams of the OWSC participated in the Pioneer Shield, Andriesz Shield and Bacon Cup tournaments, with a measure of success, being champions on more than one occasion. The club in those years, was preoccupied with hockey, it failed to broaden out to other areas, and was greatly disadvantaged by the lack of a meeting place, a club house.

Naturally then the club had a chequered existence, with more downs than ups and long spells of inactivity, to be finally defunct from 1978 to 1989. Heartening it is to observe, that in the last ten years, the club under the three revival presidents, has recorded unprecedented growth of a sustaining nature, which augurs well for the future. This was made possible by the high powered, ambitious projects which brought in the necessary funds for the club to forge ahead, and as well support the college in its endeavours. Chief among which, was the pioneering ventures such as the schools' six-a-side cricket tournament under the chairmanship of Eric Gauder, and the schools 7-a-side hockey tournament managed by Rohan Amerasinghe.

The former is being sponsored by the Ceylon Cold Stores Ltd., whilst the latter is sponsored by Janashakthi. The chief guest at the evening's function on December 3rd, will be the illustrious old boy of Wesley Rienzie Wijetilleke, the managing Director of Hatton National Bank and currently president of the Interim Cricket Board. Rienzie has been very supportive of both the college and club in many ways, and will do the honours of unveiling the portraits of the three revival presidents, and a panel depicting the names of past presidents of the club. The guests of honour will be two distinguished old boys, Richard Ebell and L.C.R. Wijesinghe.

When Dissanayake and Rodrigo led Wesley and Royal cricket teams... By Edmund Dissanayake

The Royal-Wesley cricket match, which was played on the Railway Grounds, Mt. Mary on the 8th. and 9th February 1946, will be remembered for the controversy it raised, probably unique in Sri Lanka, when on the first day of play, the Royal captain, Mahes Rodrigo wanted to declare his innings closed, but the Wesley skipper, Edmund Dissanayake, refused to accept the Declaration as it was late by 5 minutes! The powerful Royal team led by "Sporty" Mahes Rodrigo included M. Kasipillai, G.T. Kapukotuwa, G.L.G. Cooray, T. Parathalingam, C.D.L. Fernando, Percy Goonewardene, F.E. Porrit, Vimal Wickramasuriya, R. Rajaratnam and R.S. Cooke.

The comparatively young Wesley team led by Edmund Dissanayake included Alan Ratnarajah, Piyasiri Abeywardene, Harold Matthysz, Natty Prins, Denis Van Twest, Bertus Perera, Clive Bartholomeusz, Eric Nugara, Vivil Dias, Sinha Jayasundera and Ronald Gomes. Veteran sports writer, S.S. Perera has published in the "Royal-Wesley Centenary Cricket Match Souvenir, 1993" some interesting details about this match. "For the first time in the history of Ceylon School Cricket Schools requested the Official Umpires' Association to officiate as Umpires." "The rules prevailing at that time stipulated that no declaration shall be made on the first day unless a minimum of one and a half hours of batting were given to the other side.

The refusal of the Wesley captain was unpheld by the Umpires on that rule." This rule was not popularly known, as several spectators inquired as to why the declaration was refused. What followed thereafter was a comedy. Royal had piled up 312 for 5 when balked by the declaration, Mahes Rodrigo who was on 18, retired. The next batsman F.E. Porrit played one ball and wished to retire. But he was informed by the Umpire that he could not do so without facing at least one over. Vimal Wickramasuriya, Rajaratnam and Cooke, followed suit. Parathalingam was not out 2. "This comedy of "retirement" took 20 minutes to enact and from Wesley's point of view, was of great help in postponing the moment of defeat. For the Wesley team of 1946 included 8 freshers, all of whom were under 16. Vivil Dias was a student in Grade 7. Royal were out for 317 towards which Kapukotuwa contributed 81, Cooray 78, Kasipillai 69 and Percy Goonewardene 46. Earlier, the Royal batsmen were in such an aggressive mood of scoring that the Wesley bowlers considered it wiser to bowl "wides." There were as many as 14 wides.

On the first day, Wesley had one hour to bat. Everyone expected Wesley to collapse. I opened batting with Vivil Dias. My first run came after I had batted for half an hour! It was a single pushed to mid on. There was tremendous applause from the Royal camp... not a cheer but a jeer, which was taken up sportingly. At the end of the day we had scored 50 runs for 1 wicket. To continue, may I quote from "Sports and Recreation." "Wesley batted for one hour on Friday and were all out for 167 on Saturday. Edmund Dissanayake was the last man out, having scored 107 runs, which included 16 hits to the ropes. Wesley followed on and batted for rest of the day, scoring 172 for 7 towards which Vivil Dias scored 79. Dias, who had been ruled out caught at 8 was recalled by the Royal captain Mahes Rodrigo, after a brief consultation with the fielder concerned. This sporting act of the Royal skipper probably deprived them of a victory. It will be recalled that Mahes played for All Ceylon later and also captained the Ceylon Rugby team more than once. "The correctness of the decision in upholding the refusal of the Wesley captain, was approved by the MCC. A few years later this Rule was repealed. A Declaration is now possible on the first day of play, at any time."

Sathasivam the batting maestro By Edmund Dissanayake

For more than 25 years, M. Sathasivam had held spectators spellbound with his vibrant batting. He played with cricketing greats like F. C. de Saram, Sargo Jayawickreme, Lucien Soysa, B. R. Heyn, Henry Van Buren, C. K. Nayudu, Vijay Merchant, Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Weekes, Worrell and Walcot. But he was more than their peer. He was easily the most stylish batsman the world has seen. Records meant nothing to him as he lowered them with consummate ease. No one in Sri Lanka has scored more centuries than he. T. B. Marambe in his book "Pen pictures of our cricketers" states as follows"; There is a touch of arrogance even as he walks to the wicket. There is grace in his movements as he takes guard and looks round the field for the gaps. Out goes his front feet, there is a flash of a white blade and the ball scuds to the ropes.

So perfect is his timing, so quick his feet, and so keen his eye".... Between 1934 and 1959 Sathasivam has scored 144 centuries. (Refer to page 50 of the "Royal-Wesley Centenary Cricket Souvenir". Is it little wonder that he captained two countries at cricket? Let me quote Alfred Moragoda, my former teacher at Wesley, ex CCS, as published in a leading newspaper on October 12 1996... "Satha, was the most naturally gifted batsman the world has ever seen, the most charmingly disdainful of any kind of bowling, the most nonchalant in situations, most graceful. It was well-nigh impossible to set a field to contain him.

He found the gaps with effortless ease. And he did it with artistry and finesse.... I have seen Hobbs and Sutcliffe, Hammond and Bradman, Worrell and Sobers, but Satha, was indisputably their peer." Moragoda continues in lighter vein... "In Satha's last year at Wesley, on the morning of the Royal -Thomian, together with a few friends, he loaded all the flower pots that had the fairest flowers that ever grew in Cinnamon Gardens, into a Jalopy. The morning found these flower pots neatly arranged inside the premises of "Maidens' College". Satha and his friends were singing happy songs within its sacred walls as the maidens arrived. As word got around, the Principal came on the scene. Satha went down on his knees, one knee following the other in measured time, he came up to the Principal (She had an alphabetical name like L.M.N.O.P.) and asked her to be his bride.

The Principal replied that she was still too young to think of marriage but would keep the proposal in mind when she was old enough" ... that was Satha. out of School ! In 1947, All-Ceylon played against South India on the Chepauk Ground. "The Hindu" described Satha's batting thus...' "It was well worth going miles to see the beautiful batsmanship of Sathasivam. There was all the art and style in his innings which was played on dancing feet. He played all shots from the prettiest late cut to the fine leg glance which he did as much as wave it away from his presence. He was the complete master." Satha's 215 broke the previous ground record of Joe Hardstaff who scored 213 in 1938. Lucien de Zoysa writing about Satha as published in the "Island" of 29th October 1989 stated... "Satha had the eye of a hawk; the wrists of a fencer; the feet of a dancer. All combined to make a Satha innings a taste of bubbly champagne.

His walk to the middle, with his cap at a rakish angle, had style. The nonchalant way he took guard and his stance had style. His every movement had feline grace." For the record, Sathasivam's photograph appears in the Wesley College M. H. Mohamed Pavilion in a prominent place. An annual award is made in his honour to a Wesley cricketer, "For the most scintillating innings in the season."

Mahadevan Sathasivam Cricket Legend of Sri Lanka by Premasara Epasinghe

The study of the past events, especially, political, social, and economic development of a country can be defined as HISTORY. The nation that forgets the past has no future. There were some politicians, who opposed the teaching of history in our schools sometime ago. They fell by the wayside totally, rejected by the people. Sports history is fascinating and thrilling. I strongly feel that our present sportsmen and sportswomen should read and do an in-depth study of our "Sporting Greats," so that they in turn can emulate their great deeds. Undoubtedly, the characteristic of this great sportsmen will be a role- model to most of our young, up and coming sportsmen and sportswomen. Today, I feature the most exciting, adventurous batting artist that displayed his born talents as a Colossus in the playing field of cricket. He occupied centre stage during the period spanning from 1940-60s. The colourful figure tormented not only the local bowlers, but also international bowlers of repute; from India, Pakistan, England and Australia. He is none other than Mahadevan Sathasivam, popularly known as M. Sathasivam. ‘Satha’ was a product of Wesley College, Colombo.

Once, I drove to Kandy to commentate in a match played at Asgiriya accompanying the legendary Gamini Goonasena, and famous cricket writer Rajan Bala from India. Rajan presented his latest book titled ‘ALL BEAUTIFUL BOYS’ to me, a readable, lovely cricket book, written in simple language in his own inimitable style. Turning the pages, I came across an interesting chapter on Ceylon Cricket. The famous author Rajan Bala in this chapter pays a big tribute and a bouquet to M. Sathasivam. He quotes from an past Indian cricket captain, brilliant off-spinner Gulam Ahamed. Quote: "I have bowled at Bradman, Harvey, Hutton, Denis Compton, Keith Miller, The Terrible W’s -Weekes, Worrel and Walcott. If you ask me a question, who is the most difficult batsman that I have ever bowled, I will mention a name that some times you will not know. He is M. Sathasivam of Ceylon. I will never forget how he thrashed me in Chennai." M. Sathasivam was the most feared batsman during this era. As Nalanda opener cum wicket- keeper in the Champion Side of 1957, 1 was very fortunate to witness the double century of Sathasivam at the NCC grounds.

He represented the "Champions Side" against the "Rest." The cream of Sri Lanka super stars, were in action. This was the best innings I have ever seen in my life. I have seen the best of cricket in the world to a certain extent. Sathasivam was a batting artist. I have never seen a batsman who plays the ‘late cut’ so beautifully. It is a "Sathasivam Special." Sathasivam wore cream flannels and a cream coloured, fuji silk long-sleeved shirt. Like the famous Douglas Jardine, the English captain of the "Body Line Series" in 1930s, he wore a handkerchief round his neck and harlequin cap adding colour to his personality. His footwork was excellent. For him, there was nothing called a good or a bad ball. While batting with his superb concentration, he turned the good ball to bad balls. With his hallmark stroke, late-cut, he could pierce through the slip cordon, third man, gully or point at will. Once I had the good fortune of playing for Saracens against Tamil Union. Nalanda coach, ever-green Gerry Gooneratne, captained the Saracens side. Gerry as a successful captain, has "foxed" Satha many a time. His ploy was simple. In this particular match, Gerry, used his off-spinner Mahinda Athulathmudali, when Satha arrived at the crease. Gerry laid a trap. He got the tall, lanky off-spinner ‘Atu’ to bowl three deliveries outside off-stump.

Satha’s beautiful late-cut was a treat to watch. Gerry instructed Atu, to allow him to play his famous stroke. The fourth ball spun from middle to leg. Satha moved and cut it. Gerry applauded his beautiful late-cuts. "Nice shot Satha," "Beauty Satha" and encouraged him to go for his pet shot freely. The fourth ball, he misjudged and cut through gully uppishly. Gerry rolling to his left, held a brilliant catch to dismiss Satha. We were all in cloud nine. Those days the clash between Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) and Tamil Union AC was like a Greek meeting a Greek. It was the local "Cricket Derby." The two teams consisted of the best cricketers of the island. The centre of attraction was Sathasivam. S.S.C. and Tamil Union always maintained a very cordial relationship. S.S.C. possessed the shrewdest captain, Col. F.C. De Saram. The S.S.C. camp planned their strategy weeks ahead, to get Satha out early. ‘Pappa Saram’ planned a different "coup" to dismiss Satha early. He was invited to the S.S.C. for a social gathering the day before the match. The S.S.C. members entertained Satha, till the morning hours. He did not go home. He slept in the car. On the match day, he went straight to the dressing room and had a good shower. Winning the toss, S.S.C. invited Tamil Union to bat first. Within twenty minutes, they captured openers for 24 runs. Sathasivam walked in to the middle. He straight away went in to action. By lunch, he reached the magical three figure mark with 17 hits to ropes. F.C. De Saram’s, ‘Coup de Et’ failed. Although in different camps Satha and F.C. were best of friends, and played cricket with the true spirit of the noble game. Satha is so close to Col. F.C. De Saram that he used to address him as ‘Derrick.’ Another incident that is etched in my mind is a statement by R. Rangachari, the former Indian pace bowler.

I commentated the first ever cricket commentary for Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation relating to the First Test between Sri Lanka and India in 1982. I’m very grateful to late Mr. M. J. Perera, one of the most respected civil servants, and one of the top administrators who selected me as one of the commentators for that Test. Rangachari was the curator. He said the best innings he had ever seen was the double century of Sathasivam at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The legendary West Indian Learie Constantine’s Commonwealth team visited Ceylon in 1950. In a rain affected match at the Colombo Oval, Sathasivam scored a brilliant 96. In an earlier match against India in 1945, he scored 107. In a Gopalam Trophy match, Sathasivam scored an epic innings of 215, the highest individual score made at Chinnaswamy Stadium till 1950. Sathasivam was a controversial figure. He was in remand jail, charged for the murder of his wife.

After he was acquitted, he once again played for Tamil Union in the Division Two Tournament. News went round the city that Sathasivam is back at play. Thousands flocked to see their hero after a lapse of about five years. The match was played as BRC ground, Tamil Union versus BRC. After the fall of the 2nd wicket, Sathasivam walked in. The spectators gave a grand ovation. Satha took his guard. A young fast bowler, to show his might and arrogance, send a ‘bumper’ to Satha. He ducked. The bowler’s intention was to frighten the old man. He send another ‘bumper.’ It should be reminded that during this period there were no helmets. Satha, slowly walked up to the young bowler and had said very politely: "Son, I am an old man, like your father. Don’t try to injure me. Don’t bump at me." The fast bowler, with his tail up, bowled another ‘bumper’ to Sathasivam. The batting maestro positioned himself well and hammered a mighty six and dispatched the ball over the mara trees and the ball was deposited at the nearby Havelock Rugby Ground.

Sri Lanka Schools: Jayakody Leads Wesley By Richard Dwight 12 January 1999

Wesley College founded on the second of March 1874 celebrates this year its '125 years of excellence' in the field of education. It is regarded as quite an achievement, when one considers the varying vicissitudes and difficulties it had to encounter, as it journeyed along through the years in its commitment to impart a holistic education. Being a premier institution of the Methodist Church, the general expression in keeping with their tenet will be one of ``we'll praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all thats' to come''.

It would be interesting to note that Royal, S. Thomas', Wesley and Trinity, perhaps in that order - with each, well over a '100 year' existence, were the pioneers of school cricket, at least where mutual cricket encounters amongst them were concerned. Like the afore mentioned schools, Wesley too, was fashioned in accordance with the Public schools' system, where sports formed an integral part in the development of a student. The sports field was regarded as important as the classroom, with one being complementary to other. And for more good reasons than one, cricket comparatively, in the realm of sport continues to take pride of place in the life of a school. Acknowledging this, Wesley in recognition of this in its historic year, will make an award for the man of the match, for each of its cricket encounters during the first term. The award will consist of a plaque and a cricket slack (totalling Rs. 1000) This could be won by a player from either side, with two respective coaches acting as adjudicators.

It has in addition, to mark this important milestone in the annals of Wesley College, put out an attractive and very informative fixture card, which makes interesting reading. From it one gathers that there have been 101 centuries recorded since Wesley's first cricket match in 1893. Many a Wesley cricketer has centuries against their names during their eras. But what strikes us forcibly as significant, is that apart from scoring a century in the previous year (1995) Lou Adhihetty scored three centuries in 1956. Whilst Roshan David too, had three centuries in one and the same season in 1989 and following it up with a century each in 1990 and 1991. But by far the most outstanding and surpassing them all with the bat, is Wesley's current dazzling batsman Dharshika Jayakody who notched up four centuries in 1997 and four centuries in 1998. Quite deservedly and fitting it is, to find that the honour and rare privilege of leading Wesley in its memorable year falls on Jayakody. As a fifth year coloursman Jayakody apart from his excellent batting is also a fine off spinner and, being the only coloursman in the side, much will depend on what he does.

To rivert back to the fixture card, it also reveals that there are quite an array of Wesley bowlers who have taken eight wickets an over in a single innings. Abu Fuard did it on four occasions, once in 1953, twice in 1954 and once in 1955 whilst Lucky Goonetilleke performed this feat thrice, once in 1958 and twice in 1959. Brian Claessen and Abu Fuard had the distinction of performing a double i.e., scoring a century and taking eight wickets in a match in a particular year. The other interesting thing to observe was that one of the pioneers in radio cricket commentaries S.P. Foenander, Captained Wesley in the years 1901, 1902 and 1903.

R.L. Kannangara trophy for Trinity vs Wesley inter-school cricket match

Trinity College will meet Wesley College in their inter-school cricket match to be played at the Asgiriya Stadium on January 12 and 13 for the Richard Lionel Kannangara trophy. It is fitting that a trophy has been awarded for this fixture as Ritchie Kannangara had very close associations with both Wesley and Trinity. He was educated at Wesley College, Colombo when Highfield was the Principal and represented the school at cricket from 1914 to 1917, captaining the team in 1917. He was a fine left-hand bat and a left-arm medium pacer. Some of this noteworthy performances were against Royal College where he scored 350 runs in three years, including 129 not out in 1916 and 153 in 1917, which still remains the record for the series. He also scored 121 not out against Trinity College in 1917 and topped the schools batting averages in the same year.

Professor C. E. C. Bulathsinghala, in an article in the now defunct 'Weekend' of 1st August, 1968, titled 'Blood of the Kannangaras' speaks of "R. L. Kannangara, the captain of Wesley and one of the best schoolboy cricketers of all time, whose name was a household word with those of Jack Anderson, Oswin Wright, J. A. de Silva and S. Saravanamuthu." R. L. Kannangara represented Bloomfield Cricket Club, The Ceylonese Upcountry and All Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was known then). In one match for the Ceylonese Upcountry against the MCC, he took 5 for 60. This means that he was among the very early players in the national team, representing shortly after 1918, the Ceylonese side against the Europeans in the company with the great and mighty, wrote Bertie Wijesinha in the Ceylon Daily News in the mid sixties. In one of those years, the Ceylonese team comprised D. L. de Saram (captain), M. K. Albert, A. Aluwihare, V. S. de Kretser, V. T. Dickman, Dr. C. H. Gunasekera, Cecil Horan, R. L. Kannangara, Edward Kelaart, S. Perimpanayagam and P. Pulle. Bertie Wijesinha, one of the outstanding opening bowlers in the All Ceylon team in the fifties and sixties and one-time Sports Editor of the Ceylon Observer said in an article published in the Observer of 24th June, 1965, under the heading "Challenge accepted" with a sub-heading "Ritchie Kannangara one of the great left-handers of his time" and "A flashing blade brought runs". Alas, I never saw him bat till he was well past his 40, after he had laid down his bat and thrown his boots away. It was a match of no account and I do forget how many runs he scored.

Bertie Wijesinha, in his article continued "but the glimpse he revealed in that brief and sudden appearance told a thrilling tale of past glories, of splendid attainment and above that, of grace and style that age could not delete, of lightness of foot that limbs grown stiff could not be leaden, and a firm arm and bat that dulling reflexes could not sway from the vertical and the full bladed. "Twenty five years younger, I bowled at him that day in vain on Asgiriya's fast grass though I joyed in the labour to see such skill and economy of effort. In my mind's eye, I could see the years fall away and the batsman in his prime and in his pride deal with such effrontery as I employed." Brilliant batting The article continued that "He moved with smooth, lithe grace, and was in position with scarce a thought: instinct with malice, aforethought, perhaps. And then he touched the ball with flowing blade, wand like in his small hands. Hey presto! The ball would float away obedient, persuasion rather than force, to some distant part of the field, towards cover or mid-wicket and glanced to fine leg. No sound of bat against ball abused the ear. Sheer magic though the eye had seen it all, but scarcely believed when it had seen. But it was the style of the man that mattered, that caught the eye and was etched for all time, like any masterpiece on canvas. What pity that no master was there to capture such delicate mood and action and the colour of his brilliant stroke making." His best innings? It was not the hundreds, not one of them he said emphatically. But he did remember a match against S. Thomas' College played on the BRC grounds at Havelock Park. Wesley had been left with 215 runs to make and only 135 minutes of play left in which to win the match. It was a challenge that would have balked many a school team of today and made them play safe, settling for an honourable draw. Nothing venture, nothing lose! Schoolboy cricketers were made of sterner stuff then. Wesley accepted the challenge. They got off to a good start and there was no stopping them. Kannangara and his captain Boteju tore into the Thomian bowling, and Wesley got the runs and victory with minutes to spare. A memorable achievement! Kannangara scored some eighty odd runs that day when nothing seemed to go wrong. Spurred by visions of a great game and inspired by an instinct for success, he cut loose with his flashing blade and executed every stroke in the book. Perhaps he improvised a few as the need arose.

"Kannangara studied law, but with his passing out, he chose to teach. He went to Trinity College, Kandy. And so went from the cricket scene a star of extraordinary lustre which blazed comet-like across the cricket horizon and vanished over the hills into self effacement" wrote Bertie Wijesinha in the Daily News of the mid-sixties. He joined the staff of Trinity College, Kandy. In an article captioned "Preparing for the visit of MCC team" published in a leading newspaper in 1927, a sports writer under the pen name "Authentic" referred to a century scored by Richard Kannangara for the Trinity College staff against the European dominated Kandy Sports Club stated: "There is no reason why this cricketer should be lost to representative games because be is no longer resident in Colombo." At Trinity College, he was legendary as a teacher. He moulded the Trinity junior cricket teams which were second to none. A. N. Perera in his 'Appreciation' on the death of Richard Kannangara in the Ceylon Daily News of 1972 said: "It was largely owing to his good work in the under-12 and under-16 that Trinity owed her prominence in inter-school cricket in the late thirties and forties. It is significant that when the last of those whom he coached and passed through the first eleven, the reservoir dried up, and even 20 years later Trinity was to feel his loss.

Fine sportsmanship A lovely story related by Kenneth de Silva, Prefect of Games at Wesley College, to illustrate the extraordinary spirit of sportsmanship that had always marked Wesley-Trinity cricket (Richard Kannangara was closely associated with both these schools and shared all of the same spirit). This was from the days when the game was the thing not just victory at any cost, and the whole point of the matches was to try to win but at the same time ensure that everybody, including the spectators got his/her full measure of enjoyment and thrills. The game, which was played in Colombo was petering out to a draw. Trinity, who were batting, decided to try and introduce some fun and excitement into the game by a declaration which gave them no real chances of winning the game but challenged Wesley to chase a demanding target: namely 48 runs in 12 minutes. Wesley showed themselves very ready to accept the challenge, and went for the runs. Trinity realised very early that Wesley were likely to make it, and could have slowed down their rate of bowling to make sure that only about three overs were bowled during the time that was available, as mandatory overs were unknown then, thus securing a draw. Instead of resorting to such tactics, however, Trinity continued to be very brisk about their bowling, ensuring that they squeezed a full four overs into the 12 minutes. The result was that Wesley was able to beat them in a very exciting finish. The Wesley batsmen returned to the pavilion to loud and vociferous applause, but the loudest, longest and warmest applause was reserved for the Trinity team, who lost the game but won the hearts of the spectators. A result in the match was plucked out from nowhere. The game is no longer played in the same way today, and, as the current Sri Lanka tour of South Africa is showing, this need not be at the expense of sportsmanship.

One can play very hard and still preserve high standards of sportsmanship. Thus Shaun Pollock said at the end of the rain-hit fourth day's play in the first test when South Africa were well on top, that "he planned to do Sri Lanka no favours - There's no reason to dangle any carrots" in deciding any likely targets for the Sri Lankans on the last day. And none of this reduced the level of sportsmanship displayed by both sides. But, still, one looks back with some regretful thoughts at the passing of that other day and age, and perhaps also place, when the incident related by Kenneth de Silva took place. Such incidents do, after all, make an important difference to the quality of our enjoyment.

The History of Cricket in Ceylon

This article was written by Mahinda Wijesinghe with the help of S.P.Foenander's book on "Sixty years of Ceylon Cricket". S.P.Foenander is an old boy of Wesley College and Captained the First XI Cricket team in 1901, 1902 and 1903. SPF was called the Wisden of the East and was a world renowned Cricket chronicler.

That Sri Lanka was crowned the world champions of cricket, in 1996, was an event probably without parallel in the island’s history. It was the culmination of a long and an arduous journey. A journey that began when the British first planted the Union Jack in Ceylon, in 1815, and almost immediately after, the cricket stumps. A story that encompasses almost 200 years. As S.P.Foenander, the first authoritative commentator of cricket in Ceylon wrote in his book ‘Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket’ (1923):

The "sun never set on the British Empire" was an oft-quoted expression in the days gone by to indicate their colonies - of which Ceylon was one - established across the globe, by the conquering Englishmen. It was also said that wherever the conquerors planted their Union Jack, the cricket stumps followed suit not long after. Great Britain, as England was more popularly known then, mainly in order to signify her position as a world power (though, officially it comprises England, Scotland and Wales) planted their national flag in 1815, and the Colombo Journal, of 3 November 1832, reports a cricket match where the newly formed Colombo Cricket Club, comprising entirely of expatriate members (a condition for membership that persisted until 1961) were subjected to a trouncing by 10-wickets at the hands of a team drawn from the 97th Regiment of the British Garrison in a match played at the now defunct Sports Club grounds at Galle Face. So, it was really the British militia that introduced the summer game to the then many-splendoured isle. Early chroniclers however gave most of the credit for the popularisation of cricket to Rev. Brooke Bailey who came to Ceylon as Assistant to the Head Master of the Colombo Academy, now known as Royal College. Though not played on perfectly manicured outfields or properly rolled pitches, the game, it was widely reported, spread to Galle and Kandy and attracted many adherents amongst the British soldiers and the expatriate tea and coffee planters. True, the game was played with great zest, but, it was still not within reach of the ordinary 'native'.

Local cricket chronicler S.P.Foenander, known as the Wisden of the East, records in his authoritative Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket (1923), about the "splendid pioneering work" done by the tea and coffee planters and of the early matches, beginning from 1870, played at the picturesque Darrawella ground nestling in the hills. These frontiersmen considered it a "trifling task to walk from their totums a distance of 15 to 20 miles to the cricket ground" play the match and return home the following day. The white-controlled Colombo Cricket Club, it was, that administered the game in the country until the formation of the Ceylon Cricket Association in 1922. Ceylon, located ideally midway between the antipodean cricket-playing nations of England and Australia, and whose teams used to pass the island on their tours during the voyage, gave an opportunity for the tourists to "stretch their legs and play a limb-loosener match" here. In 1882, Hon. Ivo Bligh's M.C.C. cricket team bound to Australia, and who was responsible for the birth of the Ashes on that tour, became the first visiting representative to play a match on local soil. The game, played on the 13th and 14th of October 1882, on the Sports Club grounds at Galle Face ended in a draw, though lack of time certainly helping the locals! Then, Lord Sheffield's team played here 9 years later.

Great cricketers from England and Australia including Dr.W.G.Grace, Ranjitsinjhi, Wilfred Rhodes, Sydney Barnes, Archie Maclaren, Lord Harris, Charles Bannerman, Fred Spofforth, Joe Darling, Clem Hill, Warwick Armstrong and, much later, the legendary Don Bradman, are some of the more famous names who have adorned our playing fields. However, it was not until 1882 that the Ceylonese cricketers of native origin crossed swords with their colonial masters. In this historic game Ceylon was led by A.C.Edwards, described as "the old Thomian cricketer," and included in the local side were brothers Harry and Charles Ball of Negombo, Sam Pereira described as a stylish right-hand batsman, Richard de Zylva and W.Rosemalie-Cocq of Galle. The match, played as usual on the Sports Club grounds at Galle Face, ended in a win for the Europeans. But, as S.P Foenander wrote: "It was not till the Jubilee year, 1887, that the first real contest between the best eleven European cricketers and the picked representatives of the Ceylonese took place. The match caused great interest in Colombo, seeing that two powerful teams had been selected to meet......and settle the question as to whether the Ceylonese cricketers, who had recently been showing improved form with bat and ball were superior to the strongest team of European players."

The Ceylonese team was drawn entirely from the Colombo Colts Cricket club, considered the strongest team in those days, and led by Dr.Edgar de Kretser. The team included, inter alia, Ernest Joseph, brothers Collin and Banda(!) Kelaart, Oswald Van-Hoff, Willie de Fransz, Charles Heyn and Patrick Thomasz. The Europeans comprised players of the calibre of Ashley Walker the former Cambridge Blue and Yorkshire county cricketer, H.C.P.Bell, George Vanderspaar considered the Grand Old Man of Ceylon cricket, F.Stephen, the famous Thomian coach, Charles Gordon, P.C.Oswald et al. Time saved the locals from defeat since the Ceylonese were still 82 runs behind "at the call of time with only a wicket in hand." The annual fixture between the Europeans and the Colts, as the sole representatives of the Ceylonese, continued until 1902. That the Colts enjoyed this monopoly is strange because clubs such as Kalutara C.C. (1873), Galle C.C. (1875), Nondescripts (1888), Bloomfield C. & A.C. (1893), Burgher Recreation Club (1896), Singhalese Sports Club and Tamil Union (1899) were around. In 1905, began a new chapter in local cricket when a more representative Ceylonese side, led by J.C. McHeyzer beat the Europeans captained by G.H.Gibson by 4 wickets.

After a lapse of 5 years, due to the War, and despite the arrival of Somerset county bowler W.T.Greswell, the Ceylonese skippered by D.L.de Saram and having within their ranks members of Colts, N.C.C. & S.S.C., beat the colonials by the comfortable margin of 7 wickets. Though the Europeans were now fielding English county cricketers such as Greswell (Somerset), Walker (Yorkshire), A.L.Gibson (Essex), H.G.Cornish (Surrey Club & Ground), the locals too had skilful players such as the de Sarams, T.Kelaart, A.C.Amath, J.C.Weinman, D.B. & C.H.Gunasekera, C.E.Perera and others, and got the better by 7 wins to 3, in the 10 encounters between 1905 and 1923. The inaugural meeting of the Ceylon Cricket Association was held on 13 July 1922 when representatives of all cricket-playing clubs met at the Colombo Cricket Club pavilion with Mr.P.J.Parsons (C.C.C.) in the chair. Member of the Tamil Union and sponsor of the game Dr.John Rockwood was elected the first President, while O.B.Forbes (C.C.C.) and L.E.T.Holsinger (Bloomfield C.& A.C.) were picked as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. It was from this point onwards that the island's cricket took on a proper direction. Yet, it must be mentioned that, thanks to the pioneering work done by school teacher and English county cricketer, Ashley Walker and a few others, the foundation for a vibrant school cricket system was laid. Walker who came to the island as Assistant to the Head Master of Colombo Academy, now Royal College, Colombo, encouraged the boys at cricket. So, in 1879 began the historic Royal-Thomian match.

An annual encounter which has continued uninterrupted since, and which was described by the respected English writer, radio and TV commentator, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, in the staid Wisden Cricketers' Almanack of 1994 as follows: "Eton and Harrow at Lord's cannot, these days, hold a candle to what claims to be the oldest school fixture staged without interruption. Nowhere in the world is a school match accorded anything like the same attention. Tickets were more expensive, and in far greater demand, than those for a Test..............Royal and S. Thomas were modelled on the Victorian public schools of England and the game survives in a Henry Newbolt time-warp that is not only charming but also ensures a steady stream of talented cricketers......" New ground was broken when Dr.C.H.Gunasekera became the first local to play in the English county championship when he represented Middlesex in 1919. F.C. De Saram covered himself with glory when he represented Oxford University (Blues in 1934 & 1935) with distinction and became the only amateur in history to have scored 1000 runs on his first-class debut season (1934) at an average of over 50. In the same year, his brilliant century (128 out of a total of 216, the next highest scorer being D.F.Walker who scored 16) against the touring Australians with Bradman, and led by Bill Woodfull which included a bowling attack of the fearsome leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett, is still talked of. Ceylon, as a cricketing nation, was raising its head. But, the journey was just beginning, the journey that culminated on 17 March 1996 when Sri Lanka wore the crown of the World Champions in a type of cricket that took four more decades to emerge. Laddie Outschoorn (Worcestershire 1946-59) carried the torch in the English county championship by becoming the first Ceylonese to play professional cricket in their first-class circuit. He was soon followed by the likes of Stanley Jayasinghe and Clive Inman (both for Leicestershire) and the last of our countrymen to play in the English county championship, and shine, was Aravinda de Silva.

One must also not forget the magnificent contribution made by Gamani Goonesena who played for Nottinghamshire and captained Cambridge University (1957). He not only led them to a convincing win over Oxford University in their annual fixture but also scored a record-breaking double century in the game. Goonesena established many University records and later represented the state of New South Wales (Australia) in the Sheffield Shield tournamen, the only Ceylonese to have played in the first-class domestic tournaments in England and Australia. However, with due respect to our present cricketers, it must be mentioned that the players, circa 1940 -1970, if given the same opportunities, exposure and the financial incentives, would probably have done even better. Master batsman Mahadeva Sathasivam and old Wesleyite was, by all accounts, a genius of a batsman. Frank Worrell, the former West Indian skipper publicly announced that if he was to pick a World XI., the first batsman he would pick would be "Sathasivam from Ceylon." Then, there was F.C.de Saram, Sargo Jayawickrema, D.S.Jayasundera, Robert de Kretser, C.I.Gunasekera, Stanley Jayasinghe, Vernon Prins, H.I.K.Fernando, Gamani Goonesena, Makkin Salih, Malcolm Francke, Bob Bartels, Mahes Rodrigo, Channa Gunasekera, Abdul Lafir, Michael Tissera, Ronnie Reid, and quite a few more who could have adorned any Test team. Surmounting many odds, Sri Lanka were accorded Full Member status of the International Cricket Conference on 21 July 1981, and the first-ever Test, against England, was played at the P.Saravanamuttu stadium, in February 1982.

The game where the Sri Lankans, led by Bandula Warnapura, dominated until the last day, was however lost in dramatic fashion at the post. However in 1984, the Sri Lankans outplayed England at Lord's in a sensational display and gave further indication of their undoubted skill when they declared both their innings closed but were unable to force a win. And, it came in 1993 at the S.S.C. grounds when the then unknown Sanath Jayasuriya hammered the first ball he received from England left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell for a six to herald a Sri Lankan win by 5 wickets. The worm had turned. The continuing terrorist war and the consequent economic problems were a drawback for international teams to visit the island. Overseas tours were difficult to obtain due to lack of "marketability" of our players. Yet, the general interest in the game amongst the public was astounding, thanks mainly to television. The game was being played on paddy fields, street corners and any available open spaces. During this period of bombs and mayhem, the only silver lining in the lives of the people is cricket. The exploits of Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya and Arjuna Ranatunga are on the lips of schoolboys, housewives, pavement hawkers, politicians, business magnates and even religious dignitaries. Cricket is a national pastime as much as soccer is for Brazil. The joy, happiness and the euphoria of Sri Lankans living here and abroad when the World Cup was won in 1996 will never be forgotten.

Today, Sri Lanka as a cricket-playing nation, is a country to be reckoned with. 50 years ago, in 1948, when the Lion flag was hoisted over the island nation and the great Don Bradman's Australian team played a match against Ceylon, the pitch was found to be embarrassingly some two yards short! It was a big laugh for the Australians. Fittingly, it was the Australians that Sri Lanka trounced by 7 wickets in the final of the World Cup on that memorable night of 17 March 1996 at Lahore. Sweet revenge. Today, the tag of World Champions has given a new identity to Sri Lanka. It is not only due to a bloody senseless conflict nor for the famed Ceylon tea that Sri Lanka is now known. From this country hails a set of cricketers who play the game in a manner to thrill the cognoscenti and the commoner, and who has brought honour and glory to their native land. A tribute both the cricketers and the people of Sri Lanka will always cherish and will be a landmark in the annals of our history.

Schoorman, Riemers of Wesley fame here on holiday by Peter Cassie-Chitty - 2 May 2000

Everard Schoorman the former BRC and Wesley skipper and Robin Riemers the former Wesley cricketer are on a short holiday in Sri Lanka. Schoorman and Riemers were talented batsmen who represented Wesley in the early sixties - the era when after the glorious fifties, Wesley cricket rode the crest of the wave.

Robin Reimers

At a get-together recently Schoorman and Riemers were joined by Wesleyites who became household names in the cricketing circles -- L.R.Goonetilleke, Milroy Muthuvaloe, Mervyn Hamer, Sarath Wickremaratne, Kenneth de Silva and C.T.Rodrigo fondly remembered the victories and the defeats of this period. Two of Wesley's most convincing victories beating the star studded Ananda team by an innings and turning tables on Darrell Lieversz and Royal came under Lalith C.R.Wijeysinghe. Riemers and Schoorman figured in many a victory of these years while Mutuvaloe and C.T.Rodrigo performed exceptionally. Wickremaratne was a brilliant close fielder as agile as a monkey and a batsman who had commanding leg side strokes. Undefeated Wesley College were comfortable winners of the Lifebuoy Shield for the Best Schools team in 1963 under Milroy Mutuvaloe, allrounder Darrell Maye being voted the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year. Mervyn Hamer and Milroy Jebarajah most often laid a solid foundation for Wesley's unbeatable scores.

Schoorman is remembered by his players as the best skipper Wesley ever had for with a most mediocre fielding team he and deputy Mervyn Hamer led from the front succumbing only to a very strong Thomian team by eight wickets -- (S. Thomas' losing Boralessa and L.S. Perera for eighteen runs) and to St.Peter's when the Wesley batting collapsed for 60 runs to the seam bowling of Peterite skipper David Heyn, Wesley had to make only 120 runs to win. Picking up from there they defeated a strong Josephian team who declared twice. Wesley scored 202 for 5 in 90 minutes with allrounder Chandran Perera who scored 54 in the first innings making 72 not out in the second. Schoorman made 50. Wesley then beat Trinity, Richmond, Kingswood and were held to a draw by the strong Ananda side who had former Armed Corps officer Lalith Gooneratne stopping the advancing Wesleyites with a disciplined defensive knock. The Hamer brothers - Russel and Mervyn - created a record of dismissals against Royal that year. Russel bowling off and leg spin at 'Kumble' speeds had brother Mervyn catching and stumping five Royalists. Allrounder William Deutrom saved Wesley from humiliation raising a few giggles with his unorthodox defence while the match petered out into a draw. Wesley cricket hit rock bottom when in 1965 led by Donald Thurairatnam they lost to S. Thomas',Trinity, Royal and Richmond by an innings. They beat Kingswood and drew against St.Peter's, St. Joseph's and Ananda. Thurairatnam seemed not to have gained from the experience he earned playing under Mutuvaloe and Schoorman - two master tacticians - learned their trade under Lalith Wijeysinghe (1962) and Daya Koddithuwakku (1961). Revival came under allrounder Amaresh Rajaratnam in 1969 that Wesley maintained till the late 1970s. Wesley have been struggling in the past are struggling now. They will need Schoorman type skippers to bail them out.

Ananda-Wesley revive cricket ties by Peter Christie - 18 February 2000

The Ananda-Wesley inter-schools cricket fixture will be revived after 20 years on the initiative of the Old Boys Sports Clubs of the schools. The match is scheduled for February 24 and 25. When the schools last met in 1980, Ananda was captained by Rohita de Perera and Wesley by Capt. Navin de Silva. Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga was a member of the Anandian team. The friendly rivalry was manifest between the neighbours throughout the late fifties and into the sixties and seventies. Wesleyites were more often than not Ananda's boogey men. In 1962, a brilliant Ananda led by Sarath Wimalaratne included all rounders 'Tida' Rajapakse and 'Patta' Fernando (both senior officers in the Sri Lanka Army) were trounced by an innings after the hitherto unknown leg spinner Clifford T. Rodrigo finished with a record 8 wickets for 9 runs for Wesley.

Wesley was led by Lalith Wijesinghe with Wesley's present Prefect of Games, Kenneth de Silva as his deputy. Ananda had come across other leg spinners in 'Kunghi' Balendra and Elmo Rodrigopulle (St. Benedict's) and suffered similarly. In the years that followed very strong Anandian teams were met on equal terms by Wesley captained in 1963 by Milroy Mutuvaloe, in 1964 by Everard Schoorman and Donald Thurairatnam. Wesley's cricket declined in 1966 but a resurrected 1969 team led by Ameresh Rajaratnam held its own remained unbeaten and won the best schools team award. While Wesley has but three international cricketers to boast of in Abu Fuard, L.R.Goonetillake and Russel Harmer, the Anandians list runs on and on. From Arjuna Ranatunga who scored the first fifty in the inaugural Test, and Sidath Wettimuny who scored the first century (157 against Pakistan in Hyderabhad) and Brendon Kuruppu who scored the first double century against New Zealand. Wesley cricket is not in the doldrums. What it lacks is the positive play needed to change losses into draws and draws into wins.

With an international and reputed tactician at the helm of her team, Wesley's experienced cricketers seem to be overwhelmed by a fear of losing and play for draws. Coaches can groom their players, yet a fighting spirit has to come from within. Scratching around in conducive conditions against Royal proved a point. Wesley has had exciting cricketers in Derek Ingram, Kenneth de Silva, Rodney Perera, Mervyn Harmer, Chandiran Perera and Amaresh Rajaratnam. With these players on song no target was too big. Wesley go out underdogs in this game; Ananda are still a force. Rakitha Wijetunga and his men will have to have a confident and positive approach if they are to make a 'match' of the encounter. Chandrasekera could be a better bowler giving the ball air and Jaldeen as a batsman is wasted when he plays safe.

Reminiscences of a former Wesley cricket captain. by Edmund Dissanayake

THE SMALL PARK at Karlshrue was the place where I started cricket with the rubber ball. When I graduated to hard ball cricket practices and junior matches continued to be played there. With the outbreak of the Second world war in 1939 our school and the grounds at Campbell park were taken over by the military. Hence we had to proceed to the prison grounds for our cricket. I first played for Wesley in 1944 together with my elder brothers Chandra and Donald. In 1946 I was asked to lead Wesley. It was a very big challenge, for there were only 3 of the previous year’s players available! Our first match was against Royal on the Railway Grounds, Mt. Mary. One week before this match, Coach Henry Van Buren, a former captain, took me to a house overlooking the ground, where Royal were playing another school. Together we plotted on paper the scoring strokes of certain strong Royal batsmen.

I can still remember the powerful square cut of Kapukotuwa and the flashing off drive of M. Kasipillai. These two shots had to be blocked in order to contain the formidable batting of Royal led by Mahes Rodrigo. Royal having scored 307 for 5 declared at 4.35 P.m. I refused to accept the declaration as according to the existing rules, one and a half hours of batting had to be given to the other side. Then followed a comedy, when the last 5 batsmen stayed at the wickets for an over each, and retired. Royal totalled 317. Subsequently this matter was referred to the MCC who ruled in favour of Wesley. Today a declaration is possible at any time. To continue.... at the end of the first day Wesley had scored 50 for one. I continued batting next day, being the last man out having scored 107 runs. Follow on, Harold Matthysz had been given out for a catch off his boot. Mahes Rodrigo, having consulted the fielder concerned, recalled Harold who had gone to the pavilion. This act of SPORTSMANSHIP helped Wesley to bat the whole day scoring 172 for 7. The last century against Royal had been scored in 1917... 29 years ago. When I went home former cricket captain Stanley Jayasekera presented me with five rupees. This was a princely sum for a schoolboy 57 years ago.

Today a century can bring a boy more than a thousand rupees. In 1947, Wesley had no cricket coach, for Henry Van Buren had been posted to a distant office. Very few are aware that I had to play two roles as Captain and coach! But surprisingly, we beat both Royal and S. Thomas’ both matches being played on the opponents’ grounds at Reid Avenue and Mt. Lavinia. In 1947 Wesley played only 6 Inter-Collegiate cricket matches. Today we play more than 17, beginning in October. During my day, matches were played from 12 noon to 6 P.m. There were two intervals. There were no mandatory overs. But with less playing time, there were rusults. Today matches start at 10 a.m. Teams go out having decided not to lose. The will to WIN is absent today. Earlier protection to the batsman was minimal.

Today even the fielders are heavily protected. If helmets were in vogue in 1947, I would not have ended in hospital after the Thomian match. In the past, appeals to the umpire were not frivolous. Today not only are they frivolous, but intimidatory! I must refer to the match against Royal in 1969, where I had the privilege of coaching Wesley. In this match there were three declarations, and it was in the last ball of the match that Wesley proved victorious. At the end of the match both teams and the officials were invited to a sumptuous dinner hosted by D. S. Wijemanne. The friendships that were cultivated therefrom have been lasting. Talking about coaches, Henry Van Buren and B. J. H. Bahar (Snr) were the most outstanding. They did not carry any certificates. But they produced RESULTS and above all GENTLEMEN. Edmund Dissanayake

Wesley’s memorable team of 1953 From the Island newspaper

For one of the finest cricket captains- Bryan Classen, 1953 will be remembered as a glorious year for Wesley, and of very special interest. As under his leadership, Wesley was unbeaten, having registered victories against St. Joseph’s, Royal, Kingswood, Prince of Wales and Richmond. The matches against S. Thomas’, Trinity and St. Peter’s were drawn. It will be seen that only 8 inter-collegiate matches were played then, when compared to the number played today. The authorities concerned should seriously consider whether increasing the number of fixtures will have a deleterious effect on the players themselves. Should not education be the primary concern? The match against Royal has been singled out because of certain special features. In each of three innings, the totals did not exceed 85. Royal scored 68 and 76 while Wesley scored 145 and 84. In Royal’s first innings, the first four wickets fell for a solitary run, which was a leg bye.

There were three sets of brothers — Claessens, Adhihettys and Fuards. In this match, played at Reid Avenue on the 7th and 8th February, as many as 15 players were out LBW of which nine such decisions went against Wesley. For Royal, N. Mathew scored 35, and Patrick Schokman scored 74 for Wesley. In the bowling S. L. A. Wickramasinghe bowled best for Royal capturing 4 wickets for 2 runs in the 2nd innings, while M. N. Samsudeen was Wesley’s wrecker in the 2nd innings, capturing 5 for 17. Just before the Wesley team left for Reid Avenue, one of the Wesleys’ cricketers, who happened to be a prefect also, was summoned before the Principal Cedric Oorloff. The head of a leading girls’ school had come with a complaint that a couple of Wesley boys had hidden behind a giant flamboyant tree, and shouted at a girl, whose hair-style reminded one of a common bird’s nest. The cricketer in question was on duty at the rear entrance to Wesley, but had not taken steps to identify the boys, nor prevent them from shouting at the girl. The principal who was a strict disciplinarian, gave this lad ‘six of the best’. He took up his punishment stoically. But in later life, he reached the highest ranks in the Police Service.

Wesley College Cricket Team 1953/4

Sent by Olkie Edema (Canada)

Perhaps the best cricket team that Wesley ever had – I believe it was in 1953/4. I had joined Wesley the year before (from S Thomas’ Prep). I took this photo of a picture hung up in the old Wesley pavilion, while in SL earlier this year.

L-R Standing: Patrick Shockman, T.Alalasunderam, Arthlow Chapman, Abu Fuard, (?)Bryan Perera, Lou Adihetty, Neil Gallagher

L-R Seated: Musafer (Wicket Keeper), A.V. Fernando (Coach) Radley Claessen (Captain), C.J. Oorloff (Principal), Mr JLF De Mel (Games Master), Bryan Claessen, Ansa Fuard. (Samsudeen – he and Bryan Claessen played for Sri Lanka while in College – is missing from this photo)
Incidently, A.V. Fernando was still coaching Wesley when I played. At an ‘end of season’ party (at Lorenz Ebert’s place) he came over to me, put his arm around my shoulders and said “Olkie, in my opinion, you’re the finest bowler that Wesley has had”. The only problem…. A.V. was blind drunk at the time!! Poor chap died from either cirrhosis or a heart problem not long after.- Olkie Edema

Notwithstanding reduced fixtures and shorter playing hours, Bryan Claessen notched up 4 centuries. Against Trinity (101 not out) 115 vs Kingswood, 157 not out vs Richmond and 105 vs S. thomas’. His best bowling performance was against Zahira (9 for 37). Other good performances were 8 for 68 vs St. Joseph’s, 6 for 39 vs Kingswood, 6 for 20 vs Prince of Wales, 6 for 87 vs Trinity, and 6 for 38 vs Richmond. Bryan was selected to play for All-Ceylon while at school, in 1953, under Sargo Jayawickreme’s captaincy, against the powerful Australian Team skippered by Lindsay Hasset. Bryan was an outstanding and complete cricketer, a stylish and aggressive strokemaker with an array of strokes all round the wicket. He was also a wily leg spinner, who bamboozled batsmen with his flight and spin; a brilliant fielder in any position, and one of the prodigious captains produced by Wesley. He owes his success to coach Alban V. Fernando. Alban was hit on the head when he opened batting with Henry Van Buren against Royal in 1931. He had scored 24 runs when he was rushed to hospital after being struck by bowler D. H. Labrooy. The head injury put him off the game of cricket, but not as a coach as he served Wesley in a honorary capacity. Bryan migrated to Australia in 1957, and secured several awards in cricket. He will be remembered as the first Sri Lankan to be elected President of South Australia’s District Cricket Club. Professionally, Bryan was a Prosecutor in Family Law. When he retired in March 1988, he was in charge of the Division responsible for the enforcement of family support orders in South Australia. Wesley’s wonder team of 1953 consisted of Bryan Claessen (Capt.), Ansar Fuard, Abu Fuard, Pat Schokman, B. N. Jurampathy, Lon Adihetty, Vincy Adihetty, A. R. Chapman, Herman Claessen, C. N. Gallaher, D. Range, A. P. Batuwitage M. N. Samsudeen and N. W. Fernando, the coach was A. V. Fernando and Master-in-charge was J. L. F. de Mel. Edmund Dissanayake

Hockey at Wesley by L.A.Fernando

Hockey at Wesley is almost synonymous with Hockey in Sri Lanka. It is a presuptious statement to make, but with much truth Wesley has produced the stalwarts for Hockey in Sri Lanka. They are presently-at the helm of affairs in the controlling bodies. Their interest in and dedication", to Hockey is so apparent that it is almost impossible .to think of them except at a national level. This article attempts a resume of' Hockey since 1950. In 1950, Wesley was already a school with a reputation for Hockey, The boys knew it and the coaches and masters in charge were alive to the challenge to keep up the standards. Messrs. Fred Abeysekera, Danton D'Abrera, N. A. B. Fernando were at the helm of affairs determining the standards for the school. Mr. T. Amit, a hockey enthusiast of repute, helped the school as an honorary coach and Later Mr. Freddie White, a Ceylon Cap. Success of a game like Hockey depends very much on the training of juniors. This probably is the one main factor that almost guaranteed the maintaining of hockey standards. Mr. Abeysekera had already initiated the moves to have a series of junior teams-Under 16, Under 14, etc. The junior teams were well handled and expertly coach- ed. Mr. A. Mylvagauam, an old Wesleyite and a Ceylon Cap was a tower of strength along with Messrs. Walter Jayasariya, the late T. M. N. Mahamooth, and Mervyn K. Peries. It was a 'hockey rally" so many to help and so many willing to give-time, money and energy for Wesley hockey.

In the Sixties, Wesley was represented in the controlling bodies and was therefore responsible for the organisation of national tournaments. For the first time, a schools team from India visited Sri Lanka-the Bal Mandal Team-and Sri Lanka triumphed much to the jubilation of the hockey enthusiasts in the country. A lad from Wesley, Shanti Maclelland was chosen skipper of one national team. There never was a year when Wesleyites did not represent a 'national schools hockey team in Sri Lanka. This is a matter of great pride. It is noted for purposes of record that in the mid-sixties, the Ceylon Schools Hockey Federation was given a special permit by The Government of Ceylon to import, hockey equipment direct. The cost of hockey gear therefore dropped to such an extent that almost 300 boys of Wesley purchased sticks, This meant that about a third of the boys, a wonderful sight indeed to watch all these lads moving into Campbell Park each day at 4p.m. to learn how to play. Almost all age groups- Were represented and until the 1970's .these lads who began playing the game under 10 were playing serious hockey for the school. The boys were divided into a number of groups and Mr. Amit organised physical instruction classes before they were allowed to push the ball around. It is still a sight we remember with great satisfaction. ..In this article, no attempt is made to record our performances year by year.

At one time, the hockey strong' schools preferred to play us early in the season to boost their morale "by defeating us. In the sixties, it was the other way round They postponed our fixture to the maximum possible extent, much to our dislike. We wanted 'morale boosters' too! There was hardly a match we played with possibilites of defeat. More often than not, we were the feared team and both spectators and players were certain our hockey team would play -the game in the spirit in which games such as hockey, should be played. We won and rejoiced more often than we lost and got disappointed. Wesley knows that hockey is now her traditional forte. To single out individuals as outstanding would be an impossible task, suffice it to say, that our quota of representation in national hockey is envious-which reflects our per mances in school, Young stalwarts- like Bashurdeen Musafer, Rajah Jayasuriya, Swangsa; C. T. Rodrigo, Sarath Wickramaratne, Sandy Musafer are well known in hockey circles as nation-class players and at the moment even younger players such as A. L. George, Jeganathan brothers, Rohan Amerasinghe, Shanti McLelland consi-. dered right on top in Hockey. The young and the not so young are now together at national hockey representing the country at international tournaments some under the banner of the Old Wesleyites Sports Club, others affiliated to hockey playing clubs. Very soon, they will all join to play for the OWSC only, and we are certain, with such stalwarts as these school hockey too cannot go steeply down. Wesley must remain the only nursery for the strengthening of O.W.S. C. and we are confident hockey at Wesley will go on improving to an extent when we could form the nucleus of national teams in the near future. Wesley and hockey will go together, we are confident, for many more years to come.

When I reminisce by Christie Seneviratne

When the Editor of -the Wesley College Centenary Celebrations, souvenir requested me to write a short piece reminiscent of my schooldays at Wesley, I had no alternative but to write a little about myself which has now become history. I am well aware, being a journalist that it is unethical to do so. But I can think of no, other incident which is important to me and to the college. Hence this article. The resurrection of Wesley cricket after a lean period for almost a decade came under the leadership of Henry L. Van Buren, who died a few years back. Van Buren piloted Wesley to an invincible season in 1935 which brought back Wesley to where it belonged. To carry on the good work that Van Buren had left was no easy task. Wesley's ardent supporters of the game, well wishers and old boys, kept their fingers crossed the 'following year, hoping that Henry Duckworth (now in Australia) would continue with the good work. Although Van' Buren's reputation of invincibility was formidable, skipper Duckworth performed something that was beyond even the great Van Büren. Wesley had never won against -St: Joseph's in the long cricket association of the two schools up to then.

To triumph against the Darley Road boys was a gargantuan task, especially in l936, under the astute Josephian captaincy of Malcolm Spittel, whose team that year was unbeaten. The Josephians, with victories 'against Royal, St. Thomas' and Trinity, It was a formidable combination of strength and naturally Spittel and his men were classed as firm favourites against Wesley at Darley Road. There was drama and excitement from, the first ball bowled until the last. This was expected as both teams had in their ranks some of the finest schoolboy cricketers, who later won their Ceylon 'caps". They were Spittel and Gerry Gooneratne of St. Josephs and Mahadevan Sathasivam, Sella Nagendra and Ivan Walbéoff of Wesley. Yes, in the cricket firmament that year a new star was born. He was M. Sathasivam, who later. Established himself as the most outstanding batsman Ceylon ever produced. With Sathasivam in brilliant batting form, with a classic century to his credit the previous week against S. Thomas Wesley's batting could ,match evenly with that of the Josephians. This last school encounter between St. Joseph's and Wesley produced spectators of unprecedented magnitude. In fact the whole Darley Road grounds and precincts were swarming with crowds who had come to watch the 'battle of the giants'. The two schools were led by first cousins Spittel and Duckworth and the scene was charged with excitement.

In theory the Josephians had the edge over the Wesleyites and it was with some trepidation that Wesley took the field. Despite the treacherous matting wicket and the scorchingly fast outfield, it was a tussle in which bowlers dominated, preventing batsmen from taking undue' liberties. Even the mercurial Sáthasivam, of whom everyone expected a century, failed to penetrate the tight field and the effective bowling. Strangely enough, spinners of both schools contributed to the low scoring game. Gooneratne, David Arndt and Spittel proved unplayable, while for Wesley the damage was done by the spin twins Stanley Jayasekera and Reggie Joseph. - As a fresher who opened the 'new ball attack for Wesley, no one took me seriously as a batsman, but it was in this game that I had the great honour of steering Wesley to victory with Walbeoff, to the tumultuous cheers of the record crowd. In this low scoring clash, the Josephians trailed the Wesleyites by a dozen runs on the first Innings, with the batting and bowling honours evenly distributed. The second day's play evoked great interest -and enthusiasm and when the last Josephian, batting pair left the centre, Wesley were given a victory target of making 120 odd runs in almost even time. Against the, tight Josephian attack spearheaded by Spittel, Gooneratne and Arndt, victory for Wesley was out of sight beyond the distant horizon.

Wesley wickets fell at regular intervals and with Sathasivam, Duckworth, Nagendra and Emil then back in the pavilion, the task of winning looked remote. The fall of the eighth wicket sent me to the centre with 15 runs-to make for a win in even time. At first I was nervous and trembling as I never experienced an ordeal of this nature before. But I was consoled with the fact that Walbeoff was at the other end unperturbed having been there for a considerable time. Spittel's first delivery whistled past my right ear and the second whacked me on the hip, leaving a dent which remains 'up to this day' the impact of leather on muscle and bone is something I cannot describe. At the other end Walbeoff cautioned me to play a straight bat to the ball that came straight through. Later, of course, I did this with the efficiency of a veteran. Then came the crucial moment, when a Spittel in swinger hit my bat and to my great delight the ball sped to the leg side boundary, bringing the target closer. Eleven precious runs to make in 10 minutes. The tantalising bowling of' left armer Gooneratne was my next, hurdle to clear. Within a matter of 'minutes victory was within striking distance. At this stage Wesley had to make 3 runs with two wickets intact. . Although Spittle had ideas of shattering my stumps, I was equally confident about myself. Spittel charged down the bowling, run-up with additional zest and his fatal ball, an in-swinger, I dispatched to the fine, leg boundary, giving Wesley the much needed runs for victory the first ever, against St. Joseph's College.

Addendum by Shanti McLelland

It was extremely interesting to read one of Wesley's great victories at cricket, specially against St. Joseph's. Specially because, over the years Wesley consistently had thrilling encounters with St. Josephs College at Darley Road. The article was written in the same style Christie Seneviratne wrote many cricket reviews for many years for the Daily News. Christie a towering figure won respect from many of the visiting sports reporters, cricket pundits, eminent cricketers, and officials for this explicit knowledge of the game and the outstanding ability to recapture memorable feats of many cricketing greats, and for his unbiased reporting. He succeeded Carlton Seneviratne to become Sports Editor of the Ceylon Daily News. Some Wesleyites he worked with would remember him as a jovial and an extraordinary friend and colleague. He would always give a junior an opportunity to cover some of the elite sporting events, which was a rare quality. He was figurative in his previews, literal in reporting results, and of emblematic in his reviews. He maintained the highest standards of ethical journalism. Christie Sevenviratne's cricketing column will be always remembered, so will the pseudonym. He cherished to publish his 'nom de plume', which of course will remain so. Christie contributed to Wesley's cricket in the sixties, when Nihal Seneviratne followed his father's footsteps to represent Wesley. Nihal opened bowling for Wesley, with his right hand medium pace and like his father, he was a reliable tail-end batsman. At stumps, we see them walk back to the pavilion, with the double blue flag flying high in their honour.

Cricket at Wesley by Watson Wijewickrema

Watson Wijewickrema

The First Game

Wesley's 'cricket history dates back to 1893-to the inauguration of the Wesley-Royal series, which is the second oldest cricket series in Sri Lanka. To the late Percy de Bruin fell the honour of captaining that Wesley team of 1893; the Royal captain being M. D. Cockburn, while one of the umpires was Mr. John Harward, then Principal, of Royal College. The historic match was played at San Sebastian, then the home of the Royalists. The first Wesley team included G. B. Honter, Z. H. Mantara (one of Malay C.C.'s best cricketers), T. A. Akbar, C. E. Perera, Gerard Wijekoon (later Sir Gerard, one time President of the now defunct Senate) and W. Faber.

Two Greatest Teams

Considering that Wesleyites who have -watched Wesley cricket over the past thirty years are almost unanimously agreed that Bryan Claessen's team of 1953 was the greatest Wesley team they have seen, it can be stated here that-the two greatest Wesley teams during her cricket' history were C. R. Perera's XI of 1896 and Bryan Claessen's Xl of 1953. Those Who comprised the latter team were: the Fuard brothers-Ansar and' Abu, the Adihetty brother Lou and and Vincey, Pat Schokman,MN. Samsudeen, Niel Gallagher Arthlow Chapman, the late Herman Claessen (the skipper's brother), T. Range and B N. Juranpathy. ,Of this team, Bryan Claessen and Abu Fuard represented Sri Lanka, white Pat Schokman and M. N. Samsudeen were awarded C.C.A caps.

The Greatest Batsman Ever Produced - Best Bowlers Too

Wesley has had a number of ups and downs in her cricket history, and in this chequered career she holds the proud distinction of having produced the greatest right-hand batsman ever produced in this country. E. Perera who captained the College team in 1899. In the bowling department too Wesley has had the best pair of schoolboy bowlers in the island, in Lyn Barbut and V. O. Nathaniels (the former a slow left-arm bowler while the latter was a deadly contrast as speedster), and in first-class cricket Sri Lanka had no better pair of left arm bowlers than the Wesley products. E. S. Mendis and Sam Gunasekera, each of whom had bagged over 100 wickets.

Founding of Sinhalese Sports Club

It may interest readers to note that while captain of Wesley, C. E. Perera captained the famous Combined Colleges XL of 1899 that was composed of 11 Sinhalese cricketers and this led to the formation of the Sinhalese Sports Club; its founder none other than another' Wesleyite, H. J. V. Ekanayake -The inaugural meeting was held in the Wesley College Hall, at Dam Street, Pettah.

Big Names In Wesley Cricket (Early Period)

Leading cricketers produced by Wesley after 1900 were C. A. Perera (brother of the great C. E. Perera-and the first Wesleyite to score a century), F. W. Dias, R. E. S. Mendis, E. J. Melder who, in S. P. Foenander's opinion was the greatest left-hand batsman , Sam Gunasekera, S. Nagendra (Snr.), Richard de Alwis, O. C. Amath, and A. M. Fuard. Richard de Alwis was a right-arm fast medium bowler who once captured nine wickets in an innings against Royal and this performance is still a record in this series (there are only two other instances of a Wesleyite capturing nine wickets in an innings . W. E. de Zylva bagged nine for 14 against Richmond in 1912 and Amaresh Rajaratnam returned figures of 9 for 10 against Issipathana in 1969). This had perhaps been Wesley's most glorious era in cricket, the team remaining unbeaten for three consecutive years, from 1908-1910.

Up to 1940

Other cricketers who did Wesley proud during the first thirty years of Wesley cricket were E. A. Gunasekera, T. Sathasivam, M. K. Cassim, N. Molligoda, the late R. L. Kannangara (the only Wesleyite to score two centuries against Royal in consecutive years), A. H. M. Ismail, the Mayo brothers H. E. L. and A. T. M., A. E. Seneviratne, V. N. Vandendriesen a P. H. Nonis. Excelling for Wesley during the. thirties were R. Jeganathan whose record score for Wesley 163 against' Trinity in 1932-was broken only in 1961 when Ronald Smith made 199 against Richmond, and this in turn was eclipsed by Mervyn Hamer who made 233 against Kingswood in l964 H. L. Van Buuren, S.W Jayasekera, H. N. Duckworth, I. H. Walbeöff, C. P. W. Vangeyzer, C.Ganegoda and M. Sathasivam. The last named was the most brilliant batsman produced in Sri Lanka since C. E. Perera, and occupies a prominent place in the roll of honour. He enlivened the local cricket scene with his particular brand of batsmanship, and has scored more centuries than any other Wesleyite. One of his more noteworthy knocks was the century he made in the Pent angular Tournament in India, and his best performance too was recorded in India when he made 217 in Madras, which is a record for a Ceylonese cricketer in India. Incidentally, in making 'this score, Sathasivam broke England's Joe Hardstaff's 'ground record of 214. "Satha" as he is popularly known has the added distinction of being perhaps the only cricketer in any part of the world to have led two national sides-All Ceylon and Malaysia.

1940 Onwards

Wesley's cricket 'during the war years was badly affected mainly due to the school being deprived not only of proper ground facilities but of her very home as well, which was taken over by the armed forces for use as a military hospital Nevertheless, even during these difficult years Wesley produced a number of cricketer who did 'their College proud. Among them were S. Nagendra (Jñr.) who following in his famous father's footsteps too won representative honours (the only Wesleyite. father-and-son due to' achieve this honour, A. A. Perera, B. T. Henderling, T. I. Cassim, and A Mylvaganam (who was considered the best schoolboy bowler of his time, and later 'represented Sri 'Lanka). Under the captaincy of J A. A. Perera, in 1944, Wesley emerged champions in intercollegiate cricket. That year, Wesley beat St. Thomas' (by an innings) St. Joseph's, Trinity and Richmond. The conclusion of the war,' and Wesley's return to her traditional home as well as the availability of Campbell Park for use of her cricketers saw the school emerge as a 'force to reckon with in inter-collegiate cricket. During the period following the war, a feature of the Wesley teams with a few exceptions, was that there was at least one set of brothers playing for the College each year. The brothers who had represented Wesley since the war included the Dissanayake brothers Chandra, Donald and Edmund: Abeywardena brothers Piyasiri and Lakshman Mack brothers Derrick and Spencer; Ebert brothers: Denis and Lorenz; Claessen brothers-Radley, Bryan and the late Hermon; Fuard brothers-Ansar, Abu and M. H. (the first named, like his father, A. M. Fuard, captained the school); Adihetty brothers-Lou and Vincey; Rajasinghe twins; Hamer brothers Mervyn, Russel and Glanville, Wickremaratne brothers-Sarath and Rohan (the former captained the Central Province team versus "the visiting M CC. team in early 1973); Schoorman brothers-Everard and Francis; Jeganathan twins Haridharan and Sridharan; and the Jansz brothers; the late 'Travis, Ray and Tyrone (the last named was the fastest schoolboy bowler. in 1972). Outstanding among. post war Wesley cricketers arc Brian Claessen, Abu Fuard, Lucky Gunatilleke, Russel Hamer (all of whom represented the country in "unofficial" test cricket), Pat Schokman and Samsudeen (who 'won C.C.A. caps). Brian Claessen was capped for Ceylon while a schoolboy, while Samsudeen similarly won his C.C.A. cap as a schoolboy. Cricket history might have been created when twins-the Rajasingham twins opened batting for Wesley. Eight Wesleyites held the distinction of leading first class club teams since the war. They are M. Sathasivam (Tamil Union), Lucky Abeywardene (Bloomfield),' 'Bryan Claessen (Colts), Clive Bartholomeusz (B.R.C.), Abu Fuard (Colts), Maxwell de Silva (Catamarans), Everard Schoorman (B. R. C. ) and Russell Hamer(Bloomfield).

Declaration Controversy

After the war, Wesley emerged as a striking force in inter-collegiate cricket with her team of 1947. Ably led by Edmund Dissanayake she convincingly 'beat 'both Royal and St. Thomas' the Only time this had been achieved In the last 51.years. Edmund 'Dissanayake, as a' captain'; was a shrewd tactician, and Wesleyites will recall how by his strategy in the 'encounter with Royal' in 1946, he became 'the centre of controversy. The matter was of such' magnitude 'that it' was referred to the 'M.C.C. who 'ruled In' favour of the Wesley skipper.

Unbeaten Teams After The War

In the early fifties, Wesley dominated intercollegiate cricket and were unofficial champions in 1952 and 1953. The 1952 team under Radley Claessen was beaten by St. Thomas', but 'Bryan Claessen's' 1953 team remained unbeaten, the first to achieve this since the war. The feat was repeated in 1961 under D. Kodituwakku, in 1963 under Milroy Muthuvaloe and; in 1969 under Amaresh Chandra Rajaratnam. Wesley annexed the Lifebuoy Shield in 1963 (The first year of its award) on being adjudged the best school team and on repeating this feat lit 1969, she became the first school to 'win this shield twice. In' 1963 Wesley had the added distinction of having one of its team-namely Darrell Maye chosen as Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.

Memorable Victories

Wesley's greatest post-war victory was over the formidable Josephian'team of 1952,' the. most impressive an innings victory over. the Thomians in 1950, and the most exciting a 'victory by 10' runs over. Royal in 1969, with the last ball of the last over (one cannot forget, however, how Lou Adhihetty's side. of 1956 hit up 49 runs in only 12 minutes to defeat Trinity, with only a couple of minutes to spare). The highest number of victories in a season was recorded in 1962 under Lalith Wijesinghe when Wesley won six matches, five of them. In consecutive games against St. Joseph's Trinity, Royal, Richmond and Ananda. The sixth victory was in an earlier match versus 'Kingwood.

Best Bowling Performances

Some of the best postwar bowling performances Wesleyites 'can recall: are 9 for 10, including a hat-trick, by Amaresh Rajararatnam when 'Issipathana were sent reeling for 31 and 8' for '9 by C. T. Rodrigo when Ananda crashed 'to an innings defeat 'in 1962, and a haul of 8 wickets by Lucky Gunatilleke in 1959 when he ripped through the Maris Stella batting lineup, to help Wesley shot them out for only 16. Going back to the early, period, Wesleyites will recall the match against Trinity in 1910, when 'C. S. Jayasinghe and M Sathasivam' both performed the "hat-trick" in their second innings. Fielding and .wicket keeping 'had played. a prominent role in Wesley' successes, and in the post war period Wesley was fortunate to have a number of top-notch wicketkeepers Among them were Harold Mathysz, Pat Schokman; Mervyn Hamer, Russel Hamer, and' Patrick Jansz. Russell' Hámer crowned himself with glory when selected to represent Sri Lanka in 1972. . Patrick Jansz established what may be an inter-collegiate record when he made 10 dismissals against Richmond in 1969. As for close-in fielding. Sarath Wickremaratne in his specialist' position of gully, or at short-fine leg, thrilled spectators with' his spectacular catches. Most remarkable was his "match bag" of 9 catches against Ananda in 1962-probably another intercollegiate record.

Greatest All-Rounder

If one were to pick the greatest postwar cricketer produced by Wesley the obvious choice is Bryan Claessen. He played for Wesley from 1950-53, captaining the team in his last year. In 1951, the "Spotting times" picked him as the best all-rounder in schools, and 'in 1952 he again received recognition-as the best bowler in the schools. He crowned .his school' cricket career by achieving the rare distinction of leading his team to be the first unbeaten post-war Wesley side and unofficial school cricket champions for 1953 to 'cap it all, his was the greatest post-war Wesley team, and one' of the two 'greatest teams produced by Wesley in her eighty years of cricket. Add to this, his selection., While in school, to represent' Sri Lanka versus the Australian Test team led by Lindsay Hassett a rare achievement, in the fifties, for a schoolboy. He was an outstanding and complete all-rounder-a stylish and attractive batsman with an array of strokes all round the wicket,, a wily right-arm leg spinner who bamboozled leading batsmen with his flight au spin, an alert and brilliant fielder in any position and an astute leader and captain.

Fight Back and Hope

This, then, is Wesley's record in cricket She has had her great moments; those not so great, and yet others which were far from great. She has acknowledged triumph with grace, defeat without rancour, and has' battled adversity with courage and tenacity, fighting back gallantly while' demonstrating what sports writers" in Sri' Lanka have now come to identify 'as "sheer Wesley guts", to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Flashback by Editor Centenary Souvenir

To Wesleyite, the year 1947 was ,a memorable one. For, under the leadership of their cricket captain. Edmund Dlssanayake, after a long period of 31 years, Wesley were able to defeat both Royal College and S. Thomas' College, In the same season. After their victory against Royal at Reid Avenue, Wesley were to meet St. Thomas at Mt. Lavinia, the following week. But the Wesley Captain was greatly troubled in mind.. When questioned as to the cause of his anxiety he stated that he had an uncanny feeling, something that he could not fathom a feeling that he would be seriously 'injured the Thomian match. St.Thomas' was captained by Upali Katugaha, who had Ronnie Weerakoon as his deputy. An unprecedented crowd was present to watch the Thomians reel under Wesley's pressure, with Edmund bowling his heart out to capture 6 wickets for 14 runs. The first day ended on a triumphant note for Wesley. The Wesley Captain had troubled thoughts haunting him..., an accident ....hospitalisation.... and perhaps death! Was this a premonition! Come Saturday. The understanding Principal (Rev James Cartman) decided to drive his captain to Mount Lavinia. How many Principals would do such a thing today? The car had barely proceeded a hundred yards, when right opposite the Children's Hospital, 'the car stalled for no apparent reason. Heavy black smoke, ominous as it were, began to bellow forth from the under-carriage. That worthy English gentleman, lay full length on the dusty, dirty road to remedy the apparent fault in his car but the captain's mind was not at ease.

At Mount Lavinia. the young Wesley team battled valiantly, and once again the Thomians were at sea, having lost their first six wickets. for only 60 runs 'and a huge total facing them.. This time the Thomians had to contend with a different form of strategy-the presence of a fielder at "suicidal" short-leg. The Thomian batsmen, playing defensively, were caught out at short-leg. Then it happened N. S. Jayasundere who had been bowling an immaculate length, sent a delivery that slipped off his palm, and Ronnie Weerakoon clobbered the full toss, the ball striking Edmund (at short leg) with a resounding thud on his head. Edmund swung round and fell full length on the wicket. Rev. Cartman was the first to rush into the field, and 'as he carried off his captain, even the ranks of Tuscany could scarce forbear to cheer. Before he lapsed into unconsciousness the Captain gave vital instructions about bowling changes. Wesley emerged victorious by 112 runs.

BATTLE FOR LIFE At the Durdans Private Hospital, Dr. J. H. F. Jayasooriya, the eminent brain surgeon, battled round the clock to save the life of this cricketer It was found that he suffered from concussion of the brain, laceration of the brain tissues, associated with paralysis of the region below the waist. His recovery was indeed a miracle.. Many interesting stories were related during the one and a half months that Edmund lay between life and death. Another E. Dissanayake's death had been announced in the "Stop Press" column, and sympathisers presuming the worst had happened to Edmund, flocked to the Durdans. The cricket teams of Royal and St. Thomas' too were there! The rumour of his "death' spread to Galle, where a sister school, held a special Memorial Service! It is interesting to record that the last occasion on-which Wesley defeated S. Thomas ' at Mt. Lavinia, was under Edmund's captaincy in 1947; and at Campbell Park, in 1972, under Edmund's coaching. By Courtesy of Editor.

M.Sathasivam by Christie Seneviratne

An old scrap book with newspaper clippings discoloured with the passage of time, revealed some of the superlative cricket deeds of Mahadevan Sathasivam, the greatest of Sri Lanka's batsman. I was alarmed at his modesty, when I interviewed him at his home in Bambalapitiya, to write his memoirs for the Wesley College Centenary Souvenir. Sathasivam's exploits in the game have always been known far and wide from the time he was a chip of a schoolboy. I had the rare privilege of being his classmate and colleague at Wesley for a number of years until I was singularly honoured playing in the same Wesley team with him in the third term of 1935 and in the full intercollegiate season of 1936. The rolling-stone attitude of Sathasivam took him from Wesley to St. Joseph's and back. But finally, Wesley became his domain, largely due to the efforts of his father, who was himself an illustrious old Wesleyite. Later in life Sathasivam had the honour to play with stalwarts of the game like C. K. Nayudu Vijay Merchant, Mustaq Ali, Vinoo Mankad, Keith Miller, Ray Lindwall and those redoubtable West Indians, the three terrible W's - Worrel, Weekes and Walcott. For almost a quarter-century, Sathasivam had held the spectators spellbound with his batting virtuosity, and often crowds that watched his innings would nostalgically~ compare it with an earlier Sathasivam innings. Satha wielded the willow with such fluency that he nia4c the bowler look silly at times.

A long-hop by a fast bowler was promptly dispatched to the boundary with such ease that no bowler ever tried a second bouncer at him. He was always alert, with swiftness~ of feet, to steer the bail to any part of the field as he wished. A half volley was sent crashing to the boundary. But the stroke that had the real grace of an artist was late-cutting a paceman. He showed no weaknesses and it was a nightmare for a bowler to bowl to him. This was Sathasivam. He was not, in strict terms, a disciplined cricketer, but because of his brilliance, coupled with his absolute& self-confidence, one forgave him all his faults. In other words, he was a born and gifted cricketer who paid scant. respect to physical fitness. With his masterly and majestic stroke-play he was able to conserve the limited energies he had at his command. I would term Sathasivam's greatest innings as the one he displayed at Chepauk in Madras, when his double century for Ceylon against Madras wiped out Joe Hardstaff's age-old ground record, On that hot and stuffy day in 1947, Sathasivam meted out a remorseless battering on such bowlers as Madras paceman Raugachari Andy the two Indian Test men, M. J. (Gopalan and Ram Singh. Earlier in 1944, when the Bombay officials heard of Sathasivain's effortless and meaningful batting, they invited him to play for the 'Rest XI' in the Bombay, Pentagular.

And in his very first appearance against the Muslims, led by that mercurial cricketer, Mustaq Ali, Satha gracefully stroked a magnificent century. Records meant nothing to Sathasivam as he lowered themo with consummate ease For instance, his century for Wesley against St. Thomas' was the first a Wesleyite scored against the Thomians. His classic 145 was made at Mt. Lavinia against such a squadron of schoolboy bowlers of' the calibre of Shelton Thabrew, Donald Fairweather, Shelton Anthonisz and Douglas Flamer-Caldera. In first-class' Ceylon cricket, Sathasivam still holds a record for the most number of centuries. His exploits in cricket 'were known far and wide and he is probably the only cricketer in the world to have skippered two countries-Ceylon and Malaysia. This happened when at the tail end of his first-class career, Sathasivam went to Kuala Lumpur to take 'up a lucrative insurance business. There, he impressed the fans and' officials so well that they picked him to lead. Malaysia against the A' and later against Hong Kong. As a batsman, Sathasivam. who had no equals, revelled at fast wickets, but his technique was so nearly perfect, that he could bat on any type of wicket with the Same punch and aggressive grace. His 97 for Ceylon in 1950 against a Commonwealth XI was a masterpiece and the late George Duckworth.' who 'was then managing the team, said it was a gem of an innings played. under trying and difficult conditions. In fact the ' Oval wicket that day was a 'sticky dog' after rain and Sathasivam's 97 came out of a total of 150.

But Satha fondly talks about the innings in which he scored a double-century not out for the Rest' against the Mercantile Services In the Ceylon Quadrangular Earlier, Sathasivam, making his debut for Ceylon against India, slammed 111 runs. In 1945 against the team led by Vijay Merchant. It was it is game that Vinoo Mankad first made his mark as a bowler. Sathasivam played in C. K. Naidoo's Jubilee in 1945 arid made a classic 80 at Eden Gardens, Calcutta. his innings was so absorbing that the then Governor of Bengal invited him to play in his team in a charity match. Sathasivam halted a hat-trick, when three consecutive balls saw Mustaq Ali, Mankad and Amarnath sent back to the pavilion. It was Ceylon's genius' who stalled Choudhri's fourth wicket, 'hitting him for two successive boundaries before he made a sound 55. An exhaustive train journey from Calcutta to Colombo brought Sathasivam straight to the Oval where he was bulled, to play for Tamil Union in a key match against the Sinhalese Sports Club. in this game both Sathàsivam and 'Sargo' Jayawickreme, (S, S. C.) notched centuries. John' Halangoda of ,Trinity fame; Wesley's coach in the' 'years 1935 and36 Sathasivam at the Campbell Park nets said: Damn it cut out those flourishes, Satha." ' but batting flourishes were his forte.

The Old Wesleyites Sports Club Report - 1999 by L.R.Goonetilleke

The O.W.S. C. came into being in 1941, mainly due to a bond amongst hockey players in that era when it became necessary for these players to continue the sport after leaving College. The idea of the formation of the club was conceived by Old Wesleyites T.M.N. Mahamooth J.A.A. Perera and A. Nithiyanandan which concept found favour with Mr. P.H. Nonis the Vice Principal. The first historic committee was elected with the assistance of the doyen of Hockey, Walter Jayasooriya, at a meeting at Ranabahu Garage, Braybrooke Place, Slave Island. This was the humble beginning of a club that was destined to lift the image of Wesley College to great heights. The main members of that first committee were Patron the Principal Rev. David S. T. Izzett. President W. Harris de Kretser, Secretary T. M. N. Mahamooth and Treasurer J. A. A. Perera.

The O.W.S.C. was in the forefront of Hockey in Ceylon (as it was then known). The President of the 0.W.S.C. Mr. Harris de Kretser served as a Vice President of the Ceylon Hockey Association in 1941 whilst Walter Jayasooriya and T.M.N. Mahamooth served as council members. Both Jayasooriya and Mahamooth were responsible for the formation of the Ceylon Hockey Federation and the Colombo Hockey Association and did much to organize local tournaments and arrange tours to and from the country. It may interest the reader to know that in the Silver Jubilee tournament committee comprising of five, four of whom were members of the 0.W.S.C. viz. Walter Jayasooriya Chairman. T.M.N.Mahamooth Secretary, Dr. A. S. Ismail and A. Mylvaganam.

Though hockey was the main purpose for which the club was formed the club however in those earlier years did not confine itself to hockey alone. Being affiliated to the various sports bodies it also played cricket matches, traveled all the way to Galle to play a soccer match and the athletes of the club participated in the A.A.A. Championships, with the basket ball players doing duty to the club in the YMCA. Open basket ball tournament for the Carnmack Cup.

Socializing was a part of the club's yearly program The get-togethers and fellowship binges weren't elaborate and so organized as seen today, They were held with the members donating cash or bringing an item of food or drink. The high point of their social activity came, when the club held its first ever dance (the double blue dance) at the Colombo Town Hall on 23rd November 1946 music was provided by the Crake Brothers and tickets were priced at Rs. 5/-with the ladies being allowed free. The dance turned out to be a great success with over 500 persons participating. The O.W.S.C. since its inception in 1941 displayed much enthusiasm which was maintained right up to 1961. But thereafter for a period of 11 years (1961 - 1972) the club was inactive.

O.W.S.C. REVIVED IN - 1972
The club however bounced back in 1972 through the efforts of the Vice-Principal L.A.Fernando, Vice-President T.W. Camball and Hockey Captain Shanthi McLellend. In the field of hockey, the year 1972 turned out to be a successful one for the old Wesleyites, in that they won the Pioneer Shield, the Bacon Cup and were runners-up in the Andriesz Shield.

OWSC REVIVED - 1977
Lying dormant for two years the club in 1977 was activated by T. W. Campball, President , Walter Jayasooriya Vice President, with Donald De Silva as Secretary and S. R. Amarasinghe as Treasurer.

O.W.S.C. REVIVED IN 1989
At a Dinner hosted by Mr. Shanthi McLellend at the Taj Samudra for L. C. R. Wijesinghe and L. R. Goonetilleke in 1988 the revival of the 0.W.S.C. was discussed. The subject was in the mind of L.C.R. Wijesinghe and LR. Goonetilleke, but the initiative was taken only in 1989 when they decided that for the purpose of doing something meaningful for the school and to find a meeting place for Old Wesleyites, reviving the O.W.S.C. with Old Wesleyites who will be committed to the cause, was the only way. They had to find a President who will be dynamic and respected.

A notice was published requesting all old Wesleyites to attend a meeting at the college hall on the 23rd March 1990 to revive the old Wesleyites Sports Club. There were 37 old Wesleyites present on this date. Mr Dunstan Fernando the Principal chaired the meeting. He welcomed those present and explained the purpose for convening the meeting. Mr. Walter Jayasooriya the founder member of the Old Wesleyites Sport Club out-lined the history and advised that a club house was set up and a constitution had being drafted in 1966.

Prof. Mahroof Ismail was appointed the President and a committee consisting of 5 Vice Patrons, 15 Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, 4 General Committee members, 7 convenors of sports were appointed.

L. R. Goonetilleke and Tyrone Maye met the Minister for Transport Wijepala Mendis with a close friend of the Minister and also sought the assistance of the speaker M.H. Mohamed to obtain the railway carriage for a consideration of Rs. 5,000/- L.C.R. Wijesinghe and L.R. Goonetilleke with the assistance of another Wesleyite Cecil Fernando' . attached to the Railway, Department selected a carriage. Logistics of transporting the Railway Carriage had to be worked out. Mr. Sunil Rupasinghe an Old Boy helped with a long bed trailer with M/s Gaffoor and Ashroff helping with the crane to hoist the carriage on a trailer. Mr. O.K. Hemachandra presently D.I.G. organized two police riders to clear the road to bring it from the railway yard to Campbell Park. Unloading was done with the assistance of the same crane.

Refurbishing the carriage was a tough task and our gratitude toL.C.R. Wijesinghe and Kenneth Goonetilleke who worked tirelessly along with Ranjith Amarasinghe an Old Boy of Wesley and Managing Director of Fab Construction Co., Ltd. These people were responsible for the building and other facilities and were assisted by the President, Lucky Goonetilleke, Denzil Perera and Tyrone Maye. L.C. R. Wijesinghe spent all his free time at the site until the Club House was completed and we are grateful for his commitment.

On the 29th of June 1991 the Unique Club House was opened. The motivating genial President, Prof. Mahroof Ismail, who had an excellent rapport with all concerned was requested to be the Chief Guest and declare open the Club House. To open the Club House was a honour bestowed on a President, who was busy as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, but always gave his time to ensure that the club achieved its targets in all spheres. Mention must be made of assistance given by Mr. Wilhelm Vandort to ensure the Opening was held as scheduled with support from Tyrone Maye and other members of the Committee. Richard Dwight our scribe, has helped us to get the required publicity and also edited the souvenir published for the opening of Phase II of the Club. He was also responsible for the Newsletters.

The Annual Dance of Old Wesleyites was traditionally held by the OBU, but in 1990 the OWSC decided to organize it with the concurrence of the OBU. Since then, the Club organized the Dance very successfully. The proceeds from the Dance helped to swell the coffers of the club. The conveners of the Dance were 1990 - 94 Denzil Perera, 1995 - Jeremy Brohier, 1997 Navin De Silva. Navin set a target of Rs.1 million in, as revenue and almost achieved it.

The President Prof Mahroof Ismail was very keen of having a fixed depost of Rs. 1,000,000/- to ensure that the club was stable, Mr. Kenneth Gunetilleke organized a Mega Motor Show to be held at the B.M.I.C.H. on 22nd
- 23rd August 1992 to achieve the President's target. This turned out to be the most spectacular Motor show ever held in Sri Lanka. He was ably supported by Ajith and Rohan Perera.
Mother event which has earned a name is the School Invitations Six a Side Cricket Tournament. Eric Gauder proposed this event be held in 1993 and been convener since its inauguration in 1993. His skill has earned this event a reputation as the best conducted six a side cricket tournament. The club is grateful to Eric Gauder for up lifting the image of the club and the school, where in 1998 we had teams from the North and East playing in the tournament for the first time. This was Wesley' contribution to interaction between communities and our contribution to foster peace and unity in the country. No other organization had invited teams from North and West to participate in a tournament in Colombo with live television coverage on the final day.

Mr. Denzil Perera was appointed the President in 1994 with Tyrone Maye and Sunil Fernando as Secretaries during his tenure. It was during his tenure of office that Captain Navin De Silva was appointed as convenor for the expansion of the Second phase of the club. Navin De Silva was motivated by a donation of Rs. 25,000/- made by Dr. G. Paul and the reserves in the club's coffers. He had Ivor Mahroof as Secretary of the project committee and late R. Kukendran designing and supervising the project. Some old Wesleyities contributed generously for the expansion and their names appear in the Roll of Honour displayed at the Club House. A plaque to honour President Denzil Perera was installed, on his gifting a magnificent Billiards table to the Club. His splendid and generous munificence, certainly enhanced the Club's status and profile.

The electrical work was undertaken by the generous committee member Suresh Nithiyanandan at no cost to the club with Clive De Silva, the philanthropist under taking the plumbing free of charge. The foundation stone for the Phase II was laid by Old Boy Reinzie Wijetilieke Managing Director, Hatton National Bank on 28th November 1995. The soft opening was by Thilanga Sumathipala the current president of the Board of Control for Cricket. Phase II of the club was officially opened on July 19th 1996by Hon. Kingsley Wickramaratne, Minister of Internal & International Commerce & Food as Chief Guest. Navin De Silva was supported by Sunil Fernando, Ruwan De Silva, Lucky Goonetilleke, Jeremy Brohier, Tyrone Maye and his able secretary Ivor Mahmof. Selvakumar has been generous with his contribution at all times and sponsored the printing of the Souvenir. Rizwan Sahabdeen always whenever requested made as substantial donation to support our cause.

Lucky Goonetilleke took over as President in 1996 and embarked on recovering the deficit from construction of Phase II, launching tbe fund for a Swimming Rd and stabilizing the finances of the club. All these have been achieved although lot more funds are required for a swimming pool.

The first Schools Invitation seven a side hockey tournament was held in 1998 with Rohan Amarasinghe as convener and Mohamed Rizvi as Secretary. There were many bouquets for organizing an excellent tournament.
It will be relevant to mention the contribution made by the OWSC to sport at Wesley. The club has recognized the efforts of the Coach Bandula Warnapura and Coordinator of Cricket Kenneth De Silva by rewarding them for their achievements. Re-organized the structure of the Cricket and also increased the salary of the Coach in keeping with current emoluments. Similarly the salaries of the Hockey & Rugger Coaches were increased but not adequately. Emoluments for Coaches and Masters must be raised to bring job satisfaction and commitment. The Club has towards this end inaugurated a fund with Wilhelm Deutrom of Australia making the initial contribution.

Nutrition has been provided to the boys engaged in Cricket, Hockey and Rugger, Residential Camps have been funded by the OWSC. Contributions to Cricket, Hockey and Rugger gear have been made by the club. Rugger and Cricket clothing have been purchased. Expenditure has also been incurred on maintaining and improving the ground and gifting a matting every year with boundary ropes. Contributions were also made for overseas tours of Wesleyites representing the National Schools sides in Hockey and for the purchase of Blazers for Prefects.

We are grateful to the O.B .U.' s of U.K. and Australia for supporting us. The O.B.U. of U.K. donated Sterling pounds 1,000/- and vitamins were gifted by Senthil Sinniah of U.K. Wilhelm Deutrom and Upali Perera of Australia have been great benefactors of the Club. We look forward to continued support from our overseas O.B.U's.

We must not forget those who built the club to it's present pristine position. Prof. Mahroof Ismail who was President from the time of the revival in 1990 until 1994 who gave the lead in all activities. Richard EbeIl and Shanthi Sadanandan were the custodians of the exchequer 1990-94. They ensured that the credibility of the club was never in doubt. They were followed by Ruwan De Silva who still continues as Treasurer, These gentlemen never enjoyed a function as they were behind the counters or table counting the collection and it is heartening that our credibility has never been in doubt.
Ajith and Rohan Perera, Kenneth and Dian Gunatilleke, were secretaries and assistants who steered the course with such dedication that own businesses were affected. Tyrone Maye succeeded Ajith and then young Ivor Mahroof took over. He was a young man with great responsibility in a leading mercantile establishment, but never failed to do his duty by the club. Gerard Fernando succeeded Ivor Mahroof in the current year. Our thanks to Mr.. 0. K. Dayaratne who has given five years of dedicated service and continues in the same capacity.

Socializing was apart of the Club's yearly program.' Mr. Parakkrama Wijemanne our social Secretary like his father late D.S. Wijemanne always volunteered to subsidize the event in addition to organizing very enjoyable and successful "Club Nites"

The Old Wesleyites Sport Club entered a side for Division III Tournament of the Board of Control for Cricket. We are indebted to Mr, S unit Fernando who has single handedly handled the side. In the current year we entered a team for the Basket Ball Tournament.

Mention must be made of the class of 90's who have banded themselves together to support and develop sports. This augurs well for the sports club which is assured of it's objectives being achieved even in the future.

125th year Anniversary celebrations commenced with the Schools Invitation Seven a Side hockey Tournament on 13th September 1998. It was followed by the Schools Invitation Six Side Tournament over three days from 26th - 27th September '98. A feature of this tournament was that teams from the North and East participated which made it a truly All Island tournament. There are other tournaments and events planned from 2lstFebruary 1999 to celebrate the 125th year of Wesley's educational excellence. On 21st February Golden Oldies Six a Side Tournament followed by the Anniversary Ball on 27th February 1999.

A triangular Cricket Match among the Old Boys of Australia, UK, and Sri Lanka is fixed for the 01st March 99. Pot Black Snooker is scheduled from 28th February to 5th March and a Hockey Match between present and past Wesleyites against the overseas OBU's On 7th March 99, the Grand Finale will beheld at the B .M.I.C.H. where awards will be presented to winners of the All Island Art competition of the 125 schools selected from district competitions held in 1998.

Glimpses of Hockey at Wesley

Perhaps, Wesley will always be remembered as 'a cricket school', having produced many greats in her century old tradition of vibrant and exciting cricket-just as Trinity will always be 'a rugger school' and Kingswood 'a hockey school', - in the corporate mind of the public.

The attempt in this brief write up on an aspect of Wesley hockey is to recall a spell of excellence the College achieved on the hockey field. Such occurrences would no doubt have been irregularly spread out in the history of the game at Wesley.

A reference to Wesley Hockey would not be complete without recollections of A. Mylvaganam. In the Olympic Class of India's Dyan Chand was molded this most outstanding and versatile hockey player Wesley-and Sir Lanka-have produced. Mylvaganamn's dribbling of the ball was a sheer delight to watch-wizard-like mesmerising the opposition with an artistry then seen Only in the Indian Olympic Hockey Teams. Such days have faded away .... yet the memory of Myla-the greatest hockey player produced by Wesley-will live on.

As Wesley has not maintained adequate records-it has no archives containing a meticulous record of the past-the scene has to abruptly shift to 'Hockey in the Fifties' when the writer (an Old Boy) was a member of the Staff of Wesley College in the period 1957-1960 - a period of four very productive years. It was during this period that Wesley hockey was resuscitated.

The writer was Master-in -Charge of Hockey- cum Coach and was determined to make hockey at Wesley as glorious and exciting a game as cricket. It was observed that Wesley concluded her hockey season with the customary House Matches -the cart before the horse-paradoxically 'talent' being discovered after the College XI had completed its fixtures for the season! The whole process was reversed. The hockey season commenced with the staging of the Inter-House Tournament, outstanding players identified and a pool' created from which more representative and talented Wesley Teams emerged. This was the first step.

The Writer's desire to do more for his old school had however not been quenched. Totally new thinking prevailed; several teams were visualized. And so began Wesley's Under 10 Team; Under 11 Team; Under 12 Team; Under 14 Team; Under 15 Team; Under 16 Team (traditional); an Under 17 Team; a Second XI; and The FIRST ELEVEN. The pressure for positions in the First Eleven had by now intensified and selection became very
competitive-with the standard of hockey at Wesley improving in leaps and bounds.

Wesley's image as a force to be reckoned with in the game began to be recognised, and to use a cliché, "the stage was set" for the great revival-the pushing of Wesley hockey to its utmost capacity-brilliance.

The great challenge that had to be met was to find one hundred hockey sticks for these pools of players of diverse ages. The Old Boys on the staff assisted generously (Derrick Mack, Ivan Ondaatje, Edmund Dissanayake, N.A.B. Fernando and the Writer.) The boys themselves contributed what they could afford. The College provided slicks for the First Eleven Team
Dialogue on time need-the dire need-for more sticks was initiated with the dynamic Subash Chaula (Senior) of Diana's who always supported sports-and through his willingness to assist us, we obtained sticks on a deferred payment basis. And so began the great hockey invasion of the citadel of cricket.

The learning of the game was not confined to mere practices at Campbell Park-more or less on rugged terrain! -but at the Ceylonese Ladies' hockey ground at Bullers Road which had a smooth well groomed surface, ideally suited for more artistry in hockey. (The Rupavahini buildimgs now stand on these beautiful grounds.) It was on this ground that Wesley defeated Kingswood (3-0) in 1960 with sonic superb shooting by Glenn Reimers who scored all three goals for us.

There was always the intellectual side to the game. It was hot a case of merely running around with a stick and ball. The players had to be trained or attuned to working out strategy. The game had to be studied hike any other subject at school hut in an exciting manner! Diagrams of the field were drawn on the Blackboard; the position of players explained (each with a distinctive role to play) the need to have a perfect understanding with each other; love and concern for each other-the team had to work together like a harmonious family; out of which would emerge a strongly bonded, well motivated, disciplined team-the best Team-proud to don the Double Blue jersey. A totally new uniform' was designed-navy blue-with WESLEY embroidered in light blue letters spread out on the front of the jersey. Boots had to be of an uniform colour. Each player had to have at least two pairs of Wesley hose. This attention to detail and psychological build up were of great importance.

A booklet on Hockey was produced (cylostyled)

One should not, for instance, attempt a goal from an obtuse angle! A fair amount of elementary geometry was unobtrusively pushed into the learning process. Mind and Body had to be totally integrated: and involved. Eight to ten hours sleep was needed. Playing fix Wesley meant a deep sense of commitment.

There was an air of great excitement amongst the young ones, in particular. They had something of value to Contribute to their very own Wesley. The most important lesson imbibed by these eager beavers was that this was a great TEAM game. Everyone mattered. A goalie could not score a goal-yet he was vital in defense. A forward's task was to maximisc his opportunities in the "D". The hail moved (the opposing side was intelligent too!) and to do so all eleven players were needed-and involved-totally. Physical skills had to be juxtaposed with the intellect. Attack and Defense were both vital to the game. A strategy was always needed.

By now the future (how long is the future?) of Wesley hockey was placed on a firm footing and this was amply demonstrated by our supremacy in the game in the next decade.

The very first, totally committed team to Wesley's new outlook on the game-the 1960 'Team-appears in the photograph facing this article. It is a tribute to these players for a magnificent beginning that propelled Wesley towards becoming a "great hockey school , as well.

Several from the age-tried pools created, excelled in the game-and were invited to the Sri Lanka Trials that are a prelude to the selection of respective Sri Lanka Teams. Some of the names I recall are: Sarath Wickretnaratne, Raja Jayasuriya, B. Musafer, H. B. Musafer, S. McLelland, and C. T. Rodrigo. I'm certain I've left out some names as no records have been maintained by Wesley of such achievements-outside the realm of cricket, in particular.
The Wesley Pavilion, or The OWSC Club House will soon have a Panel displaying the names of Wesleyites who have represented their country (In the case of M. Sathasivam two countries-cricket) in all games-a sequel to the Writer having brought this up at an OBU Meeting three years ago. Hopefully, this 125th year commemoration issue will include such information, as well - provided such information reaches the Editorial Panel in time!

The climactic point of all these happenings-what may perhaps be termed a Renaissance or re-birth of hockey at Wesley-was a tour of South India planned jointly with Oliver de Soysa-Master-in-Charge of Hockey at St. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa left our shores on the tour-sans Wesley.

The great spirit of not accepting any set hack tamely stood us in good stead. We played a series of matches at home and honed our skills further. 'Wesley hockey' looked good.

The Writer discussed this scenario briefly with Bandula Warnapura (Wesley Cricket Coach and former Sri Lanka Test Cricketer) at the Six-a-Side Cricket finals conducted by the OWSC and concluded recently at Campbell Park, as part of Wesley's 125th Anniversary celebrations, lie would perhaps think of doing likewise for Wesley Cricket!

AN OLD BOY

(Cartman-Oorloff Vintage)

Editor's Note:

The Writer played Hockey for Wesley; as well as frr the Old Wesleyites'Sports Club, under the Captaincy of Walter Jayasuriya. He also represented the University of Ceylon at Hockey, winning his Colours in the game. He is a Founder Member of the Ceylon Schools' Hockey Association.

A Dream team by Robin Reimers

Why me'? he should have written to the likes of a Trevor Collette, Jackie Carnie, Bashur Musafer or Razeen Sappideen. These are the fellows who wrote prize winning essays and could quite easily provide him with as much copy as he needs. Me! who's only published work to date has been a one paragraph piece on "My dog Trigger" in the College magazine during my primary school days. Surely, he must be joking!! These were my thoughts as I read and re-read Fred Abeyesekera's letter asking me to write something for publication in the Hundred and Twenty-fifth Anniversary Souvenir. That was February 1998. It is now late August 1998. Fred's dear wife Indrani is in Melbourne. No, he wasn't joking. I had better write something "Wesley was a Cricket school", so said Bryan Claessen during a conversation I had with him some years ago at his home in Adelaide.This statement was especially true of the Wesley I started at in 1952. The Claessens, Fuards, Musafer, Samsudeen, Adihetty, Schokman, Gallaher, and Chapman termed the nucleus of a team that must have seemed like 'Bradman's 1948 Invincible", to the other College sides of the time' Rather than go down the well-worn path of reviewing Wesley's cricket performance for the years I was there (1952 - 1961) I have opted to select my own "Dream Team" from those cricketers going around at the time. I have attempted to select a team that is balanced and would be capable of performing under all conditions. As this is my fantasy, I have taken the liberty of nominating the eleven in probable batting order with reserves.

1. Radley Claessen - Captain in 1952- A quality all rounder capable of opening both the batting and bowling. Scored a century and had many good bowling performances to his credit.

2. Abu Fuard - Great all rounder. Right hand batsman and a classy off-spinner. Scored a century and took five or more wickets in an innings seven times. Went onto represent Sri Lanka several times and was considered to be one of the finest off-spinners in world cricket.

3. Bryan Claessen - Captain in 1953 and my nomination as Captain of this Team. Arguably the finest all round cricketer produced at Wesley in her 125 years. A stylish right hand hat and crafty leg spin bowler who was selected to represent Ceylon whilst still a schoolboy' Scored four centuries and took five or more wickets in an innings no less than 18 tunes.

4. Lorensz Ebert - Right hand batsman who played only one full season in 1957. He was the mainstay of the batting in that year scoring a century and several half centuries. Was chosen as best schoolboy batsman of the year.
5. Lou Adihetty - Captain in 1955 and 1956. Fine all rounder who batted left hand and bowled right arm at genuine pace. lie was especially lethal on the matting wicket at Campbell Park. Scored four centuries and took over 5 wickets four times. An all round sportsman par excellence who seemed to represent Wesley at everything.

6. Pat Shockman - Right hand batsman who was short in stature hut not on talent. An attacking batsman who played in many an exciting innings, usually when quick runs were required by the team. Represented the CCA in 1954. Reserve wicket keeper in this team.

7. Lalith Wijesinghe - The quiet achiever. Steady left hand batsman and right arm medium pace bowler. Took more than 5 wickets in an innings five limes to 1961. Nearly howled Wesley to a famous victory against St. Thomas' at Mount Lavinia in 1961 when the Thomian last pair held out for over 40 minutes to save the game. Lalith had a match hag of 11 wickets for 73 runs in that game.

8. Herman Claessen - The youngest of the famous Claessen brothers. A left hand slow bowler
had an outstanding season in 1956 when he look more than 5 wickets in an innings on five occasions

9. Sardin "Mus" Musafer - The wicket keeper in this team, Right hand batsman. Aim excellent stumper who needed to keep to a wide variety of bowlers last slow, and in between.

l0. Mohamed "Sam" Samusudeen - Wasn't built ~ like a fast bowler, hut as many batsmen of the time will testify to, he was more than little hit quick. A left arm bowler who took over 5 wickets On eight occasion. Gained CCA selection later on and in fact took all ten wickets in an innings against a touring Pakistani Team that contained several lest players.

11. "Lucky" Goonetilleke - Left arm pace bowler. Few bowlers have dominated the College scene to the extent that he did in the years that he played (1958- 1960). He took over five wickets an innings 12 times. He seemed to have a particular liking (or was it a disliking?) for Royal College batsmen. His figures against Royal for each of his years were amazing.

12.Nalendra Abeysuriya - Captain in 1958 and 1959. Right hand batsman and medium paced bowler, -Was an all-round sportsman in the Lou Adihetty mould. Represented Wesley at most sports with distinction.

13. Neil Gallaher - An exciting right hand batsman who wasn't overshadowed by him team mates in the star studded teams of 1952 and 1953.

14. Errol Smith - Dashing left hand batsman. Not too bright though! ran his partner (Darrel Maye) Out leaving himself stranded on 199 not Out against Richmond College in 1961, time highest score made by a Wesleyite up to that time. This team, I am sure would be as good or better than any that could he nominated for any ten year period in Wesley's 125 Year history.

I welcome any comment readers may have about my selections when we next meet. Maybe, over a "Ginger beer' or three at the Sports Club in March 1999'

Just by the way Want to test the theory that Wesley was a "Cricket School'?" Try to recall the name of the Captain of the Cricket Team for each of the years you were at Wesley. Now tiny to recall the names of Captains of the other sporting teams or worse still the name of time Hill Medallist for those years. Point proved I'm sure! So there Fred!!! I have written something. Now can I go back to doing nothing for the next 125 Years. don't you just hate being put under pressure

Editors Note

Robin Reimers was an outstanding Sportman who represented Wesley at Cricket, Hockey and Rugger.
He is the younger brother of Glenn who excelled in several sports, Cricket, Hockey, Rugger, Swimming and Athletics both are in Australia. Robin has been very active in OBU ('Australia)

HJVI Ekanayake the first Secretary of the SSC

SSC the domain of Royal and STC, a myth says P I Peiris
Richard Dwight - 7 April 1999
The former all Ceylon cricketer and current vice president of the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), P.I. Peiris, quite emphatically declared that it was a misconception, any a myth, to refer to the SSC as the sole domain of those from Royal and S. Thomas'.

Peiris a Cambridge blue of S. Thomas' and SSC, having played the game at the highest level, was most deservedly, with much competence proposing the toast to cricket, at the SSC's Centenary banquet at the Hotel Lanka Oberoi. There was in him a sense of urgency to substantiate what he said at the outset - losing no time, he explained that the club had its origin through cosmopolitan thinking, brought about by the members of the combined schools cricket team in 1899. The first secretary of the club was H.J.V. Ekanayake an old Wesleyite, who was responsible for the Wesley College song, whilst the chairman, was yet another Wesleyite in illustrious Sir Don Baron Jayatilleke and the first president was Harry Dias.

The nucleus of the cricket team in those formative years comprised C.E. Perera, his brother and Ekanayake all from Wesley, M.K. Albert and yet others from way down Moratuwa and Galle, with the Josephians and Peterites chipping in as well. Furthermore the membership was made up of varied communities, and Peiris went on to say that when he captained, his deputy was a muslim, his leading bowler was a Eurasian and the cricket secretary was a Borah.

The game of cricket at the club was a binding force, which assisted in the promotion of racial harmony, eliminating in the process differences in caste, creed and colour. Viewed in all its entirety, Peiris stressed that it is uncharitable therefore to say, that the SSC is parochial in outlook and, the prerogative of a leading school or two.

Switching on from the serious vein to the lighter, Peiris seeing the police band in the background providing pleasing music earlier, was reminded of a wedding he attended many years ago in Moratuwa, where too a band was playing in the church porch. The band not kept well informed, miscued and as the bridal couple was coming down the aisle played 'Poor Old Joe' he said that this cautions him not to bore the audience, for the band here might step in and play 'Pack up your troubles and go, go, go'.

With a sense of nostalgia he referred to Dr. C.H. Gunesekera, Chippy Gunesekere and F.C. De Saram, who were special to the club and dwelt as well on the greats like D.S. Senanayake, John Kotelawala, J.R. Jayewardene and Dudley Senanayake, who apart from being presidents of the club, went on to lead the nation too. Some of them he expressed with gratitude, influenced and moulded him and felt that the young should learn to respect and be appreciative of the services rendered by their elders in the cause of the club.

He appealed to the president of the club, to work towards the publishing of a comprehensive history of it. Peiris concluded his historic address thus ``As a club, we have swung far away from cricket, it's time we swing the pendulum back to cricket. Empires rise and empires fall, times change, we must achieve a balance and forge ahead to foster harmony through cricket, the binding force, for otherwise all will be lost. May the next 100 years, be mighty as the previous 100 years.

Earlier on, the vice president of the SSC and acting chairman of the Centenary banquet committee W.T. Ellawala made the welcome address, whilst the president of the club Daya Perera PC was the other post prandial speaker, who announced that his future plans for the club was the building of a new office complex, new dressing rooms and a new swimming pool.

The chairman of the centenary celebrations committee R.J. de Silva proposing the vote of thanks, outlined in detail the clubs' gratitude to all those associated with its progress. The banquet was interspersed by the lighting of the oil lamp, the observation of two minutes silence for those deceased, and the ceremonial dignified manner in which the birthday cake was brought in to the accompaniment of the music 'Dhannobudunge' by the Police band, and cut by the president. The proceedings were well steered with much finesse by the General Manager/curator of SSC Ranil Abeynaike, who had something relevantly apt to say as he introduced each speaker and what struck us as significant, was when introducing Ian Peiris he said that it was Peiris, who when as ground secretary was largely responsible for the transformation of the ground to the picturesque one it is now and so accepted as an international test venue.

The banquet which was exclusively for members, was preceded by a preliminary time of fellowship over cocktails at the Atrium Lobby, where members drawn from the professions of the medical, legal, business and cricketers past and present, along with the fairer sex lending much colour, indulged in harmless chatter, amidst the clinking of glasses reliving the past, swapping stories and anecdotes to make it a really memorable occasion befitting a centenary of this leading club.

An over-view of the Trinity-Wesley cricket encounters by Sharm de Alwis

The Trinity-Wesley cricket encounter is the fourth oldest inter-school fixture in this Country, after the Royal-Thomian (1879); Trinity-Royal (1893); Trinity-St. Thomas’ (1898).

The first match was played in 1903. Trinity was captained by C. B. Aluvihare, Wesley, by S. P. Foenander. Wesley won in resounding manner which led to the abandoning of the fixture for four years. Revived in 1908, Wesley again won handsomely for the next year’s fixture to be abandoned.

From 1910 this has been a regular fixture except for sporadic breaks in 1917, ’19 and ’43. Although Wesley held the whip hand in the early encounters, Trinty came into the winning streak as early as 1911 under J. Masilamani and held the ascendance except in 1912, 1913, 1935, ’41, ’52, ’54, ’56, ’60, ’62, ’64, ’68 and ’70. Since 1972 the wins and losses have been more or less equally shared and the remarkable feature of this series is that upto 1932 a decision was reached in every encounter.

The stalwarts produced by both Schools is legion and due to constraints of space, mention will only be made of Wesley’s M. K. Albert, the Gunasekeras, the mercurial Satahasivam, arguably the finest batsman produced by our Country, Stanley Jayasekera, Bertram Henderling, Edmund Dissnayake, M. N. Samsudeen, the Claessen brothers, Patrick Schokman who had his beginnings at Trinity, Abu Fuard, Lou Adhihetty, S. Nagendra, Jegganathan, Gunatileke and Wilhelm Van Dort.

Trinity had H. C. Inman, M. B. Ekanayake, A. W. Dambawinne, C. E. Simithaarachchi, M. P. Kalora, Alfred Aluvihare, the prince of wicket-keepers, A. H. R. Joseph, Percy Maralande and hisson, Nimal, V. C. ‘Pug’ Schokman, Harry Delwitha, H. M. Schakman, Willie Aiyadurai, S. A. Odayar, Philip and brother Eddie Buultjens, C. Dharmalingam of the two hat tricks, Blackham Wijewardena, Rex Breckenridge, O. L. Izzadeen and his two brothers O. L. Z. Abdeen and O. L. M. Lebbe, T. B. Marambe, R. P. de Alwis, Vernon Ratwatte, the classic left-hander, H. EW. ‘Pat’ Solomons, T. B. Werapitiya, Dala Wadsworth, Eustace Rulach, M T. M. Zaruk, Harindra Dunuwille, Himendra Ranaweera, Malsiri Krukulasoorirya, Senanka de Chikera, Jayantissa Ratwatte and in recent years, Dinesh Selvarajah, Ravi Ratnayake, Mevan Balalle Suren Jayasinghe, Dudeepa Ratwatte, Kumar Sangakkara and Thushara Weerasooriya. Wesley’s strongest team would have been in 1956, coached by Edmund Dissanayake and captained by Lou Adhihetty when they were un-official champions.

Trinity held sway a decade earlier, in ’46 with C. N. ‘Pittu’ Schokman captaining a superb blend of artistes of the willow and the red cherry. The others in the team were Asoka Yatawara (V. C.), Asoka Imbuldeniya, S. B. Pilapitiya and Frank Sirimanne of the record first wicket stands, Mervyn Wanduragala, E. D. ‘Blakes’ Senaratne, Jim Bandaranayake, Harvey Jones, Lala Wadsworth and Michael Schokman.

Scorers of centuries in the series
Wesley:-
1917 R. L. Kannangara - 121 n.o.
1928 H. A. Sahabandu - 102
1932 R. Jeganathan - 163
1938 S. Nagendra - 102
1951 Brian Claessen - 101 n.o.
1956 Lou Adhihetty 104
1973 A. Wickramasinghe 107
1978 R. D. M. Claessen 132 n.o.
1997 D. Jayakody 110

Trinity:-
1911 S. R. Titus 174
1922 V. C. Schokman 107 n.o.
1923 V. C. Schokman 132
1924 A. B. Madawela 114
1931 P. de Silva 101
1934 Eddie Buultjens 105 n.o.
1942 T. B. Werapitiya 147 n.o
1962 L. Karunatileke 105
1963 L. Karunatileke 101
1965 M. T. M. Zaruk 168
1976 Rohan Perera 114
1988 Mevan Balalle 115
1996 R. de Rafayal 111

Bowling (5 wkts and over)
Wesley:-
1910 T. Sathasivam 6 for 21
1912 V. B. Milavitiya 6 for 37
1922 D. Nathanielsz 6 for 39
1942 B. Henderling 6 for 22
1948 N. S. Jayasundera 7 for 48
1952 Brian Claessen 6 for 87
1954 Abu Fuard 6 for 44
1954 M. N. Samsudeen 8 for 23
1955 Abu Fuard 8 for 76
1964 P. Christie 6 for 14
1968 A. Rajaratnam 6 for 19
1968 D. Schokman 6 for 42
1970 A. Wijesinghe 6 for 19
1970 D. Achilles 6 for 34
1990 M. Riyaz 5 for 58
1991 M. Riyaz 5 for 57
1998 R. Senadheera 5 for 55

Trinity:-
1910 H. V. Cooke 6 for 26
1915 H. C. Inman 6 for 75
1915 H. C. Inman 7 for 25
1918 J. H. Bandaranayake 5 for 31
1920 F. A. Van Rooyen 6 for 31
1921 J. Murray 5 for 15
1922 Percy Maralande 7 for 13
1924 R. B. Ettipola 6 for 24
1925 R. B. Ettipola 7 for 28
1926 Fred Murray 7 for 8
1926 Willie Aiyadurai 5 for 8
1927 Willie Aiyadurai 5 for 13
1928 C. Thalgodapitiya 6 for 38
1932 Blackham Wijewardena 6 for 61
1934 Eddie Buultjens 5 for 48
1937 Sammy David (1937) 7 for 13
1939 C. Dharmalingam 5 for 24
1942 Raine Wright 7 for 30
1945 Lala Wadsworth 5 for 47
1947 Mervyn Wanduragala 5 for 66
1949 Lala Wadsworth 5 for 30
1953 Aananda Bandaranayake 6 for 42
1955 Sene Ettipola 5 for 49
1955 Sene Ettipola 5 for 38
1963 S. M. Perera 8 for 55
1964 Harindra Dunuwille 5 for 27
1964 Harindra Dunuwille 5 for 63
1965 A. S. Ratwatte 6 for 15
1966 Glen Van Langenberg 5 for 21
1967 Glen Van Langenberg 5 for 35
1968 Ajith Abeyratne 6 for 64
1994 N. Sureshkumar 5 for 31
1994 J. L. B. Seneviratne 5 for 48
1994 J. L. B. Seneviratne 5 for 39

Fathers & Sons who captained the series
Wesley:-

1915 A. M. Fuard
1946
1947 Edmund Dissnayake
1954 Ansar Fuard
1989 Danesh Dissanayke

Trinity:-
1906 M. B. Ekanayake
1943
1944 T. B. Werapitiya
1920
1921 Percy Maralande
1922
1930 S. A. Odayar
1958
1959 Nimal Maralande
1957 M. Uvais Odayar
Hat- Tricks in the Series

Wesley:-
1910 T. Sathasivam
1910 C. Jayasinghe
1964 Peter Christie

Trinity:-
1947 Mervyn Wanduragala

How B. J. H. Bahar (Snr) magic, helped Wesley trounce Royal and Ananda in 1962 by Edmund Dissanayake
Hambantota is in the grip of a severe drought. The State has been quick to rush aid in tangible form and several other organizations have followed suit. Among them is the National Cricket team led by Sanath Jayasuriya.In this article it is proposed to refer to one of the most knowledgeable cricket tacticians produced by Hambantota .... B. J. H. Bahar (Snr.). Hambantota also produced outstanding cricketers who played for Colombo Schools like Zahira, Ananda, Royal and Wesley, to mention a few. The Jayahs, Burahs, Kulatunges, Cassims, Bahars and Dissanayakes were household names in days of yore.B. J. H. Bahar (Snr.) was able to build splendid rapport between coach and team. The factor was one of the most potent reasons which contributed to Wesley’s phenomenal success in cricket in 1961 and 1962. Success did not go to his head as he remained unassuming until the very end. The unprecedented crowd present at his funeral was eloquent testimony to the affection and respect he commanded. At Muslim funerals, it is not the practice for the widow to be present at the cemetery. But Mrs. Bahar, despite the frowning looks of Minister Baduddin Mahmud, paid her respects to him, at the Jawatte Cemetery. She remained with him in death as in life we salute this lady.

CT Rodrigo

It is proposed to refer to two cricket matches in 1962 in his capacity as Wesley’s cricket coach, where Bahar skills, knowledge, and tactics paid such dividends.

One week prior to the Royal-Wesley cricket match, Royal’s speedster Darrel Lieversz had annihilated St. Peter’s. In that match, Lieversz had captured 6 wickets for 3 runs in 8 overs, 7 of which were maidens, on the first day. Hence, understandably, the Daily News of 23.2.1962 published the following headline in a preview of the Royal-Wesley match "Lieversz vs Wesley at Campbell park" The guttsy Wesleyites were not going to take this ‘slight’ lying down. Their skilful coach Bahar had a already planned the strategy to withstand the Royal fury. In cricket, as in war, attack is the best form of defence. and Wesley was ready to meet the challenge. Royal batting first scored 169 runs with S. S. Kumar scoring 73. Darrel Maye captured 6 for 41.When Wesley had to bat, on Bahar’s advice, two different openers were sent in, to face the fury of Lieversz and R. C. de Silva. The openers were instructed to thrash the bowling from the very first ball, come what may... "come or go Chicago," in the schoolboy language! Milroy Muthuvaloe, walked to the crease, giving the impression that he was the master, and asked for "off-stump guard"! The umpire was confused and asked Milroy whether he really wanted off-stump guard. Perhaps, this itself may have had a psychological effect on Lieversz! The vicious swing of the Lieversz-de Silva combine had to be countered and Wesley’s new found openers did it magnificently.

Wesley scored 170 in the first innings, Muthuvaloe scoring 30 and Kenneth de Silva 44. Incidentally, Kenneth has come back to serve Wesley as the indefatigable Prefect of Games. Royal scored 136 in their second essay, with Vijaya Malalasekera, presently of the Interim Cricket Board, scoring 31. Kenneth with his fast off-breaks captured 3 for 18 and Darrel Maye, with his off-cutters 4 for 44. In Wesley’s second innings, she lost only 5 wickets to clinch the match. Sarath Wickramaratne was unbeaten on 32 with skipper Lalith Wijesinghe on 37. It was really Lalith’s brain-child to bring a Railway carriage for the Old Wesleyites’ Sports Club adjacent to the Wesley-M. H. Mohammed Pavilion."

Poor Lieversz, he bowled 10 overs and conceded 31 runs without success. However, de Silva captured 3 for 50. In this victory for Wesley, coach Bahar’s tactics paid dividends. Another instance of Bahar’s strategy was displayed in the match against Ananda. One week prior to his fixture, Ananda was involved with another school at Campbell Place. Wesley did not have a school fixture that week and Bahar told me that he would walk across to the adjoining park to watch Ananda at play. When he returned, he suggested that we should play C. T. Rodrigo, as a spin bowler. The Ananda fixture was Wesley’s last fixture. C. T. Rodrigo did not find a place in the earlier matches, where Wesley had defeated Royal, Trinity, St. Joseph’s, Richmond and Kingswood. To play C.T. in this last fixture would have been a gamble. But I knew Bahar very well and readily accepted his decision.

The Ananda match was played on the 16th and 17th March ‘62. Ananda scored 116 runs with P. Polonowita, the top scorer with 25. Kenneth de Silva captured 5 for 22. C. T. Rodrigo who had been specially played in this match for his bowling, had not bowled a single ball in the first innings! This was not accidental but by design. Wesley did not want to expose their trump card, until it was necessary. Wesley scored 254 runs, with Darrel Maye 70, Sarath Wimalaratne the Ananda skipper captured 5 for 80. In Ananda’s second innings they were sitting pretty on 79 for 2, when Rodrigo was brought in and Ananda soon slumped to 94 all out with Rodrigo capturing 8 wickets for 9 runs! Wesley won by an innings. Sarath Wickramaratne fielding close-in at gully brought off 9 catches in the match. Bravo! Bahar, Wesley’s coach par excellence.

Indeed if Dave Whatmore is the toast of Sri Lanka, Bahar is the toast of Wesley.

Kenneth M. de Lanerolle, Wesley’s father of basketball by Edmund Dissanayake
Kenneth M. de Lanerolle, former Principal of Wesley, Kingswood and Carey passed away earlier this year.

He was actively interested in sports, for he used to say that the disciplines learnt thereby were immeasurable. It was Mr. Lanerolle who introduced basketball to Wesley. He was able to obtain the services of Mr. Kingsbury of the Central YMCA to train our boys. The court was situated on the eastern side of Campbell Park where the practice cricket pitches now stand. Subsequently, the court was established on the north-eastern side of Wesley, thanks to the interest displayed by Mrs. Ranjini Fernando, the present principal’s wife as the Hony. Coach. In fact the interest among the students was such that single-handed she coached several junior teams with success.

Mr. Lanerolle’s interest in promoting cricket resulted in the Carey Old Boys presenting an annual trophy for the Wesley-Carey cricket encounter. Even after he lived in retirement in Kandy, he used to talk to the writer as to whether there would be a result, to enable him to be present the trophy when awarded.

In his capacity as principal of all three schools, he knew the strength and weakness of each player, and it was a pleasure to sit beside him watching the game. He was conversant with the ins and outs of the game.

One Sunil J. Peries in an appreciation stated that during the principalship of Mr. Lanerolle, Kingswood was in the forefront of all sports. In both soccer and hockey, Kingswood emerged Kandy District Champions. Further, a Kingswoodian was selected "Schoolboy Cricketer"... Maurice Fernando.

During the regime of Rev. James Cartman, Principal of Wesley, a drama which had a religious tinge was staged. The principal had requested that there was no need to show audience approbation, but as soon as Mr. de Lanerolle had rendered the song "Swing Low" there was deafening applause. He had a wide repertoire of songs.... specially Negro Spirituals. The writer is privileged to possess one of his cassettes containing 22 songs, among which are "I’m Patience", Blue Tail Fly, Ole Man River, Under the Bridges of Paris, Santa Lucia, Drink To Me Only, Deep River, etc.

It was Mr. de Lanerolle’s wish that his body be cremated as early as possible. He had planned his Final Exit ten years earlier, giving detailed instructions to A. F. Raymonds. Even the dress that he was to wear, was ready two years earlier. However, those near and dear to him gave him a right royal funeral. The Wesley College Prefects, together with Shelton Peries leading, walked in front of the hearse, and all the associations connected with the school, the Old Boys of Kingswood, Carey, Wesley, well-wishers, and friends, walked all the way from the Wesley Hall.

The principals of Wesley, Kingswood and Carey, Tissa Jayatilleke, Benson and the writer were the 6 pall-bearers on that solemn occasion.

The writer ends this simple tribute to a great man by referring to what Tissa Jayatilleke, a Kingswoodian had to say of him... "Mr. Lanerolle’s undisputed gifts and skills — a superb speaker, singer, actor, broadcaster, administrator, writer and a fearless critic of anything unworthy or unsavoury, and his quiet sense of humour, made me to respect him. Later, I began to discover the lovely human being in Mr. de Lanerolle. The man who cared for his family, the man who cared for his fellow-beings, the man who cared about issues that touched the lives of those around him, the man who defied powerful men who vainly attempted to compromise on fundamental issues, the man of letters, in a nutshell, I discovered in Mr. Lanerolle, a man of utmost integrity, refrinement and character. This is the de Lanerolle, I have grown to love and look up to and draw inspiration from".

Yohan Raju's Athletic Team Photo

The following photo and script were sent to me by a loyal old boy Yohan Raju. Due to the passage of time and disuse he cannot recall the names of some friends in the picture which he apologises unreservedly. If any Wesleyite can help us "to put names to faces" please contact me on this website. The scratches in the picture merely adds to its historical value. I belong to an earlier era but Oh! what nostalgia to see the music class on the left, the Kindergarten on the right and the old Tuckshop at the back. (N.D.Amerasekera)

Yohan Raju writes:

Attached is a photo of the
College Athletics team.

I honestly cannot remember which year this was taken! I suspect that it
was in the late 60's or early 70's - most probably 1968, 1969 or 1970.
I am also sure that I spelt some of the names wrong - I apologise for
that.I will attempt to give you the names of those in the photo that I
remember - but not all.

Standing - Back Row from left to right.
1, Mohamed Adjee, 2 ?, 3 ?, 4 ?, 5 Chutti Mansoor (don't remember his
real first name), 6 Naresh Jayawardne, 7 Whillem Vandort, 8 Beverley
Nathanielsz, 9 ?, 10 Dinesh Jayawardne (twin brother of Naresh # 6), 11
Imtiaz Hussein, 12 ?.

Seated -left to right
l Mr A. S. Wirasigha (Principal), Tariq Bongso, Richard Ebel (now CEO
of Hayles - a leading company in Sri Lanka), Patrick Edema, Jayantha
Wickremaratne, Mr A.K Suppiah (Master in Charge - Athletics).

Crouching - left to right.
1 Trehern Kiel, 2 Yohan Raju, 3 ?, 4 ?, 5 Rajkumar Chinniah.

If you agree to post this photo on your website, may I please request
you do so with a kind disclaimer and an apology for the lack of detail.
I also hope that people won't be offended if I have mis-spelt some
names. Perhaps you could use the disclaimer to encourage visitors to
your great website to correct it and/or give you the other names that I
have forgotten.

Sporting stars among Hamers by M Shamil Amit
Russel has the distinction of having his name etched with greats like Wally Grout of Australia and 17 others at club, Sheffield and County level. He also has the distinction of scoring 24 runs in an over at the B.R.C. six-a-side tournament in 1969 which stood for more than ten years.Five first-class cricket- ers from three genera- tions is an exception, the five are Granville senior Mervyn, Russel, Granville Jnr. and Russel's son Peter, four were first-class wicketkeepers.
The Hamers are wonderful people to keep company with. Russel gave me a description about his father and two brothers' cricketing careers. His father Granville Snr. opening bowler and a right hand bat, played for the Government Services for many years and in the later stages took to umpiring and cherishes umpiring the match between the West Indies who had players like Conrad Hunte, Seymour Nurse, Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, and Wesley Hall playing against Ceylon. Mervyn his elder brother was a fine wicketkeeper and a left hand bat played for Wesley College, and three prominent clubs Nomads, Bloomfield and BRC and has a highest score of 232 against Kingswood Kandy which is also the highest between the two schools, he has also represented Maharajah's in Mercantile tournaments and toured with the Maharajah team to India, Malaysia and Singapore. Granville Jnr. his younger brother was also a Wesleyite and played for the senior team for five years. He was a hard-hitting right hand bat and wicketkeeper who also played for Nomads and Colts CC in the Sara Tournaments. At present Granville has his own private junior coaching school at Campbell Park which has about 40 children coming from prominent schools in Colombo. He has produced several top junior level cricketers. His two sons Damian and Trian are up and coming cricketers and ruggerites playing for the Wesley junior teams. They most probably might emulate their grandfather, father and uncles. Russel Hamer the second of three boys also studied at Wesley College from the Lower Kindergarten as it was known those days upto the senior. He represented Wesley at cricket and soccer though he excelled at cricket more than soccer. He captained the senior soccer team and was selected for the national youth pool which included players like Judy Preena, Appiah (both players later played for Ceylon and Sri Lanka) and Yoga Crusz. In cricket Russel started at the lowest rung from Under 14 and 16 and represented the senior team for two years. He played under Everard Schoorman and Donald Thurairatnam and his contemporaries were M. Jebaraja. W. Deutrom, Peter Christie, Omar Jayasekera, M.T. Swangsa and his brother Mervyn. His best innings at school level has been the 117 he scored against Ananda which incidentally was his last match. His first coach was Lionel Jayasuriya at school and later D.H. de Silva and Mike Chanmugam who taught him the finer points of wicketkeeping and batting. He left school in 1965 and whilst playing for the school he played for Bloomfield CC in a Daily News trophy match. In his first outing against Colts CC he had the honour of scoring a century and with that he was promoted to the Sara Trophy team.

In 1964 and, '65 he represented the Combined Schools under Sunil Fernando (St. Benedict's) and Sarath Seneviratne S. Thomas' Mt. Lavinia, his contemporaries in those teams were A.G. Perera (with whom he later had a double century partnership playing for Bloomfield), B. Ried, S. Rajaratnam, Travis Fernando, David Heyn, H. Dunuwille and Anura Tennekoon to name a few. After leaving school he was under the wings of Mr. R. Rajamahendran the proprietor of Rajendrams Ltd and Maharajah's Organisation who was responsible in promoting cricketers at that time. Russel says "I am eternally in debt to Mr. Artie Samarasekera an ardent supporter of Bloomfield and also Mr. R. Rajamahendran who was like a god to me."

Russel captained the Maharajah's in 1970/71 has toured with the Maharajah's team to India, Malaysia, and Singapore. In Malaysia, Russel scored 100 runs from a total of 195 for 2 wkts.Russel was going great guns in the club circuit too and his best innings has been his 174 he scored against B.R.C. with A.G.. Perera 104 not out. These two put on a blistering partnership of 297 runs for the second wicket with all these performances and captaining the Bloomfield team, he could not find a place in the National side. "But all this changed when I left or may I say was forced to leave Bloomfield, where I played for eight years. I joined B.R.C. in 1971 and in the very first season I played for B.R.C., I was selected to play for the Ceylon team against the Pakistanis which did not materialise due to the war between India and Pakistan but in 1972 the Pakistanis came and it was captained by Intikab Alam which had players of the calibre of Zaheer Abbas, (who has the distinction of scoring two centuries in a match eight times which is a world record), Mustaq and Sadiq Mohamed, Wasim Bari, Majid Khan and Safraz Nawaz to name a few." Ceylon was captained by Michael Tissera and had Anura Tennakoon, Daya Sahabandu, T.B. Kehelgamuwa and Duleep Mendis. It was Russel's and Duleep's first international match. In 1973 the M.C.C. team captained by R. Lewis toured Sri Lanka comprising players like Alan Knott, Mike Denness, Keith Fletcher, Derek Underwood, and D. Amiss. Sri Lanka was captained by Mike Tissera and had Bandula Warnapura, Duleep Mendis, Anura Tennakoon, D.S. de Silva, Neil Chanmugam and H.S.M. Peiris. After that Russel was in the back seat for some time. Russel has also represented Ceylon at the Gopalan Trophy series on numerous occasions. His contemporaries at different times have been Anura Tennakoon, David Heyn, Sunil Wettimuny, Daya Sahabandu, Lasantha Rodrigo, J. Robertson, Lalith Kaluperuma and T.B. Kehelgamuwa. In one series he scored 52 runs. In 1975 whilst representing Mercantile Cricket Association in a match against Government Services for the Robert Sennayake trophy, he scored 132 and sqeezed back into the National side to tour India for three unofficial Test matches. The Indian team was captained by the batting maestro Sunil Gavaskar and had players like Dilip Vengaskar, Gundappa Vishwanath, Seyed Kirmani, Mohinder Amaranath, Madan Lal, Anshuman Gaekwad. Sri Lanka was captained by Anura Tennakoon and other prominent members were Sunil Wettimuny. D.S. de Silva, Ajith Silva, David Heyn, Daya Sahabandu and the late Anura Ranasinghe.

Though the tour was successful for Russel, he had to undergo unwarranted problems and was on the verge or returning back home at his own expense details of which he did not want to expose. Russel has the distinction of claiming seven victims behind the stumps on two occasions. The first was in 1978 when he was playing for his new club the S.S.C. against Moratuwa C.C. For his brilliant performance Russel was asked to lead the team to the pavilion. The second occasion was in 1980 against the Saracens. Thus Russel has the distinction of having his name etched with greats like Wally Grout of Australia and 17 others at club, Sheffield and County level. He also has the distinction of scoring 24 runs in an over at the B.R.C. six-a-side tournament in 1969 which stood for more than ten years. The last international match that Russel played was in the year 1977 which was against an England team captained by Tony Greig which had players such as of Mike Brearley, Bob Woolmer, Bob Willis, Derek Underwood, Derek Randal, Alan Knott, and Dennis Amiss. Sri Lanka was captained by Anura Tennakoon with Roy Dias, Bandula Warnapura, Tony Opatha, Duleep Mendis. D.S. de Silva and Jayantha Seneviratna being some members of the team. In fact Russel had retired through disgust but he had been called back on the intervention of the then Sports Minister but the shabby treatment did not stop with the result. Russel had to go to courts against some officials for injustice. S.S.C. was Russel's last club that he played whether it was Sara or Daily News trophy. He was a member from 1978 to 1995 during which period all cricketers at Maharajah's lost their jobs due to the '83 violence. He worked there for 18 years and at S.S.C whilst playing, his good friend Ranjith Doranagama, an old Trinitian had suggested of putting up a school for cricket. Russel had then decided to impart his knowledge and train young cricketers. It was the first local coaching school at the S.S.C.

After Ranjith left for a planting job to the outstation Russel was discontinued from coaching but is grateful to Ranil Abeynaike who understood his position and was kind enough to offer him two coaching days for a week and to act as an assistant curator at S.S.C. When Ranil left for Australia later Russel was appointed the curator at S.S.C. and that changed his life completely to another side of cricket, by which he is benefiting now. He also coached his alma mater during the period of Principals Mr. A.S. Wirasinghe and Mr. Lou Adihetty free-of-charge and before his side of the story ends Russel reminds that he has played for seven clubs in the 'A' division namely Bloomfield C.C., B.R.C., Nomads, Liberty C.C., Saracens, Moratuwa C.C. and S.S.C. which maybe a record. In 1995 Russel was appointed as the senior cricket coach of the Kettarama school of cricket by the Minister of Sports and he is ever grateful to Commander H.U. Silva Director Sugathadasa Stadium and Kettarama Stadium and Mr. Sooriyaarachchi and lately Miss. Rohini Fernando secretary of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association approved by the Sports Ministry had requested Russel to coach the Sri Lanka Women Cricketers which he has accepted and he conducts at the Kettarama Stadium. Last of the five Hamers is Peter, Russel's son a left- handed bat and fine wicket- keeper like the father. Peter is at present playing in Australia. Russel speaking on behalf of his son said Peter had his education at St. Joseph's, Darely Road and started playing cricket from the age of seven. He got his first hundred against Zahira Maradana in a Under-13 match and from there he went from strength to strength. Peter was baptised into the senior team when he was 13 years from there onwards he was a regular member of the senior team for five years. He captained the senior team in the year 1994 and in between those years he turned up to be a fine batsman.

In 1993 at the Observer 'Bata' schools award he was given a special merit award for his 280 runs he scored against Wesley College (missing Jack Anderson's record by 12 runs) he also scored 1136 runs and had 48 dismissals that season. Peter was a member of the Sri Lanka Under-20 team that toured Malaysia and Singapore and also toured India with the Sri Lanka schools team, he captained the Colombo District Cricket Association team. After leaving school Peter represented the Old Antonians Wattala in the Under-23 tournament and scored two double centuries, later playing for S.S.C. in the Daily News trophy he opened batting with his father Russel a unique and rare feat that anyone can achieve.

How Wesley beat St. Joseph’s in 1962 by Edmund Dissanayake
Four runs to win in 2 balls and Rodney Perera swipes Perumal bouncer over keeper’s head

In 1962 Wesley was coached by B. J. H. Bahar (Snr). Lalith Wijesinghe was captain with Kenneth de Silva as deputy and the Wesleyites will remember the year for the wonderful cricket produced by their team, which resulted in victories over Trinity, Kingswood, Royal, Ananda, Richmond and St. Joseph’s.The match against St. Joseph’s was of special significance as both teams were equally balanced and a large crowd at Darley Road and also the Maradana people had taken "bets" on the game. Wesley declared at 240 for 9 with Mervyn Hamer making 50 and Sarath Wickramaratne 66. St. Joseph’s replied with 124 with off spinner Kenneth de Silva taking 6 for 41. Following on, the Joes were dismissed for 156 with Kenneth de Silva capturing 5 for 36. It was in the Josephians second innings, that the 9th wicket was worth 50 runs, after a fresh lease of life was given to the batsman, when the Wesley keeper and another fielder appealed to the wrong umpire for "hit wicket".Law 47 clearly states that the jurisdiction for "hit wicket" lay with the leg umpire... and so the batsman continued with his innings, regardless. Wesley were left with only 30 minutes to score 41 runs for victory and then there were no mandatory overs. Five Wesley wickets had fallen, and with the crowd on its toes paceman Brian Perumal sent down the last over, from the swimming pool end. Four balls had been delivered, and Wesley had to score 4 runs for victory in the last two balls. The entire field paraded the boundary line. While one fielder was even placed behind the wicket-keeper.In schoolboy language "a long bye". Run getting was almost impossible... but not for Rodney Perera. Perumal’s 5th delivery was a bouncer and Rodney swiped at it in the way one would hit a rubber ball, (popularly referred to as "uda bat"?, and the ball sailed over the wicket keeper, and also the long bye and rolled over the boundary near the pavilion.

Rodney then raced to the pavilion, followed by an angry crowd (not schoolboys) who probably had lost their bets. Rodney was "hidden" in the pavilion while Kenneth de Silva jumped for joy and injured his head!But the writer’s problem then was to smuggle out Rodney with an angry crowd waiting at the northern entrance, near the pavilion.There were three cars lined up facing the northern gate opposite the pavilion, the third of which was driven by Danister de Silva, who was given instructions by the writer to reverse his vehicle as soon as the first two cars had gone forward to reverse, past the main building, past the swimming pool and through the southern gate, into freedom. This car carried Rodney, in dark clothing and dark glasses, Danister’s children and the writer. In the words of Sherlock Holmes this was an exercise "Elementary, Watson!"Rodney (now no more) was a very popular figure. He scored 101 not out in 43 minutes against Richmond. The other centuries scored in 1962 were by Kenneth de Silva 100 against Richmond and 127 by Lalith Wijesinghe against Kingswood.The Wesley cricketers will remember the wonderful sea bath at Uswetakeiyawa, in celebration of their victories, when Rodney mischievously pushed into the inviting waters, the cheering squad of Arlene, Audrey, Malkanthi and Wickramaratnes. (Did they learn from Percy) and their first lessons on swimming by using a tyre. The fabulous lunch at Danisters, and the sumptuous dinner at Bahars, where the Principal Shelton Wirasinghe and his wife Manel were present. Probably, they would have tasted for the first time the exotic food prepared in the inimitable Hambantota style!

Wesleyite Mahendra Dissanayake excels in both sports and studies by Edmund Dissanayake
It is rare that an individual excels both in sports and studies. But Mahendra Dissanayake is one of them. It will be recalled that Mahendra skippered the 1983 Under 17 cricket team at Wesley and won all six matches and thereby emerged All-Island Cricket Champions. He later captained the first XI in 1984 and his impressive bowling performance of 8 for 54 against St. Peter’s in 1985 is still to be bettered. In the same year, Mahendra also took 7 for 34 and 7 for 30 against then formidable Nalanda team. Even Roshan Mahanama and Asanka Gurusinghe could not counter the deadly in-swing of Mahendra.Mahendra however continued his good work in Melborne, Australia while playing for his club Benteligh. A few of his bowling performances were: 4 for 28 vs Springvale Sc, 5 for 25 vs Oakleigh Sc, 5 for 17 vs Parkdale Sc, 6 for 32 vs Brunswick Sc, 5 for 40 vs Sunshine Sc, 4 for 48 vs Preston Sc, 6 for 43 and 4 for 21 vs Kew Sc.

He was one of the popular and highly respected head prefects produced by Wesley College Colombo. He continued his studies in Australia. And was admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering in 1995. In addition, he is a Computer Systems Engineer. He also secured his MSc. in Information Technology.

His father Graham was Sri Lanka’s Food Commissioner and earlier excelled in hockey and athletics.

Wesley leads in Sportsmanship by Ravi Nagahawatte
Sportsmanship is a trait that has slipped away from the grasp of sportsmen today.

This prime quality which governs the conduct of the ones dabbling in sports is rare in deed. A sporting gesture worth mentioning was witnessed at Wesley College when the authorities had to decide on the captain for the current season. This heart warming incident took place late last year when Sajith Kolombage, who was considered for the captaincy with another senior of equal seniority, made a request to the authorities that his colleague should lead the side as he thought that he would make a better captain. This inspiring act on Kolombage’s part saw Favreez Maharoof being appointed as captain of the First Eleven team.

But Maharoof’s credentials have in no way been in question as he happens to be one of the most gifted batsman among schools. He being selected to represent the country at the ongoing Under 19 World Cup, in New Zealand, underscores the fact that he holds the character to live up to big occasions. The spirit of the present day cricketers brings memories of how the school toiled hard at the begging to servive in the sport sans a ground of it’s own.

The school founded in 1874 by Reverend Daniel Henry Perera, is said to have used the Racquet Courts for sports activities, a large extent where the Chalmers Grannary is located in Pettah. In 1887 the school obtained permission to use the Price Park in Pettah for sports.The school even acquired a five and half acre property which was subsequently used to put up the buildings of the school. Wesley used Campbell Park for sports activities there after. The school today boasts of a sports club,named Old Wesleyites Sports Club, and also enjoy facilities which were not available to the earlier generations who were at Wesley many years ago. Wesley also holds pride of being part of the second oldest cricket match among schools which happens to be their annual fixture against Royal. The two schools battle for the late Frank Gunasekara Trophy.

Wesley also plays traditional fixtures against Trinity and S.Thomas’ which happen to be two leading cricket playing schools in the nation. The team this year began on a sound note when they recorded first innings points over Maristella Negombo. However the school suffered a crushing blow in the hands of the Peterites who beat them by innings. The lads from from Campbell Park however didn’t lose heart and came back fighting to earn a first innings win over Thurstan at which fixture their skipper Maharoof dazzled with the ball to take five wickets. The team’s match against Trinity proved the sparks in the matches among the schools last week when they took up the challenge of chasing 153 to win off 13 overs. The Wesleyites however could mange to get only 104 losing four wickets in the process.

The school’s batting this year will revolve around acting skipper Kolombage, Pramodh Makalande, Nuwan Samith Fernando, Anderio Toussaint, Isuru Fernando and Thushara Waduge who have all showed form with the bat. Pace bowler Eric Joseph will be Wesley’s main strike bowler this year having given a torrid time to the school’s opponents in all outings. The others who could add spice to the Wesley bowling is Kushan Senewiratne and Thushara Waduge. The school is coached this year by Neil Rajapakse who at one time coached St.Sebastians College Moratuwa. The Wesleyites under his guidance have catapulted up the points table to 16 th place from a miserable 23rd slot they occupied. The school has already played Maris Stella, Thurstan, Sri Jayawardanapura, St.Anthony’s, St.Peter’s, St.Benedict’s and Trinity.

The Wesley College cricket pool-Favreez Maharoof, Sajith Kolombage, Anderio Tossaint, Nuwan Samith, Isuru Fernando, Pramodh Makalande, Thushara Waduge, Kamantha Kodikara, Eric Joseph, Kushan Senewiratne, Afzal Sabar, Charitha Karunaratne, Aruna Kumara, Arnold Vandersay, Surein Sundaralingam, Anoj Katipearachchi, Pradeep Perera, Umayanga Fernando, Shiraj Nadaraja.

E.J.MELDER of Colts and Bloomfield From the Ceylon Observer 5th July 1937
Kindly sent to me by Mr. Victor Melder of Australia

One of the best known all round Ceylon sportsman E J Melder passed away yesterday and the funeral took place this morning at Kanatte. Jubilee Melder who was born in 1887, the Jubilee year of Queen Victoria was just 50 years of age and till recently used to play cricket with success. Educated at Wesley College he made his name first of all as a left arm bowler. Playing against Royal College in 1904 he captured 6 wickets for 6 runs. At college he never gave me the impression of developing into the great left hand batsman he afterwards became. Just when his bowling promised to make him a really great player he put his left arm out and ever since then was only a change bowler. As a batsman he became one of the soundest and most consistent scorers of Ceylon.
In 1912 I saw him score a century 110 not out for Colts against DACC at Radella. I well remember that feat as he used a prize bat which had been given to me as a souvenir by the famous Australian batsman Warren Bardsley. Melder first came into prominence as a batsman for the Bloomfielders and then for the Colts. In 1910 he headed the BC and AC averages with 72.5. In 1911 he scored 168 for Harrisons V Aitken Spence in the Mercantile Competition.
In 1912 he created a Ceylon record by aggregating 1548 runs in all matches and beating VFS Crawfords record of 1460 compiled in 1911.
In 1913 he headed the BC and AC averages with 62.00.
Melder played test cricket with success for the Ceylonese Vs Europeans. In 1913 he scored 44 and in 1920 he hit up 55 out of a total of 287. He visited Bombay with the powerful Ceylonese XI led by D.L.De Saram and managed by the late John Rockwood. He was 3rd in the batting in that tour. Scoring 136 runs and averaging 27.2. His highest score was 52 against the Bombay Gymkhana. Of his contemporaries in that team DL De Saram, C Horan, ER De Saram, A Aluvihara, Dr.John Rockwood, and Frank Gunawardene pre deceased him. Those still alive are V De Kretser, A.C Amath, MK Albert, Albert de Alwis, Ja and C De Silva, P and S Saravanamuttu, and S.W loos.
In 1927 he played for Nugegoda sports club and scored 163 against Kelani Valley.
Not Only did he excel in cricket but also as a soccer player and an all round athlete. He was a splendid athlete who did the 100 yards in 10.45 seconds and cleared 5ft 3in in the high jump and did well in Pole Vaulting. He was an excellent soccer forward and played often for the YMCA and the CHUMS and his firm Harrison and Crossfield.
He was a self made man and retired form Mesrs Harrison and Crossfield to run his own business in Nugegoda where he owned much property and was held in high respect.

From the Papers June 20th 1900- Foenander captains

S.P. Foenander captains Wesley College team in a match against Mr. Dissanayake's team at Price Park. In the team are J.E. Amarasekera, A . Barbet, A.P. Joachim, H.W. Dissanayake, A. W. Nathanielsz, E. A. Bechs, J. H. Perera, A. R. Wijekoon, S. P. Wijetunga and L. Barbett.

Wesley OBU (UK) cricketers in school's 125th anniversary celebrations - Ceylon Observer 28th Feb 1999

Almost a quarter of AirLanka's airbus that took off from London's Heathrow airport last Thursday was filled with staunch and loyal old boys of Wesley College, Colombo on their way to their alma mater's 125th anniversary. Lord Reggie's old and dear friend Ben Fernando who is the present head of Wesley and once upon a time, a very, very popular figure in London's Sri Lankan scene and president of the oldest Sri Lankan organisation here on many occasions. 'The Association of Sri Lankans in the UK', will be truly proud of these lads who left no stone unturned to make this trip, be there on time and play their part well.

Speaking to Lord Reggie on the eve of their departure Lord Reggie's close pal, a former Wesley skipper Ananda Thevethasan said the lads were pleased that the OBU's patron - a former principal - Rev. D. Izzett was travelling with them and will be there to share those moments of glory and happiness when Old Wesleyites in Sri Lanka and from Australia will "be with us as one family". Thevathasan also expressed his absolute joy about the participation of that famous and mighty Old Wesleyite and Cambridge Double Blue (Cricket and Hockey) Lou Adihetty. He said; "He was our coach and every move of his on the field was classic. It will be wonderful to see him at the crease again. That alone is worth the trip." R. Perera will captain the UK team against SSC and Tamil Union on the 3 March and 8 March 1999 respectively at this cricket tournament which has been organised by former Sri Lanka opening bowler L.R. Goonetillake (President, OWSC).

An interesting duel should be the game between the past Wesley skippers made up of Lou Adihetty, Milroy Mutuvaloe, Everad Schoorman, Ananda Thevethasan, Navin de Silva, Delmer Achilees and Ameresh Rajaratnam and others against he present college eleven led by Dharsika Jayakody. Lord Reggie also wishes to warn the rest of the Wesley teams that the team from UK put on a magnificent show at the Festival of Cricket here in 1997 to get the better of all the leading Sri Lanka schools which gave them that much coveted Sri Lanka OBAs trophy and be it bowling a 'googly' or a 'chinaman' or for that matter batting on a difficult pitch these lads are sure to put on a splendid performance and give the rest a jolly hard time. Queen says 'OK' to drugging of her carriage horses Buckingham Palace recently admitted that royal horses are on occasions drugged before ceremonial events. According to a palace spokesman the sedatives are given purely to calm the younger horses for important events such as the State Opening of Parliament and the annual Royal Ascot race meeting. The spokesman said the drug acepromazine which is given in doses of around 25mg has a numbing effect and stops the horses from getting excited when passing noisy or cheering crowds.

These doses Lord Reggie understands are given as a liquid through a syringe into their mounts or as ground-up tablets together with their food thus making the animal tame and peaceful for some time. 'Late sitting' - a rare picture of Tony Blair.One of London's newspapers Lord Reggie loves to read, the 'Evening Standard" recently held a photography competition that attracted over 50,000 entries taken by people from many walks of life depicting everyday scenes of England from many angles of life. Those pictures taken by both amateur and professional photographers portrayed sad, happy and stunning moments but the one Lord Reggie really enjoyed was that of the British Prime Minister Tony Blair seated on the carpeted floor of the parliament titles. 'Late sitting: an intimate shot of Tony Blair by Mike Maloney.' As our picture shows the melancholy faced Tony Blair is seen reflecting over a letter he probably just finished reading but in which oak panelled room in the Parliament building will be even difficult for the longest serving member to guess.

A Historic win by Yohan Raju

Wesley beat Trinity at Rugby 2002 (Sent to me by Yohan Raju)

Rugby shock as Wesley rattle Trinity 21-0 The Colombo school records first ever win over the Kandy side By M.Shamil Amit Police in full cry as they tackle an Army player at Galle Face. Pic. by Ishara S. Kodikara

Wesley led by that burly No. 8 and Sri Lanka youth player Lahiru Boteju created history when they outclassed the Trinity Lions for the first time ever in the history of rugby encounters between the two schools which has been played for over a half century. They completely rattled the Trinitians when they scored a convincing 21 points (three goals) to nil victory in the inter-school rugby match at Longdon Place. Having led 14-0 at half time. It was rugby of a high order with the Wesleyites treating the massive crowd that thronged to witness the game with some superlative rugby. They got into business in the first five minutes of play in the first half when winger Nawshik Fareez ran over for a try from a move initiated by second row Chatura Weligamage. Full back Zakir Badurdeen put the finishing touches to give Wesley an early 7-0 lead. The Wesleyites were far more superior in all departments winning the line outs and their working down the line had the Trinitians in a spot of bother. Centre Ziyard Thahir and Steve Perera another Sri Lankan youth player had their opponents guessing with their robust play and kicks to touch. In the dying stages of the first half Ziyard Thahir increased the lead with a superb try scored from a five yard scrum which was again converted by Zakir Badurdeen to make it 14-0. Resuming in the second half the Trinitians penetrated their opponents' territory but only to be denied scoring by the solid defence of the Wesleyites. The Trinitians missed two opportunities of reducing the lead when second row D.A.de Silva fluffed two penalties which was of kicking distance. In the 23rd minute Wesley was offered a 40 metre penalty and Zakir's kick went astray. With no quarters asked or given the game was being played at a terrific pace with referee Orville Fernando doing a tireless job with the whistle. Wesley succeeded in increasing their lead when in the 25 metre line of their opponents' skipper Lahiru Boteju intercepting a pass gave it over to second row Tyronne Harrison who barged through many defenders to score under the post. Zakir made no mistake with his kick this time to give Wesley a healthy 21-0 lead. The Lions were dejected and gave up hopes of giving a fight back ultimately being tamed down.

From the Observer:
Shock.....Wesley create history with sensational 21-nil win over Trinity by RANJAN ANANDAPPA

Spearheaded by a spectacular forwards display, Wesley created history recording a sensational 21 points (Three goals) to nil win over Trinity for the first time in their rugby history in an inter-school encounter played at Longden Place yesterday. The Kandy schools opening game for the season played in Colombo yesterday ended in disaster as the Wesleyites completely rattled the Trinitians with their robust style of play. The Wesleyites should owe their success to their diligent set of forwards led by their skipper and number eight Lahiru Boteju and excellent support coming from the rest Chitrajith Weligamage, Shariffudeen, Steve Perera and Nalawangsa dominating the proceedings. Overall it was a superb team effort which gave the Wesleyites to savour the historic moment. Wesley opened scoring in the 5th minute when winger N. Fareez touched down and Zakir Badurdeen gave them the extra points and mid way in the first half, centre Z. Thahir scored off an infringement under the post and Badurdeen made no mistake with the kick. Wesley led 14-0 at the breather. The Wesleyites played exceptionally well in attack and defence to put the breaks on any Trinity moves. The Trinitians won most of the line-outs with second rower D. A. de Silva beating counterparts but lack of cohesive play prevented Trinity making much headway. The Kandy school missed a couple of scoring opportunities through penalties when hooker P. Wasalathanthri lacked the direction while kicking. Orville Fernando refereed. Wesley also won the under 17 game 5-0.

From Bachchi Oumar:

I am just thrilled to hear about the good news about the rugby team. What about doing something for the team? Perhaps a new set of jersies and/or a formal dinner for the team and coaching staff at the pavilion, in appreciation for this great victory. Can you organize a hat collection? You can count me in for $50. Please let me know where I should send the cash etc. In all the years I represented Wesley at rugby, I never experienced defeating Trinity College. We came close in 1978 under the captaincy of Rashmore Ferdinands; we lost 4-Nil at Longden Place. This was the highlight of my rugby career at Wesley, although we lost the game. In the same year we drew with Issipathana (another goliath) in 1978. I am sure all former Wesley Ruggerites would attest to the gravity of this victory; I sure do. Let’s appreciate the current team’s feat and share in the glory of this moment and do something for the Team. Later……. Bachchi Oumar

From Patrick Gnanamuttu:

Hi Batchi, If you had played the way I told you to, we could have beaten Trinity a long time ago… J Anyway too late for regrets !! Why don’t we all go down to SL and personally congratulate the boys on this Historic win… Cheers mates Patrick

PS count me in for any contributions

Wesley 'magic' at Western Province twelves ("The Island" - 30 April 2002) by Ravi Nagahawatte

Wesley juniors underscored the fact that their future in rugby will be rosy when they ran out winners in the Western Province Inter-school Under 15 12-a-side rugby tournament by beating Royal College Colombo in the final at Bullers Road yesterday. The Wesleyites had the edge when ever their line swung into motion and held their opponents in suspense before pulling off a 5-0 win. The team however were kept in check by some resolute tackling by the Royalists who didn't enjoy much possession. The Wesleyites shot into the lead on the stroke of half time when winger Niranjan Wickremasinghe exposed a gaping hole in the Royal defence when the three quarter line was in full swing. The conversion however went astray. Royal played better after 'lemons' but failed to put the finish to some promising moves which forced the Wesleyites to back peddle at times. The losers showed their strength with their bigger made forwards. But the Wesleyites played better and held on till the final whistle to record a memorable victory. Nalanda annexed the Plate Trophy beating St.Joseph's 8-0 in the final while Royal Panadura won the Bowl Trophy beating Zahira College in the final. Former Thomian, Havelocks and Sri Lanka second row forward Chaminda 'Diga' Rupasinghe was the chief guest at the final.

Wesley - Nalanda Cricket 1985

The "Island" of 16th, March 1985 under the heading "Nalanda shot out for 84" reported as follows:

"The match began at 12.45 due to overnight rain and the Nalandians who took first lease of the wicket could not cope with bowling of paceman Mahendra Dissanayake and were skittled out for 84". "The only Nalandian to offer any resistance to the Wesley attack was skipper Asanka Gurusinghe who scored an attractive 44. He had five hits to the ropes during his 103 minute stay at the wicket. Paceman Mahendra Dissanayake who ripped through the Nalanda batting line-up ended with the excellent figures of 12.2 overs 4 maidens 34 runs 7 wickets". At the end of the day Wesley were 96 for 6 wickets with Chanaka de Mel making a well compiled 32. On the second day, Wesley were bowled out for the addition of only 9 more runs, making a first innings total of 105 runs. Nalanda batting a second time could not cope with the fiery pace of Mahendra Dissanayake and were skittled out for 89. Asanka Gurusinghe was the only batsman to offer any resistance to the Wesley attack, scoring an attractive 35. Once again Mahendra captured 7 wickets for only 30 runs, to have a match bag of 14 wickets for 64 runs. Wesley had to score 69 for victory in 14 overs, and they lost 7 wickets for 46. Sunantha Wickremasuriya took 2 for 12 and Nalin Hewage 2 for 7. In Wesley's first innings the successful Nalanda bowlers were Kushantha Dissanayake (3 for 21), Channa Weerapperuma (2 for 9) and Kusal de Silva, 2 for 32. It is interesting to record that in Nalanda's first innings, Mahendra Dissanayake clean bowled five of his victims including Roshan Mahanama and Asanka Gurusinghe.

OBSERVER - BATA SCHOOLBOY CRICKETER (Sunday Observer 5 May 2002)

Wesley College wicketkeeper cum opening batsman Anderio Frederic Toussaint and Janaka Amila Withanaarachchi of Bandaranayake College, Gampaha skipper are the OBSERVER-BATA MOST POPULAR SCHOOLBOY CRICKETERS OF THE YEAR 2002. Anderio won the All-Island Contest with a total of 14,187 votes having received 2,119 votes on the final coupon No. 10. Anderio has been on top except on coupon number one and two. He was in first place in the penultimate count No. 9 with 12,068 votes ahead of Bendictine allrounder Sisil de Silva, 7,591 votes. In the final coupon No. 10, Anderio received 2,119 votes while Sisil received 1389 votes. So Anderio had no difficulty in coming on top. Sisil finished in second position with 8,980 votes and Charith Sylvester Fernando of De Mazenod College came third with 4,268 votes. Besides being popular cricketer, Anderio had a successful season, scoring over 739 runs which included five half centuries. His best innings was against Kignswood in which match he got 90 runs. He is also a smart wicketkeeper and had 35 victims behind the stumps this season. Anderio also is a good soccer player having captained the college football team in the inter-school tournaments. He played cricket for the college from the age of 8 years.

Navin proves his mettle
Capt. Navin de Silva, a versatile sportsman to hail from Wesley College has excelled in ball games - cricket and hockey for the school and later for NCC and CCC with much success. He has added another ball game - golf and was a cynosure in the RCGC greens. Taking to the sport only last year (within ten months) proved his mettle.

Slowly, but surely with his powerful drives and meticulous putting he mastered the skills. Firstly,he won the NoBride trophy, partnering Wimal Wijenayake. It was no looking back since then and has been a consistent performer. Despite exigencies of duty during his spare time he took to the greens and trained with resolution and determination. The hallmark in him, was that he was willing to learn from whatever quarter - the rough and smooth.

He won the popular Mercedes Benz 'B' Div. title to earn a berth to represent the country, in the Asian 'B' qualifying golf championship to be held in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, in August 2002.

Two hundred and fifty golfers teed off - among them were seasoned campaigners. He did proud to Wesley and to the National Carrier, SriLankan Airlines. As a schoolboy, De Silva led the Sri Lanka Schools team in 1981 for the tour of England. Incidentally his deputy was former Sri Lanka skipper, Arjuna Ranatunga. Had he continued in cricket he could have played in the national team as an utility all-rounder.- BW

Wesley strike hard at rugby By Bernie Wijesekera
Wesley College, the 100-year-old institution has made a name in cricket and hockey producing some outstanding players at the national level. The likes of late maestro M. Sathasivam, Brian Classen, L.R. Gunatillake, Russel Hamer, M. Samsudeen, Abu Fuard, Navin de Silva etc. (Cricket).

Legendary T. Mylvaganam, a dazzling hockey player. The school took upto rugby in the mid '50s. Eddie Buell was its first captain in 1956. The present Principal Mr. M.A.P Fernando was the M.I.C. (rugby) and Prefect of Games in the '70s saw the school taking to serious rugby. The Campbell school has taken to rugby and has proved their mettle at the junior level during the last couple of years according to Mr. Fernando.

The school had the likes of Reggie Bartholomeuz (Winger), Iqbal Musafer (fly-half), Kishan Musafer (Winger, presently playing for CR), Neville Perera etc. All donned the Red Shirt and played for the country.

The juniors during the last two years have been in the forefront winning titles. They have been developing the game at grassroots level. It has borne fruits according to coach Dishantha Priyadharshana, who is in charge of the junior and the First XV team. Of course Wesley is fortunate to have the services of S.W. Chang as Consultant (a storehouse of knowledge) to assist the coach.

Wesley last week won the All-Island Under-15 Rugby championship defeating St. Sylvester's 27/0. No team in the he entire tournament crossed their line or scored a point in this 10-a-side, staged in Kandy. Last year (2001) the Under-17 team in the All-Island Cup (10-a-side) were runners-up to Isipatana. Last year the Under-15 team toured Malaysia for the 10-a-side and was runner-up in the Cup.

Chang, a keen student of the game, has managed junior national teams abroad. There is a squad of 25 who are prepared to learn and committed to the sport. They have to take the rough with the smooth. They learn by their mistakes. If the Wesleyites are doing well in the on-going season, this attributes to the tremendous support afforded to them by the OWSC, the immediate past president Navin de Silva and the incumbent president Tyronne Maye.

The Prefect of Games, versatile old Wesleyite sportsman, Kenneth de Silva is spending much time attending to their needs (Heavy pack). The team led by Lahiru Boteju (No. 8) leads a hardy pack and a member of W.C. Junior team Steve Perera (prop), Ziard Thahir (centre) Sri Lanka youth players. 13 of last year's players are in the squad. Prasad (fly half), Rukshan Omar, Julian Francisco (h/backs), Nuwan Samith (centre), Zaki Badurdeen (fullback), Chithraja Weligamage (prop). The boys are all geared up and started with a bang.

Defeated Trinity for the first time 21/0 (friendly) won against St. Anthony's Kandy (with 5 national players tournament match) in Kandy 12-8 in a rousing contest. Beat Carey 24-13.

There are ten players, who are still Under-17. They are knowledgeable about the basics and the laws of the game. Taught to maintain the spirit of the game at all times and play to the whistle. Mr. Fernando said, indiscipline will not be tolerated from whatever quarter. The outcome is secondary, the game that matters in the end.

Wesley colours Nite on July 6 by Richard Dwight

Wesley College has done well, after a lapse of several years, to revive its 'Colours Nite' which takes place on July 6 (Saturday) at 6.00 p.m. at the College Hall.

The chief guest on the occasion will be Commodore Harsha Mayadunne, the President of the SLRFU and Mrs. Mayadunne.

Colours, in recognition and appreciation of excellence achieved in the varied sports disciplines at Wesley, will be presented by Mayadunne. Awards will also be made by prominent 'Old boy' sportsmen for outstanding performances by the current Wesleyites. The College Hewisi band will provide entertainment.

Firebrand Abu Fuard turns the tide
Ex-firebrand cricket manager Abu Fuard can be considered one of the key men responsible for the current shake-up prior to the election of office bearers to the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka.An incumbent vice president, he is not only a candidate for the same post, but the main voice behind the candidacy of Clifford Ratwatte who is opposing present President Thilanga Sumathipala at the election to be held next Sunday. "I came to serve cricket and I am free to decide for whom I should vote. I don't belong to any team," Fuard told journalists at a packed news conference organised in support of Ratwatte last Tuesday.An articulate speaker, Fuard did not mince his words and charged that administrators were working against laid down procedure in decision making. "I am a person mindful of my responsibility. I have always advised the Executive Committee to act with tact and wisdom.

"There were occasions I thought of resigning, I just could'nt stomach what was taking place," added Fuard who is challenging the same people he promoted only last year.For ethical reasons Fuard declined to reveal deep details of alleged controversial expenditures, but his main cause for shifting the tide is the sanctioning of 400 million rupees for the construction of a stadium in Dambulla.An area which he describes as sparsely populated and not worthy to play host to an international stadium."The way funds were used are best known to them (Executive Committee). I always told them to follow procedure all the time. But they saw me as an obstacle to their work", said Fuard.The neglect of future cricketers and the failure to take stock of ageing players has also made Fuard fall out with the current administration. Fuard reasons that existing venues in Kurunegala, Matara and Radella in the central highlands, should instead draw the attention of administrators for upgrading to international standards.

Fuard promised that under a changed administration, Kurunegala could be redesigned as a Test venue with just 10 million rupees and Radella be transformed into a first class ground.It will be also used as a training centre for Sri Lankan teams preparing for tours in cold countries like New Zealand and England.He said a sum of 50 million rupees could be set aside (from the Dambulla fund) for the construction of a hotel in Kurunegala to boost the venue's image.Fuard's crucial insight into the present administrative system prompted reporters to direct the majority of their questions at him. One reporter, a foreign correspondent apparently spellbound by Fuard's rhetoric, asked the former leg-spin bowler why he was contesting the vice presidency and not the top post.

"I would go to any length, but I know my limitations. I want to serve cricket but I don't want to creep into places where I'll be uncomfortable", Fuard shot back.Fuard supported Ratwatte's decision to challenge Sumathipala by remarking that the best cricketers don't become the best administrators. "Some of the best administrators have never held a bat and Jagmohan Dalmiya did not even play marbles," declared Fuard.Dalmiya, an Indian, is the current head of the International Cricket Council (ICC)Both Fuard and Ratwatte shared similar views that the Sports Ministry will have to be advised on the need to change existing regulations that prevent potential administrators who have not played cricket from holding office in the Board.

Fearless Abu Fuard - a Legendary Cricket Legionnaire Sporting personalities with Ken de Joodt :

It is a truth of life to those who believe, that "God blesses those who give of their lives and resources" - giving of your time, giving of your talents and giving of your love, be it in the 'recreation' of Sports or in the creation of life! To those who know, 'Thanking God' is a great act of simple gratitude - but with it comes greater gain! Abu Fuard worked hard in whatever he applied himself - to reap a harvest of rewards! Like the farmer who 'puts his hand to the plough' in the field and plods on, to pluck the fruits of success and distributing the delights with others.

Abu did likewise in his 'long innings' of over 30 years in his illuminating Cricketing career, on and off the cricket fields! Abu Fuard As one of Sri Lanka's sensational 'super-duper' off-spin bowlers, highly acclaimed in the past as one of the best in Asia's Cricketing arena, Abu has come to 'grips' with life (as he did so well with the cricket-ball), accepting the good that came his way to do good for others! "To err is human - to forgive is divine" makes one realize that people are apt to make mistakes but learning from one's mistakes is more profitable to life. Abu had in his 'run of play'- 'spun-out' powerful people (at 'Silly-point"!) who may have been 'narrow-minded' in their motives and more focused on their 'own gains, than for the good of the game and the players themselves! By propelling his 'variations' he had misunderstandings and 'mix-ups'...but the 'breakthroughs' - (some 'bowled-out' and some 'caught-out', with no questionable 'LBW's!) - came before "stumps (or daggers!) were drawn" !!

Resulting from the 'breakthroughs', many a talented Cricketer was in due course identified and given the opportunity or a 'chance' to play for Sri Lanka, picked from across the 'barriers' of the North, South, East, West and Central parts of the island. Perhaps it was an easy task for the Selectors to 'pick the best' from the metropolis, Colombo - players knew well that if they played for a Colombo club, they would stand a good chance for selection in the Sri Lanka side!' It is no secret in Sri Lanka Cricket, that Abu Fuard, (backed by a former Ananda Captain Dhanasiri Weerasinghe), from the mid-Seventies, was 'instrumental' in paving the way for more, young exciting cricketers from the outstations, to add 'glamour' to Sri Lanka cricket - and a few years later a 'new tune' was played..."we are the Champions!" During the illustrious tenure of Robert Senanayake, from 1957 to 1976 as President of the BCCSL, the 'pace' changed and 'new things' began to happen in 1973! With a new Sports Law in 1976 which declared that office-bearers could hold their posts for only two years in succession, Robert Senanayake's devoted service of 20 years came to an end! Some of the dedicated administrators Sri Lanka Cricket had from the early 50's to mid 90's, were J.R. Jayawardene (1952 to '56), Robert Senanayake (1957 to '76), Maj. Gen. B.R. Heyn (1976 to '78), Dr. N.M. Dr. Perera (1978 to '80), Gamini Dissanayake (1981 to '89), P.I. Peiris and Lakshman Jayakody (1989 to '91), Tyronne Fernando (1991 to '94).

In his term as President of the SL Cricket Board (BCCSL), Gamini Dissanayke took over at a crucial stage in the history of Sri Lanka Cricket, to continue his efforts from 1981 to obtain full ICC status for Sri Lanka. Abu had been a close friend of Gamini Dissanyake, (who stayed down the same lane in the opposite house from 1974). "We often met and had discussions on the betterment of cricket" - said Abu "and I executed the plans and programs entrusted to me, preparing the infrastructure, planning, finances, etc; to perfection - and assisted him in the 'ground' work for obtaining Test Status." An ICC condition given to Gamini in 1981 at the ICC members meeting, was to ensure that additional Test Playing Venues would be constructed to international standards in Kandy and in Galle, within a year. Gamini entrusted the responsibility to Abu, to transform the Trinity College Kandy grounds at Asgiriya into an international Test playing venue. Cutting a long story short, Abu ensured that this requirement was fulfilled and Gamini went back to the ICC in London, to 'bag' his greatest achievement in cricket. England played the Sri Lanka Test Team in their first Official Test Match in Colombo, from 17th to 22nd February 1982.

Abu has been blessed with a lovely wife Fawziya whose love, care and concern are exemplary and Abu is pleasantly satisfied as he approaches his birthday in December this year...to reach the proverbial - "Three score and ten" 70 years in age! Abu was bonr in 1936, inheriting his father's brilliance and cricketing talent from the age of 13, A Lawyer by profession A.M. Fuard, (Abu's father) Captained Wesley College, Colombo in 1915 and went on to play for the Moors Sports Club in 1916, to perform the 'double' in scoring 1000 runs and taking 100 wickets in all the matches that season. Abu Fuard commenced playing for Wesley College in 1951, at an early age of 14 yrs and continued a 'star-spangled' school cricketing career up to 1954. He first played under Radley Claessen in 1951, Brian Claessen in 1952 and his brother Ansar Fuard in 1953. Abu bears bitter memories of the manner in which he was deprived of captaincy in 1954 as he had three more years to play for the school. Although he was certain of captaining in 1955, to his horror he discovered through the "Evening Observer" (in an article published by one of Sri Lanka's best Sports Reporters in the fifties, Eustace Rulach), that some other boy had been appointed the captain.

This caused a phenomenal change in his young life and with a change in his attitude, he expressed it in 'no small way' to the school authorities in charge of Cricket. Abu said "I was too young to handle this disappointment - I just changed from being a 'little lamb' to an angry lion!" In fact, Abu took an immediate decision to quit school in protest, which gave the Principal and Master-in-Charge a rude shock, when they were told that he will not play for the team again. This compulsive action caused a reaction in his character, making him more alert to the adversities of life and created in him a tougher 'line-of-action'. With no time wasted, Abu launched out into a career of Insurance at the age of nineteen, which he has pursued over the last 51 years and continues to this day, as an Insurance Agent and Consultant. In cricket too, Abu had represented the Moors Sports Club while still at School, from 1951 to early 1953. He then dedicated himself to playing serious club Cricket, and joined the Colts Cricket Club up to 1967.

From 1968 to 1971 he benefitted by playing for the Colombo Cricket Club, although Abu had 'hung-up' his boots in 1967! In earlier times, he put in long hours of practice and played Cricket 'real hard' to gain his position in the Sri Lanka team from 1956 to 1971 a period of fifteen long years. Although Abu began his cricketing career as a pace-bowler in his youth, he was 'picked' by his coach at Wesley College, A.V. Fernando, to take up to Spin bowling which he did like a 'duck takes to water' ! Some of his outstanding performances in the following years included a haul of 6 for 76 against S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia, 8 wickets for 60 against Royal and 9 for 53 against Prince of Wales. As a great all-rounder, he excelled in batting and he was associated with Brian Claessen in a record-breaking partnership of 231 runs against Richmond College, Galle. From this point onwards, there was no turning back and his progress and prowess in cricket as a 'Great Gentleman Cricketer' grew steadily over the years extending to Cricket Administration and Management completing 31 years dedicated service and leadership, to Sir Lanka Cricket Board, a Selector from '75 to '86 (Chairman from '82 to '86), the first Team Manager of Sri Lanka in 1975 on their tour to Bangladesh and in '79 he was Asst. Manager to Maj.Gen. B.R. Heyn on the UK tour.

From 1985, he was appointed Manager of the Sri Lanka Team for three years. In 1996, Abu received a "Testimonial" for his great contribution to Sri Lanka Cricket, both as a Test Player and for Administration and Management, at a 'Benefit Match' played in Sharjah, where Michael Holding of the West Indies and Abdul H. Kardar of Pakistan, also received "Benefits". His greatest recollections of outstanding Sri Lanka cricketers in his time, starts with C.I. Gunesekera, who he considers the finest Captain, who maintained high standards of discipline and led by example. Abu recalled with laughter how 'C.I' always called Abu 'Master' even on the field he would say "Master, will you bowl?" and Abu would promptly shoot back "Yes Sir" and this would go on in their record breaking batting partnerships too! "Master, come one!" and Abu would say "Yes Sir" and run...but he yet does not know why C.I. called him "Master"! Norman de La Harpe, Tita Nathanielsz, Pat Kelly, Makkin Salih, Laddie Outschorn, Vernon Prins, H.I.K. Fernando, Stanley Jayasinghe, P.I Peiris and Gamini Goonasena are some of the others he can vouch for as true 'Gentlemen Cricketers'! In bowling, Anuruddha Polonowita and Abu were likened to the famous West Indian 'spin-twins' Ramadhin and Valentine, but there were others too, like Neil Chanmugam, Fritz Crozier, Annesley de Silva, Daya Sahabandu and last but by no means least is C.I. Gunesekera. Abu's highlights of the numerous occasions on which he has performed brilliantly in School, Club and Sri Lanka Test Cricket is in 1964 when he claimed 6 wickets for 31 runs against Joe Lister's International XI. To his mind, he thinks his greatest thrill and achievement has been his success in 1973, to have made a way and opened the doors for the 'outstation Cricketers' to be given their chance for selection to play for Sri Lanka.

Muddied Oafs and Flannelled Fools by Shanti McLelland

Relished by the American press as far back as 1919 (Atlantic monthly) and Victoria Institute K.L. (1923) the famous quote from Rudyard Kipling reminds us of the mud covered 60 minutes at St. Benedicts Grounds at Kotahena. Still, some of our best rugby players did come out as clean as they went in. Kandy, the beautiful tea county, on a rain drenched day, Wesley meeting Kingswood at rugby, at Bogambara grounds, not too far from the Prison walls, those who scrummed down will remember the mud splashed faces and the soggy boots. Wesley grounds was the opposite, dust and gravel, peeled elbows and bruised knees. Peel. As I write, the names that come to my mind are: Sinsen, Chang, Bashudeen Musafer, Shari Musafer, Reggi Bartholomeusz, Asoka Jayawadane, Dr. See Hung, M.C.A (Cassim) Cader (all captained Wesley). Sextus Taylor, Leon Ingram, Haig Claessen, S. Wahab, Kevin Gauder, Jeremy Brohier, Patrick Gnanamuttu, Nihal Peiris, Nihal & Jayantha Peiris, Mano Gnanapragasam, Ponnambalam Sivasubramanium, Jayawardane Brothers, Marlin & Rohan Weerasinghe, Dianesh Rajaratnam, Micheal & Jeramy Kreltshem, Keith de Kretser, Norton Abeydeera, Samsudeen, Akbar, Taric Bongso, Richard Ebell, Mahes Samaraweera, Jayantha Wickremaratne, Henry & Eustace Mathuranayagam, Brian Bartholomeuesz, A. M. Mohideen, Rory Rodrigo, Dayantha Makalanda, Emir Musafer, Dr. Ma Huung, Leroy Jansz, Harward Grabo, Yohan Raju, Bachchi Omur, Ray de Run, Ahlip twins.

But, 2002 was the year Wesleyites have been waiting for - at Longden Place. A memorable match when the best fifteen from the Double Blue was put against the best players from Trinity College, Kandy. This time the Lions failed to roar, they were tamed by a huge margin of 23 to Nil. Many great teams with classy players tried, came close, but could not cross the line to touch down to claim a victory. Bachchi Oumar records the previous best was under the captaincy of Rashmore Ferdinands in 1978 (Nil-4) also at Longden Place. Congratulations to the Master-in-Charge, Coach, Captain, and the team. A sincere Thank You to the Old Boys who rallied to fate the Wesley team - particularly Richard Yohan Raju, Bachchi Oumar, Patrick Gnanamuttu, and Navin de Silva.

At a time when we are ecstatic with our performance and achievement and celebrate, let us take a moment to remember all those who helped Wesley Rugger. To mention
a few I distinctly remember: The coaches - Mr. Lucky Withana, Mr. Kenneth Boteju, and Mr. Bentley Barsenbech; The teachers - Mr. M.A.P. Fernando, Mr. D. Dabrera,
Mr. D.A. Pakkiyanathan.

The other muddy game is soccer as in football but distinguished from American Football or Aussie Football. Wesley's record is well documented in the article
written by Mr. Neville Abeygunawardane " Reminising Soccer at Wesley". I miss some of the great names, but remember a few more names like, like Samidon, Ratnavel, Mervyn and Russel Harmer, Ranjit Samararatna, Bulner and Rodney Perera. Wesley gave up soccer for a period between 1964 to 1968. I hope the recent accomplishments from 1968 will be recorded.Sir George Bernard Shaw described cricket as a great game played by 11 flannel fools at the wicket. Much has been written about our cricketers who made history. There were a few loyal Weslyites who loved the game and supported when we really needed moral support in black & white in newsprint. I remember: Christie Seneviratne,
Arnold de Silva, Peter Cassi Chetty, Cumar Rodrigo, Ranjit Vethacan, and Richard Dwight. Now, Dwight's Columns appear in the Sri Lankan Dailies while Peter's views, reciews, and critiques appears in Tony Greig's dot com cyber media columns in "TheWicket.com" available in hypertext: http://thewicket.com/archivewriterlist.asp (as provided by Patrick Gnanamuttu).

Anderio Toussaint-Wesley's best Sportsman of the year by PELHAM JURIANSZ

Anderio Frederick Toussaint, Wesley's wicketkeeper-batsman and soccer captain, who won the Observer-Bata Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award received the prestigious Best Allround Sportsman Trophy at the Wesley College Colours Nite 2001 at the College Hall yesterday.

This awards nite which was the brainchild of the former Principal of Wesley late Shelton Wirasingha was revived after a period of 7 years.

Chief Guest at the celebration Commodore Harsha Mayadunne, President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union said that Wesley had a proud history of producing excellent cricketers, the most celebrated of whom is the late Mahadevan Sathasivam, who according to many cricket experts, was Ceylon's finest batsman, having captained two countries, namely Ceylon and Malaysia.

Rugby too has improved at Wesley in the last few years and three players represented Sri Lanka, namely Lahiru Botejue, Ziard Thahir and Steve Perera.

Outstanding schoolboy cricketer Farveez Mahroof who represented the Sri Lanka under 19 schoolboy team received many awards for his prowess. He won the E.T. Fernando Memorial Prize for batting, the M. Sathasivam Prize for bowling, the A. V. Fernando Memorial Cup for the Best Allrounder and the Herman Claessen Challenge Trophy for the Best Outstanding Performance.

In addition to his best Sportsman Award, Anderio Toussaint won the Dushyantha Memorial Cup for fielding and along with Mahroof was awarded cricket colours.

Thurstan-Wesley clash for Rajarathnam Trophy
The Fifth Annual Rugby encounter between Thurstan & Wesley for the Diyanesh Rajarathnam Trophy will played on 19th Friday at the CR & FC Grounds Longden Place. The score to date stands 3 to 1 in favour of Thurstan.

Diyaneh Rajarathnam was an outstanding product of Thurstan who had the unique honour of Captaining both Cricket and Rugby Teams. In Rugby he played as Fly half and inside Three quarter was also a place kicker of repute. Ironically his first match was against Wesley his former school at the Campbell Park under the captaincy of Upali Hewage. The match was won by Thurstan 8-3 with Diyanesh contributing 5 points. Diyanehs's elder brother Amaresh captained Wesley cricket Team in 1969. Thurstan & Wesley took up to rugby in the mid fifties around the same time & it was only in 2001 that Wesley was able to beat Thurstan. Thus the similarities & the close connections between the two schools over the years makes this encounter an interesting affair.

Both Thurstan & Wesley can be proud of their contribution to Sri Lanka's Rugby. Jeff Rutnam, Deepal de Zoysa, Sunil Jayakody, E.K.R. Wijewardena, Ranjit Jayawardena, Dushyantha Samarasekera, Tissa Nanayakkara, Rohan Boudweyn Chula Dharmadasa and Harsha Mayadunne stand out among the Thurstanites while Reggie Bartholamuesz, Cavarn Gauder, Iqbal Musafer, Zubair Dercy, Eddie Buell and former CR skipper Kishan Musafer figures prominently in Wesley's hall of fame.

This year Wesley has fared extremely well including a record breaking win over Trinity are considered one of the strongest school teams and will undoubtedly go out as firm favourites to retain the trophy. Thurstan on the other hand are going through one of their leanest seasons with a young and inexperienced team, but are expected to give a good account of themselves in the Big game.

Royal-Wesley should provide the sparks by Ravi Nagahawatte

The second oldest school cricket encounter in Sri Lanka, the annual cricket fixture between Wesley and Royal, will unfold another chapter at Campbell Park today. For the record this year’s match will be the 109th occasion where the two schools will play each other. The series commenced back in 1893 when the two schools battled each other at the Royal Ground, Pettah (Present St.Sebastians Hill. Royal won the match by 53. The match since then has been a looked forward to event in the calendars of both schools. The only year the match could not get under way was in 1943 when the grounds of both schools were requisitioned during the war with the threat of a Japanese invasion. Of the 108 encounters played so far Royal have won 47 matches while their rivals have emerged winners on 22 occasions.

Another feature of this cricket fixture is that there is trophy, named after the late Sir Frank Gunasekara, on offer for the winning team. This trophy has been on offer since 1969. The Trophy was donated by Dr Lucian Gunasekara, son of the late Frank Gunasekara. Royal led by all rounder Ganganath Ratnayake are expected to take the fight up to the Wesleyites who are marshaled by Favreez Maharoof.

Royals last won this encounter in 1995 while Wesley’s final win in the series took place in 1969, the year the Frank Gunasekara Trophy was introduced. In two other key fixtures which are to begin today St.Joseph’s will take on Ananda at Ananda Mawatha while Dharmapala will travel up to Campbell Place to meet Nalanda.

The probabale teams-

Wesley:Favrez Maharoof, Sajith Colombage, Nuwan Samith, Anderio Toussiant, Pramod Makalanda, Isuru Fernando, Thushara Waduge, Eric Joseph, Kamantha Kodikara, Kushan Senewiratne, Afzal Sabar, Surendran Sundaralingam

Royal: Ganganath Ratnayake, Chaminda Vidanapathirana, Menuka Keenawinna, Damith Abeygunawardana, Sugeesha Dinushan, Suren Mendis, Sahan Perera, Rochana Wijeratne, Naveen Dias, Tharaka Kottehewa, Dishan Kanake, Pasindu Chamikara.

Old Wesleyites schools cricket sixes enters 10th year by PELHAM JURIANSZ
The schools invitation "sixes" organised by the Old Wesleyites Sports Club(OWSC) and sponsored by Ceylon Cold Stores(CCS) under the Lemonade label will enter its 10th year when 24 schools will battle it out for supremacy at Campbell Park on October 12 and 13. The matches will commence at 8 a.m. on both days.
Thirty two schools have been invited though only 24 will be finally selected. The selection procedure is as follows:
27 schools who performed well during the 2001/2002 season (i.e. 19 schools from the 'A' division, 5 teams from the 'B' division and 3 teams from 'C' division), two international schools and 3 outstation sides at district level-from Jaffna, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura will be selected.
The first 24 teams responding to the invitations will be selected.
This year only 24 teams will be seen in action as against 28 last year. Last year, Royal won the tournament while De Mazenod, Kandana were runners-up. The draw for the tournament will take place on October 1 at the OWSC club house. Speaking at the press conference in connection with the event, Ivor Mahroof, Senior Vice President of the OWSC, said that this tournament which started 9 years ago was the first of its kind for schools. Laksiri Wickramage, Director, Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) on behalf of the sponsors said that CCS is very happy to be associated with this tournament for the last nine years going into its tenth competition and will continue to support the "sixes" for the next two decades. said Wickramage.
The Principal of Wesley, M.A.P. Fernando said that about 15 years ago Wesley played a match against St. John's Jaffna and he went with the team to Jaffna and they reciprocated by coming to Colombo.
"This tournament gives the outstation schools a chance to play with the Colombo schools and schools like Kalutara Vidyalaya, De Mazenod have performed well and even won the tournament," added Mr. Fernando.

WHEN DID RUGBY ARRIVE AT WESLEY?

It was February 1953, a brilliant team effort by our cricketers and Wesley had defeated our traditional rival Royal College, for the second year in succession. There were 15 lbw decisions in this match which produced 253 run for 23 wickets. Pat 'Spud' Schokman played a cavalier innings of 74 runs, including 14 fours, Samsudeen was unplayable, taking 5 for 17, and our fielding was inspirational with Neil Gallagher, Ansar Fuard, Brian Claessen and Arthlow Chapman being outstanding.

The last Royal wicket had fallen and Wesleyities of all ages joined in the ecstatic celebrations that followed. The late Gordon Amaresekera, who was holding a rugby ball confiscated from a youngster, kicked it in the direction of the vanquished Royalists who picking the ball up ran in the direction of University College Grounds. All hell broke loose - Wesleyites of all ages gave chase to recover the ball and restore honour - a scrap game of rugby football commenced no rules, no quarter asked. Sanity soon returned and the sporting cheerleaders of both colleges arranged a game of makeshift rugger - the prize the rugby ball.

I cannot recollect the final score if any, or whether the ball was returned to the young owner, but one thing is certain Rugby Football had arrived at Wesley and those first players were Brian and David Mack, Ralph Maas, S K Kasinathan, Gordon Amarasekera, P B 'Kuiya' Herat, the late Rodney Schokman, David Schokman, Denzil Perera, Ranjith Authokarale Ranjith Abeydeera Melville Mottau, Vernon Speldewinde, Mohamnmed Iqbal, Chris Stork, Tissa Amarasingha, Gamini Seniviratne, Brantha, Preena, Geoffrey Fernando, Richard Dwight, "Abee" the Buell brothers and many more.

Wesley commenced playing rugby as an official sport in 1954. Our first captain was Edward Buell and Vice Captain Noel Beven. Both these players represented the CR and FC and the Ceylon Barbarians. Pat Schokmnan T Allasundream, S K Kasinathan played for the Havelocks.

We will be compiling a more detailed history of Rugby Football at Wesley and hope to include this in our next issue of the Bulletin.

So, Wesleyites, this is my version of rugby arriving at Wesley.

ABEE

Wesley honours its Sportsmen of 2001

Wesley College will honour their sportsmen who excelled during the year 2001 at the Wesley Colours Nite to be held on July 6 (Saturday) at 6 p.m. at the College Hall.
Commodore Harsha Mayadunne, President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union and Mrs. Mayadunne will be the chief guests.
Four old boys who excelled in sports have been invited as guests of honour to give away some of the awards.
They are Flt.Lt. Sampath Wickremaratne (Soccer), Mr. Rohan Amarasinghe (Hockey), Mr. Russel Hamer (Cricket) and Mr.Kishan Musafer (Rugby Football)
Among the award winners are five lads who represented junior national teams, namely Lahiru Boteju, Steve Perera and Ziard Thahir (U-19 Rugby), Omar Sariffoodeen (U-16 Rugby) and Farveez Maharoof (U-19 Cricket).
The award for the best all-round sportsman for 2001 goes to Anderio Toussaint, who was recently picked the most popular schoolboy cricketer ofthe year.
(MSA)

From the 1961 School Magazine -Kind courtesy of its Editor Dallas Achilles

CRICKET ACHIEVEMENTS BY WESLEYITES
Cricket is the most important sport in Wesley and the Editors feel that the present boys may be interested in these achievements


(A) BATSMEN WHO HAVE SCORED OVER 150:
1917 R. L. Kannangara 153 Vs Royal
1932 R. Jeganathan 153 Vs Trinity
1953 E. B. Claessen 157 Vs Richmond
1960 D. Kodituwakku 151 Vs Kingswood
1961 E. R. Smith :199* Vs Richmond

(B) BATSMEN WHO HAVE SCORED CENTURIES:
1006 C. A. Perera, 108 Vs Royal
1913 A. J. Boteju 110 Vs Richmond
1916 R.L.Kannangara ... 129 Vs Royal
1917 R. L. Kannangara ... 121* Vs Trinity
1918 H. E. L. Mayo 101 Vs Ananda
1921 P. H. Nonis 103 Vs St. Joseph’s
1928 H. A. Sahabandu 102 Vs Trinity
1931 R.Jeganalhan 111* Vs St. Thomas’
1985 H. L. Van Buuren ... 110* Vs Richmond
1936 M. Sathasivam 142 Vs St. Thomas’
1937 H. N. Duckworth ... 117 Vs Ananda
1938 C. P. W. Vangeyzel 104 Vs St. Joseph’s
L. H. Walbeoff 100 Vs St. Thomas’
S. Nagendra 102 Vs Trinity
1940 S. Nagendra 188* Vs St. Joseph’s
1944 A. Ramachandra 104 Vs Ananda
1945 A. Ramachandra 110 Vs Richmond
A. B. H. Ratnarajah 126* Vs Richmond
T. I. Cassim 112 Vs St. Joseph’s
1946 E. Dissanayake 107 Vs Royal
1948 J.V.B.Perera 111 Vs St.Thomas’
H. L.A. Matthysz 119* Vs Royal
H. L. A. Matthysz 102 Vs Kingswood
W. P. S. Abeywardene 100 Vs St. Joseph’s
1949 W. P. S. Abeywardene 123 Vs Richmond
W. U. L. Abey’wardenc 100* Vs St. Joseph’s
1950 F. D. Ebert ... 107 Vs Kingswood
1951 R. L. Claessen 101 Vs St. Joseph’s
D. B. C. Mack 105 Vs St. Peter’s
E. B. Claessen 101* Vs Trinity
E. B. Claessen 115 Vs Kingswood
1953 E. B. Claessen 105 Vs St. Joseph’s
M. A. H. Fuard 101 Vs Richmond
1955 L. Adhihetty ... 114 Vs St. Joseph’s
1956 L Adhihetty 147 Vs Kingswood
L. Adhihetty 104 Vs Trinity
L. Adhihe.tty 110 Vs St. Joseph’s
1957 L. Ehert 112 Vs Trinity
1958 R Athukorale 114 Vs Kingswood
1961 D Kodituwakku ... 103 Vs Carey

* Indicates Not Out.

(C) BOWLERS WHO HAVE TAKEN 8 WICKETS AND OVER IN AN INNINGS:
1943 K. Balakrishnan 8 --11 Vs St. Benedict’s
1951 E. B. Claessen 8 --68 Vs St. Joseph’s
1954 M. A. H. Fuard 9 --35 Vs Prince of Wales
M. A. H. Fuard 8 --60 Vs Royal
M. N. Samsudeen 8 --28 Vs Trinity
1955 M. A. H. Fuard 8 --76 Vs Trinity
1951 L. R. Goonetilleke 8 --9 Vs Mans Stella
L. R. Goonetilleke 8 --18 Vs Kingswood
L. R. Goonetilleke 8 --45 Vs Royal

Bowlers who have taken 5 wickets in an innings

1928 R. S. Wijesinghe ... 5 --11 Vs St. Benedict’s
1929 R.S. Wijesinghe 5 -- Vs St. Joseph’s
1982 H. Juriansz ... 5 --27 Vs Ananda
1933 H. Juriansz 19 Vs Richmond
1935 B. Ohlmus ... 6 --26 Vs Royal
M. Sathasivam 5 --81 Vs St. Joseph’s
M. Sathasivam 5 --30 Vs Trinity
P. Goonetilleke ... 5 --52 Vs St. Thomas’
1938 L.H. Walbeoff 5 --70 Vs Royal
1938 L H. Walbeoff 5 --40 Vs Ananda
1938 L H. Walbeoff 5 --37 Vs Richmond
1939 S. W. Jayasekera 5 --53 Vs Trinity
S. W. Jayasekera 6 --18 Vs St. Joseph’s
S. Nagendra ... 5 --6 Vs Richmond
1938 L H. Walbeoff 6 --11 Vs Richmond
L H. Walbeoff 5 --87 Vs Richmond
L H. Walbeoff 6 --82 Vs Ananda
C. P. W. Vangeyzel ... 5 --38 Vs Ananda
1939 S. W. Jayasekera 5 --60 Vs Royal
S. W. Jayasekera ... 6 --37 Vs St. Thomas’
C. Gane.goda ... 6 --30 Vs St. Thomas’
C. Ganegoda 5 --49 Vs Trinity
C. Ganegoda 5 --43 Vs St. Joseph’s
Q. Munesinghe ... 5 --14 Vs Richmond
1940 J. A. A. Perera ... 5 --46 Vs St. Thomas’
J. A. A. Pcrera ... 6 --37 Vs Ananda
S. Abeysekera ... 5 --22 Vs Richmond
1941 A. Mylvaganarn (1st Innings) 5 --26 Vs St. Joseph’s
A. Mylvaganam (2nd Innings) 5 --6 Vs St. Joseph’s
A. Mylvaganam .“ 5 --26 Vs Ananda
A. E. N. Stephenson 5 --17 Vs Trinity
B. M. Henderling ... 5 --20 Vs Richmond
D. S. Peter 5 --10 Vs Richmond
1942 B. M. Henderling ... 5 --22 Vs Trinity
D. S. Peter ... 5 --88 Vs Trinity
L. E. B. Varidendriezen 5 --20 Vs St. Thomas’
1944 I. D. Maclean ... 5 --24 Vs Ananda
T. I. Cassim ... 6 --32 Vs Richmond
T. I. Cassim 5 --66 Vs St. Joseph~s
T. I. Cassim 5 --22 Vs Ananda
1945 T. I. Cassim 6 --42 Vs St. Joseph’s
T. I. Cassim 5 --39 Vs Ananda
T. I. Cassim 5 --18 Vs Ananda
1946 N. S. Jayasundera ... 5 --40 Vs St. Benedicts
N. S. Jayasundera 5 --5 Vs Kingswood
W. P. S. Abeywardene 5 --24 Vs Richmond
1947 W. P. S. Abeywardene 5 --27 Vs Royal
B. Dissanayakc ... 6 --14 Vs St. Thomas’
N. S. Jayasundera ... 5 --28 Vs St. Benedict’s
1948 N. S. .Jayasundcra 7 --50 Vs Trinity
W. P.S. Abeywardene 6 --51 Vs Royal
1949 W. P. S. Abcywardene 5 --37 Vs St. Peter’s
W. P. S. Abeywardene 5 --86 Vs Richmond
D. B. C. Mack ... 5 --91 Vs St. Thomas’
1950 R. L. Claessen ... 6 --87 Vs St. Joseph’s
R. L. Claessen ... 6 --88 Vs Royal
E. B. Claessen (1st Innings) 5 --26 Vs Trinity
E. B. Claessen (2nd Innings) 6 --38 Vs Trinity
1951 G. Nanayakkara •.. 5 --36 Vs Kingswood
E. B. Claessen ... 5 --57 Vs Trinity
E. B. Claessen ... 6 --39 Vs Kingswood
E. B. Claessen ... 5 --31 Vs Richmond
1952 E. B. Claessen ... 6 --88 Vs Zahira
E. B. Claessen ... 5 --19 Vs Zahira
E. B. Claessen (1st Innings) 6 --24 Vs Prince of \Vales
E.B. Clacssen (2nd Innings) 6 --20 Vs Prince of Wales
E B. Claessen ... 5 --66 Vs Royal
E B. Claessen ... 5 --42 Vs Kingswood
E B. Claessen ... 6 --98 Vs Trinity
E B. Claessen . . . 5 --14 VS Trinity
1953 M. N. Samsudeen ... 5 --10 Vs St. Joseph’s
-1953 M. N. Samsudeen ... 6 --6 Vs Prince of Wales ...
M. N. Samsudeen ... 5 --17 Vs Royal
E B. Claessen ... 5 --25 Vs Prince of Wales
E B. Claessen 5 --40 Vs Kingswood
E B. Claessen 6 --38 Vs Richmond
M. A. H. Fuard ... 6 --76 Vs St. Thomas’ ...
M. A. H. Fuard ... 5 --29 Vs St. Joseph’s
1954 M. A. H. Fuard ... 6 --44 Vs Trinity
L. Adhihetty 5 --49 Vs Kingswood
B. Buell ... 6 --49 Vs St. Peter’s
B. Buell 5 --12 Vs Richmond
M. N. Samsudeen 5 --61 Vs St. Anthony’s
1955 M. N. Samsudeen ... 5 --40 Vs St. Thomas’
M. N. Samsudeen 6 --26 Vs Royal
M. N. Samsudeen 5 --46 Vs St. Peter’s
M. A. H. F’uard 5 --50 Vs St. Benedict’s
L. Adhihetty ... 5 --68 Vs St. Joseph’s
1956 L. Adhihetty 7 --62 Vs St. Anthony’s
L. Adhihetty 7 --18 Vs Richmond ...
H. G. Claessen ... 6 --59 Vs St. Thomas’
H. G. Claessen ... 5 --39 Vs Royal
H. G. Claessen ... 5 --116 Vs Kingswood ...
H. G. Claessen 5 --40 Vs Trinity
H. G. Claessen ... 6 --60 Vs St. Joseph’s
W. de Kretser ... 5 --72 .Vs Richmond ...
RM De Silva 5 --37 Vs Trinity
1957 RM De Silva ... 6 --24 VS Prince of WaIes
O. Edema ... 5 --16 Vs Maris Stella ...
S. R. Sinniah ... 5 --28 VS Prince of WaIes ...
1958 S. R. Sinniah ... 7 --15 Vs Maris Stella
S. R. Sinniah 6 --64 Vs West Australia —
S. R. Sinniah ... 5 --61 Vs St. Joseph’s
N. Abeysuriya ... 6 --53 Vs Ananda
N. Abeysuriya ... 53 7 --43 VS Prince of WaIes
1959 N. Abeysuriya ... 5 --39 Vs Richmond
N. Abeysuriya ... 5 --65 Vs St. Thomas’
L. C. R. Wijesinghe 6 --22 Vs St. Anthony's
L. C. R. Wijesinghe ... 5 --13 Vs St. Anthony's
L. R.Goonetilleke ... 6 --20 Vs St Peter's
. L. R.Goonetilleke 5 --46 Vs Ananda
1960 L. R.Goonetilleke ... 5 --15 Vs Trinity Vs rirnty
L. R.Goonetilleke 7 --31 Vs Royal
L. R.Goonetilleke 6 --49 Vs Royal
L. R.Goonetilleke 5 --21 Vs Richmond
L. R.Goonetilleke 5 --42 Vs Richmond
L. R.Goonetilleke 6 --53 Vs Kingswood
L. R.Goonetilleke 5 --76 Vs Kingswood
S. R. Sinniah ... 5 --22 Vs St. Peter’s
K. V. de Silva ... 5 --32 Vs Kingswood
1961 L. C. R. Wijesinghe ... 5 --31 Vs St. Thomas’
L. C. R. Wijesinghe 6 --42 Vs St. Thomas’
L. C. R. Wijesinghe ... 5 --43 Vs Ananda
E.Schoorman 6 --45 Vs Ananda
K. V. de Silva 5 --32 Vs Kingswood

(IL) HIGHEST TOTALS MADE BY WESLEY:
1914 Vs Richmond 379 1952 Vs Kingswood 342
1915 Vs Ananda 340 1953 Vs Richmond 343 for 4
1917 Vs Royal 305 for 8 ... Vs Anthony’s
Vs Trinity 307 1950 Vs Kingswood 330 for 9
1936 Vs St. Thomas’ 313 1956 Vs St. Joseph’s 322
1945 Vs St. Joseph’s 338 1960 Vs Kingswood 408 for 8
1950 Vs Kingswood 348 1961 Vs Richmond 361
1961 Vs Carey 353 for 5

Lynn Barbut A Fine Left-Hander ( Kindly sent by Arthur d'With Barbut for publication)

It was in the "Daily News" or "Observer" in the early 1950's when my grand uncle Lynn Barbut died. Lynn's surname was Barbut as distinct from d'With-Barbut, which was started by my grandfather Cecil d'With-Barbut, who was Lynn's only brother. The newspaper article was written by the late S.P.Foenander, a great sportsmen and doyen of sports journalists.

"Lynn Barbut, A Fine Left-Hander

Lynn Barbut, who passed away last Sunday and whose remains were laid to rest at Kanatte, was one of the greatest left arm bowlers produced by Ceylon. Educated at Wesley College he made his mark in Inter-school cricket first under the captaincy of the late C.E.Perera and later when W.O.Nathanielsz was captain. With his slow medium leg breaks of impeccable length Barbut was a terror in inter school cricket.

In 1899 I happened to be a team mate of his when the Wesley XI beat the redoubtable Colts, C.C. including Tommy Kelaart, W. de Rozayro and W. de Fransz. Barbut took 9 wickets in that game for less than 6 runs each. Barbut bowled most effectively in his three contests with Royal and in 1900 when the Combined Colleges led by the late E.Weerasuriya (Royal) beat the full strength of the famous Colts on the N.C.C. ground it was Barbut, who carried off the prime bowling honours for the school boy team, who included the great D.L. de Saram. I had the honour of playing in that victorious Schools XI of whom only two survive apart from myself, and they are W.O.Nathanielsz and A.C.Amath.

After leaving Wesley Lynn Barbut played with success for the Colts C.C. but after a short while he dropped out of the game having settled in Bandarawela. In recent years ill health reduced his activities but he took a keen interest in the Bandarawela Tennis Club for many years and whenever I visited that town it was a pleasure to meet my old cricket team mate and discuss old times . May the turf lie lightly over him.
S.P.F "

Cricket in Sri Lanka
The British left the country 50 years ago. But their summer game cricket is still here, played more enthusiastically by the Lankans than the British.So much so that Sri Lanka became the World Champions in 1996.It was also said that wherever the conquerors planted their Union Jack, the cricket stumps followed suit not long after. Great Britain, as England was more popularly known then, mainly in order to signify her position as a world power (though, officially it comprises England, Scotland and Wales) planted their national flag in 1815, and the Colombo Journal, of 3 November 1832, reports a cricket match where the newly formed Colombo Cricket Club, comprising entirely of expatriate members (a condition for membership that persisted until 1961) were subjected to a trouncing by 10-wickets at the hands of a team drawn from the 97th Regiment of the British Garrison in a match played at the now defunct Sports Club grounds at Galle Face.

So, it was really the British militia that introduced the summer game to the then many-splendoured isle. Early chroniclers however gave most of the credit for the popularisation of cricket to Rev. Brooke Bailey who came to Ceylon as Assistant to the Head Master of the Colombo Academy, now known as Royal College. Though not played on perfectly manicured outfields or properly rolled pitches, the game, it was widely reported, spread to Galle and Kandy and attracted many adherents amongst the British soldiers and the expatriate tea and coffee planters. True, the game was played with great zest, but, it was still not within reach of the ordinary 'native'.
Local cricket chronicler S.P.Foenander, known as the Wisden of the East, records in his authoritative Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket (1923), about the "splendid pioneering work" done by the tea and coffee planters and of the early matches, beginning from 1870, played at the picturesque Darrawella ground nestling in the hills. These frontiersmen considered it a "trifling task to walk from their totums a distance of 15 to 20 miles to the cricket ground" play the match and return home the following day. The white-controlled Colombo Cricket Club, it was, that administered the game in the country until the formation of the Ceylon Cricket Association in 1922. Ceylon, located ideally midway between the antipodean cricket-playing nations of England and Australia, and whose teams used to pass the island on their tours during the voyage, gave an opportunity for the tourists to "stretch their legs and play a limb-loosener match" here. In 1882, Hon. Ivo Bligh's M.C.C. cricket team bound to Australia, and who was responsible for the birth of the Ashes on that tour, became the first visiting representative to play a match on local soil. The game, played on the 13th and 14th of October 1882, on the Sports Club grounds at Galle Face ended in a draw, though lack of time certainly helping the locals!
Then, Lord Sheffield's team played here 9 years later. Great cricketers from England and Australia including Dr.W.G.Grace, Ranjitsinjhi, Wilfred Rhodes, Sydney Barnes, Archie Maclaren, Lord Harris, Charles Bannerman, Fred Spofforth, Joe Darling, Clem Hill, Warwick Armstrong and, much later, the legendary Don Bradman, are some of the more famous names who have adorned our playing fields. However, it was not until 1882 that the Ceylonese cricketers of native origin crossed swords with their colonial masters. In this historic game Ceylon was led by A.C.Edwards, described as "the old Thomian cricketer," and included in the local side were brothers Harry and Charles Ball of Negombo, Sam Pereira described as a stylish right-hand batsman, Richard de Zylva and W.Rosemalie-Cocq of Galle. The match, played as usual on the Sports Club grounds at Galle Face, ended in a win for the Europeans. But, as S.P Foenander wrote:
"It was not till the Jubilee year, 1887, that the first real contest between the best eleven European cricketers and the picked representatives of the Ceylonese took place. The match caused great interest in Colombo, seeing that two powerful teams had been selected to meet......and settle the question as to whether the Ceylonese cricketers, who had recently been showing improved form with bat and ball were superior to the strongest team of European players."
The Ceylonese team was drawn entirely from the Colombo Colts Cricket club, considered the strongest team in those days, and led by Dr.Edgar de Kretser. The team included, inter alia, Ernest Joseph, brothers Collin and Banda(!) Kelaart, Oswald Van-Hoff, Willie de Fransz, Charles Heyn and Patrick Thomasz. The Europeans comprised players of the calibre of Ashley Walker the former Cambridge Blue and Yorkshire county cricketer, H.C.P.Bell, George Vanderspaar considered the Grand Old Man of Ceylon cricket, F.Stephen, the famous Thomian coach, Charles Gordon, P.C.Oswald et al. Time saved the locals from defeat since the Ceylonese were still 82 runs behind "at the call of time with only a wicket in hand." The annual fixture between the Europeans and the Colts, as the sole representatives of the Ceylonese, continued until 1902. That the Colts enjoyed this monopoly is strange because clubs such as Kalutara C.C. (1873), Galle C.C. (1875), Nondescripts (1888), Bloomfield C. & A.C. (1893), Burgher Recreation Club (1896), Singhalese Sports Club and Tamil Union (1899) were around.
In 1905, began a new chapter in local cricket when a more representative Ceylonese side, led by J.C. McHeyzer beat the Europeans captained by G.H.Gibson by 4 wickets. After a lapse of 5 years, due to the War, and despite the arrival of Somerset county bowler W.T.Greswell, the Ceylonese skippered by D.L.de Saram and having within their ranks members of Colts, N.C.C. & S.S.C., beat the colonials by the comfortable margin of 7 wickets.
Though the Europeans were now fielding English county cricketers such as Greswell (Somerset), Walker (Yorkshire), A.L.Gibson (Essex), H.G.Cornish (Surrey Club & Ground), the locals too had skilful players such as the de Sarams, T.Kelaart, A.C.Amath, J.C.Weinman, D.B. & C.H.Gunasekera, C.E.Perera and others, and got the better by 7 wins to 3, in the 10 encounters between 1905 and 1923.
The inaugural meeting of the Ceylon Cricket Association was held on 13 July 1922 when representatives of all cricket-playing clubs met at the Colombo Cricket Club pavilion with Mr.P.J.Parsons (C.C.C.) in the chair. Member of the Tamil Union and sponsor of the game Dr.John Rockwood was elected the first President, while O.B.Forbes (C.C.C.) and L.E.T.Holsinger (Bloomfield C.& A.C.) were picked as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. It was from this point onwards that the island's cricket took on a proper direction.

Yet, it must be mentioned that, thanks to the pioneering work done by school teacher and English county cricketer, Ashley Walker and a few others, the foundation for a vibrant school cricket system was laid. Walker who came to the island as Assistant to the Head Master of Colombo Academy, now Royal College, Colombo, encouraged the boys at cricket.
So, in 1879 began the historic Royal-Thomian match. An annual encounter which has continued uninterrupted since, and which was described by the respected English writer, radio and TV commentator, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, in the staid Wisden Cricketers' Almanack of 1994 as follows:
"Eton and Harrow at Lord's cannot, these days, hold a candle to what claims to be the oldest school fixture staged without interruption. Nowhere in the world is a school match accorded anything like the same attention. Tickets were more expensive, and in far greater demand, than those for a Test..............Royal and S. Thomas were modelled on the Victorian public schools of England and the game survives in a Henry Newbolt time-warp that is not only charming but also ensures a steady stream of talented cricketers......"
New ground was broken when Dr.C.H.Gunasekera became the first local to play in the English county championship when he represented Middlesex in 1919. F.C. De Saram covered himself with glory when he represented Oxford University (Blues in 1934 & 1935) with distinction and became the only amateur in history to have scored 1000 runs on his first-class debut season (1934) at an average of over 50. In the same year, his brilliant century (128 out of a total of 216, the next highest scorer being D.F.Walker who scored 16) against the touring Australians with Bradman, and led by Bill Woodfull which included a bowling attack of the fearsome leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett, is still talked of. Ceylon, as a cricketing nation, was raising its head.
But, the journey was just beginning, the journey that culminated on 17 March 1996 when Sri Lanka wore the crown of the World Champions in a type of cricket that took four more decades to emerge. Laddie Outschoorn (Worcestershire 1946-59) carried the torch in the English county championship by becoming the first Ceylonese to play professional cricket in their first-class circuit.
He was soon followed by the likes of Stanley Jayasinghe and Clive Inman (both for Leicestershire) and the last of our countrymen to play in the English county championship, and shine, was Aravinda de Silva. One must also not forget the magnificent contribution made by Gamani Goonesena who played for Nottinghamshire and captained Cambridge University (1957). He not only led them to a convincing win over Oxford University in their annual fixture but also scored a record-breaking double century in the game. Goonesena established many University records and later represented the state of New South Wales (Australia) in the Sheffield Shield tournamen, the only Ceylonese to have played in the first-class domestic tournaments in England and Australia.
However, with due respect to our present cricketers, it must be mentioned that the players, circa 1940 -1970, if given the same opportunities, exposure and the financial incentives, would probably have done even better. Master batsman Mahadeva Sathasivam was, by all accounts, a genius of a batsman. Frank Worrell, the former West Indian skipper publicly announced that if he was to pick a World XI., the first batsman he would pick would be "Sathasivam from Ceylon." Then, there was F.C.de Saram, Sargo Jayawickrema, D.S.Jayasundera, Robert de Kretser, C.I.Gunasekera, Stanley Jayasinghe, Vernon Prins, H.I.K.Fernando, Gamani Goonesena, Makkin Salih, Malcolm Francke, Bob Bartels, Mahes Rodrigo, Channa Gunasekera, Abdul Lafir, Michael Tissera, Ronnie Reid, and quite a few more who could have adorned any Test team.
Surmounting many odds, Sri Lanka were accorded Full Member status of the International Cricket Conference on 21 July 1981, and the first-ever Test, against England, was played at the P.Saravanamuttu stadium, in February 1982. The game where the Sri Lankans, led by Bandula Warnapura, dominated until the last day, was however lost in dramatic fashion at the post.However in 1984, the Sri Lankans outplayed England at Lord's in a sensational display and gave further indication of their undoubted skill when they declared both their innings closed but were unable to force a win. And, it came in 1993 at the S.S.C. grounds when the then unknown Sanath Jayasuriya hammered the first ball he received from England left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell for a six to herald a Sri Lankan win by 5 wickets. The worm had turned.The continuing terrorist war and the consequent economic problems were a drawback for international teams to visit the island. Overseas tours were difficult to obtain due to lack of "marketability" of our players. Yet, the general interest in the game amongst the public was astounding, thanks mainly to television. The game was being played on paddy fields, street corners and any available open spaces. During this period of bombs and mayhem, the only silver lining in the lives of the people is cricket.
The exploits of Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya and Arjuna Ranatunga are on the lips of schoolboys, housewives, pavement hawkers, politicians, business magnates and even religious dignitaries. Cricket is a national pastime as much as soccer is for Brazil. The joy, happiness and the euphoria of Sri Lankans living here and abroad when the World Cup was won in 1996 will never be forgotten.
Today, Sri Lanka as a cricket-playing nation, is a country to be reckoned with. 50 years ago, in 1948, when the Lion flag was hoisted over the island nation and the great Don Bradman's Australian team played a match against Ceylon, the pitch was found to be embarrassingly some two yards short! It was a big laugh for the Australians. Fittingly, it was the Australians that Sri Lanka trounced by 7 wickets in the final of the World Cup on that memorable night of 17 March 1996 at Lahore. Sweet revenge.
Today, the tag of World Champions has given a new identity to Sri Lanka. It is not only due to a bloody senseless conflict nor for the famed Ceylon tea that Sri Lanka is now known.
From this country hails a set of cricketers who play the game in a manner to thrill the cognoscenti and the commoner, and who has brought honour and glory to their native land. A tribute both the cricketers and the people of Sri Lanka will always cherish and will be a landmark in the annals of our history.

Dinesh Vitharana

Wesley College 2000 1st X1 Soccer Pool.

Prefect of Games : K. De Silva

Master in Charge : H.M.C. De Silva

Coach : P. Sangadasa

Rex William (Capt.) Asanga Gunasinghe (V.Capt)

Dinesh Vitharana Mohomad Yakoob

Ruzni Raheem Eshan Gomes

Jude Fernando Dinesh Kulathunga

Anderio Toussaint Asanka Fernando

Indika Valu Antonio Susantha

Pradeep Wickramasinghe Aruna Jayasooriya

Tuan Zaharan Asitha Wickramasinghe

Udara Jayaweera Mohomad Roshan

Kishok Kandiah Dammika Fernando

Sumesh Fernando

Match Results

Wesley Vs Zahira Lost 1:2

Wesley Vs Royal Lost 3:5

Wesley Vs Mahanama Won 3:1

All Island Schools Milo Trophy

Wesley Vs St’Anthony’s Won 2:0

Wesley Vs Joseph Vas Won 3:1

Wesley Vs D.S. Senanayake Tie 1:1

Wesley Vs St’ Josephs Trinco Won 2:1

Wesley Vs Isipathana Lost 1:2

Wesley Vs De Mazenod Tie 2:2

Wesley Vs Dharmaraja Lost 2:5

Wesley Vs Hindu Lost 1:2

1st X1 SOCCER PAST CAPTIANS

1992 R. Managtunga

1993 M. Raseef

1994 M. Mussadiqe

1995 I.De Silva

1996 A. Thiranagama

1997 A. Kaluthanthri

1998 A. Ali

1999 L.S. Perera

 

OWSC Past President's name treasured By Bernie Wijesekera
Capt. Navin de Silva stood tall for Wesley on and off the field. He is a pride of the century-old Campbell Park school. The OWSC members and young and old honoured him by unveiling his photograph at their annual general meeting held at this club house over the weekend. The Principal of Wesley College, M.A.P. Fernando with the newly elected president, Parakrama Wijemanne, unveiled it.

He captained the school cricket team, led the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team to England, which included former Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga. Presently he is the youngest Sri Lankan Captain in the National Carrier - SriLankan Airlines.
There is a saying "Higher the money climbs - the more you see his tail'. To Navin there was no tail, but always looked at the bottom line. Humility was his code word.

One doesn't always have to wear one's heart on the sleeve. He worked with understanding with his colleagues, but despite a tight official and personal schedule he still had the time to serve his alma mater. During his tenure as president of OWSC, he proved his leadership qualities off the field to work in unison with other members of the OWSC committee for its re-development. He never hung on to office, but made way for others to continue its good work. But he always joined the scrum.
Being a Buddhist he possessed loving kindness and compassion. Knowing, that everything in life is temporary, he believes in religious harmony and racial amity.

Wesley takes WP Under17 rugby title 2003
Wesley College clinched the Western Province under 17 rugby title when they defeated giant killers Asoka Maha Vidyalaya Colombo by 39 points to 5 in the final worked off at Thurstan College grounds, yesterday.

The Wesleyites collected their points from two goals and five tries having led 22 nil at half time. Asoka MV who defeated some of the more fancied teams on their way into the final failed to live upto their expectations and managed to score only a solitary try. Wing three quarter Neranjan Wickremaratne planted two tries while centres Yamal Amarathunga, Malin Gimhana, scrum half Samantha Lakshan, prop forward Shiyam Salheem and full back Amal Pathirana scored a try each for the winners. Samantha Lakshan was successful in converting only two tries. Pradeep Fernando refereed (C.D.)

Wesley - Milo League Rugby Campaign 2003

Wesley College will make their first appearance in the current inter school rugby season when they take on Carey College in their Milo under 19 fixture at the Sugathadasa Stadium today.

The Wesleyites have rested as many as six of their senior players for this game in an attempt to give the newcomers a good warm up session. In addition they are also very much concerned about their next outing where they will be up against the traditional rivals Kingswood College for the L. E. Blaze trophy to be played in Kandy.

The Wesleyites certainly do have a tough schedule ahead of them with more important games coming up against Isipatana, Royal, S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia, Dharmaraja College Kandy, St. Anthony's and the defending Milo League champions St. Peter's College.

Last year they made a spectacular start to the season while recording stunning victories over the more fancied Trinity College (21-0), Dharmaraja College (33-0) and St. Anthony's College (12-8). They also stretched the strong Isipatana outfit to the maximum before going down fighting 3-6 in a thrilling encounter. They eventually came up to the final of the Milo President's trophy knock out tournament before losing to Royal 6-20.

This year the team is captained by flanker Kasun de Silva and the other senior players are number eight Tyronne Harrison, Sri Lanka youth cap Zakir Badurdeen, second row forward Julian Francisco, wingers Naushiki Fariz, Saleem Buckman and Henry Terrence. Carey College who lost to the reigning Milo 'A' division league champions St. Peter's College 5-29 will be hoping for an improved performance.

Wesley College will be hoping to regain the L. E. Blaze Shield after a lapse of six years when they take on traditional rivals Kingswood College Kandy in the first leg of their 18th annual inter school rugby encounter at the newly laid Randles Hill grounds, today.

The Wesleyites recorded their last win in the series way back in 1997 under the captaincy of Anupama Wadugodapitiya. But with a formidable outfit they now have a good chance of pulling off this game and maintain their unbeaten record in the Milo inter school season.

Wesley are vying for honours in the Milo 'A' division league tournament along with Isipatana, Royal, S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia, Dharmaraja College Kandy, St. Anthony's and the defending Milo League champions St. Peter's College.

Last year they made a spectacular start to the season while recording stunning victories over the more fancied Trinity College (21-0), Dharmaraja College (33-0) and St. Anthony's College (12-8). They also stretched the strong Isipatana outfit to the maximum before going down fighting 3-6 in a thrilling encounter.

This year the team is captained by flanker Kasun de Silva and the other senior players are number eight Tyronne Harrison, Sri Lanka youth cap Zakir Badurdeen, second row forward Julian Francisco, wingers Naushiki Fariz, Saleem Buckman and Henry Terrence. The Kingswoodians will have the home advantage and will be determined to retain the Shield for another year. Last year the first leg ended in a six all draw but the second leg was not played due to unavoidable circumstances.

The Kingswoodians are of course competing in the Milo 'B' division league tournament along with Zahira, Kingswood, St. Sylvester's, Ananda, Thurstan, Vidyartha and St. Joseph's.

The team:

Wesley: Dhanushka Warnasuriya, Kalid Sarfudeen, Ranga Saifa, Damith Perera, Hossein Tuan, Heshan Dissanayake, Dhanushka Ratnayake, Amila Subasinghe, Rukshan Omar and Omar Sarfudeen, Nuwan Samith, Zakir Badurdeen, Neranjan Wickremaratne, Yomal Amarathunga, Yasas Nonis.

Wesley in hard fought 15-8 win over S.Thomas’

Wesley ended a five year wait to beat S.Thomas’ when they recorded a 15-8 victory in a scrappy inter-school rugby fixture at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

Neither team looked like taking control of the game even though Wesley outscored their opponents by two tries to one. The Wesleyites were a shade better where three quarter play was concerned but there was little to chose when the forwards clashed in the set pieces. This victory marked the second such occasion where Wesley beat S.Thomas’ during the last decade, the last win being in1997.

Winger M.Buckman propelled Wesley into the lead after half time, the scores were deadlocked 3 all at half time, by picking up a lose ball and running through after the Thomian’s lost the ball 15 meters from their own goal line. Zakir Badurdeen proved quite reliable with the spot kicks by adding the extra points.

The Thomians found success during a five meter scrum when scrum half Dinesh Siriwardene took a pass from team mate Namal Rajapakse over the Wesley goal line. This try went unconverted by Azwan Thajudeen who earlier put over a penalty for S.Thomas’. Wesley sealed the game with a try during injury time when number eight Tyronne Harrison collected a clearence kick by a Thomian and scored. The try went unconverted.

Wesley run circles round Royal, win 22-18 by SRIAN OBEYESEKERE

Wesley College ran circles around Royal yesterday to halt the high-riding home team's unbeaten run this season by 22 points (penalty try, 2 goals and a try) to 18 (a penalty and three tries) at the home team grounds yesterday.

The final thin margin of victory is no indication of the fiery domination the Wesleyites from Campbell Place had over a Royal outfit that had basked before in the sun of an `achilees heel' at the end of the day.

But yesterday, it was not to be. Royal's heels failed in the face of the thundering onslaught dished out by a bunch of blue jersied terriers whose skipper, flanker Kasun de Silva it was a dream come true. "It was as a member of the under-15 team in 2000 that we Wesleyites built a strong first fifteen outfit to beat Royal," voiced the jubilant captain, a fourth year.

From the moment wing three-quarter Nuski Fareez fired a penalty try in the early minutes, it was a different ball game. Royal's customary rallying force wilted before some fleet footed passes by the Wesleyites. On the stroke of 'lemons' Royal sounded the boards from a Bahurdeen penalty to trail 3-7.

The jinxing of the more formidable Royalists heightened a schools' season of fluctuating fortunes. The metallic sounds of drums and music from strumming bands firing the imagination as fly half Rukshan Omar, wing three-quarter Niranjan Wijesinghe and full-back Yasas added dimension touching down. Royal could only reduce the deficit to 14-8 through a try from Danushka Rajapakse, but Wesley's pack was far superior enabling their try machinery to click.

The three unconverted tries, the second from Varun Wijewardene and third from skipper Rajiv Jayasundera, was also costly with Royal's place kicker failing to oblige for the second successive week.

Antonians stun Wesley
St. Anthony's College Kandy delivered a stunning blow as they brought down the high riding Wesley outfit by 11 points to 8 in their Milo Schools 'A' division league rugby encounter played at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Thursday.

The winners collected their points from one try and two penalties while Wesley responded with a try and a penalty. St. Anthony's led 11-3 at half time.

The Antonians took the initiative and were leading 3 nil after the first minute of play with full back Sumal Wijesekera converting a good penalty. But the Wesleyites came back and levelled the scores in the fifth minute of play through a penalty from Yasas Nonis.

The game turned into a forwards battle from thereonwards with the Wesleyites beginning to dictate terms through their heavy pack. They forced a couple of crucial line outs inside the Antonian '25' and came closer of scoring at least on two occasions.

But St. Anthony's brought play back into the Wesley territory with some intelligent play while adding tremendous pressure on the opposition. They succeeded in penetrating the Wesley defence shortly before half time with Nuwan Chaturanga going over for a superb try. Sumal Wijesekera missed the conversion but almost immediately he fired across another penalty to give the Antonians a 11-3 lead at half time.

Wesley launched a fine late rally in the second half to score their first try through scrum half Rukshan. But they missed the important conversion and the Antonians held on to their slender lead and went onto register a memorable victory at the end. (C.D).

Wesley have the power to knock down any team By M. Shamil Amit
In the early days the Wesleyites were not a big name in the schools rugby arena. Though brushing shoulders with stronger schools they were in the losing side in most of the matches they played. But ocassionally the school has produced national players, some of the names that come to mind are Reginald Bartholomeuz who was an outstanding player and Iqbal Musafer. Both of them played for the CR & FC.

The Wesleyites have only tasted victory against Isipatana on one occasion when they defeated them in a thriller in 1963. But in the past they have always been losers against two other schools Trinity and Royal. But last year they acheived one under the leadership of Lahiru Boteju when they defeated Trinity convincingly 21-0. This year they acheived the other when they overcame Royal 22-18. Last year they also qualified through to the finals of the President's Trophy for the first time in the history but lost to Royal.

Today they are a side to be reckoned with, packed with robust type rugby players and guided by that young coach Dishantha Priyadharshana who in fact has been training them since he was their junior coach a few years ago before he took over the senior side from last year. He knows the players like his finger tips and is gifted with boys who are dedicated and determined and cooperative. The team had a successful season last year and the present players are continuing the good work though losing some of their key players.

This year the Wesleyites made a big impact in the ongoing inter-schools rugby season with their tough approach. They started the season with a bang defeating Carey 29-7 but received a shock when they were brought down by Kingswood 17-7. Then they gave the Isipathanians a torrid time before going down 20-15. In the next game against S. Thomas' they came back to overcome them by 15-8.

But the icing on the cake for the Wesleyites came when they put up an extraordinary display to completely outplay the reigning schools rugby champs St Peter's 19-13. Then they showed the win against the Petes was just not a flash in the pan or a fluke when they completely outclassed Royal 22-18 in the Royalists own den. From then on the Wesleyites became a much feared outfit to confront with.

They rose to the position of becoming one of the contenders for the schools title this year. But the Antonians match which was their next assignment, had many hopes for the Campbell Park boys supporters . A win here would have put them a few distance away of acheiving this target. But the Antonians made this ambition a bit tougher for the Wesleyites when they inflicted a narrow 11-8 defeat on them.

Nevertheless credit cannot be taken away from the Wesleyites, they put up a superb display of rugby and in the match against the Antonians they would have realised that if there was a reliable place kicker the game would have been definitely theirs. The Wesleyites dominated for the most part of the second half and the only thing they did was not score.

Led by fourth year player Kasun de Silva a player who represented the junior national side on a tour to Hong Kong for the Asiad Cup, with another fourth year player and national junior player Zakir Badurdeen as his deputy they have been a much talked about side this year. The boys are being backed by the Principal M.A.P. Fernando and the old boys being provided with all the support and facilities needed for them.
The boys combine well and that has been the secret for their success.

Second year player Amila Subasinghe has been doing a wonderful job as one of props along with freshers Dhanushka Warnasuriya and Henry Terrence taking turns when the occasion arises. Third year player and hooker Khalid Sharifooden has so far given his share in all the matches the team has played. The two second rows third year players Julian Fransisco and Dhanusha Perera with third year player Tyronne Harrison manning the most important No 8 position.

The side has two experienced flankers with skipper Kasun de Silva manning one and Heshan Dissanayke being the other. Deputy skipper Zakir Badurdeen and third year player Nuwan Samith are the two centres. Another third year player Rukshan Omar operates from the base of the scrum and will pair off with Omar Sharifoodeen who is the fly half with Naushki Fareez and Saliman being the two wingers. The last line of defence is manned by fresher Yasas Nonis who needs a little more exposure but has so far not let the side down.

There are a host of players in Niranjan Wickramaratne who excelled in the Under 17 team this year. He has played in a few games for the senior team this season. WithTuan Ossen, Samantha Lakshan, Damith Perera, Yomal Amaratunge, Nilushan Karunanayake and Shiham Saliheen who could come in as replacements if there is any injury.

With the league season at its tail end the Wesleyites have performed excellently well and have not let down their supporters upto now. But watch out there is the President's Trophy to be fought out in the near future and don’t be surprised if they come out victors. They have the ammunition to shoot down any team.

27th July 2003

Royal clinched the Milo league trophy for 2003 when they beat Guneratne trophy rivals S.Thomas’ 17-6 in their final league fixture for the season at Havelock Park last Saturday.The lads from Reid Avenue only needed to score a solitary try to draw clear of closest contenders for the league title Wesley and they achieved their task comfortably at the park day over the weekend.
Royal led by Sri Lanka test cap and centre Rajith Jayasundere won five matches and lost only to Wesley in the Division 1 A group of the Milo league inter school rugby season. They also scored 17 tries in the process.

Wesley ended the schools league season as runners up.

FARVEEZ MAHROOF - A RISING STAR by Azahim Mohamed

Wesley College all Rounder and Cricket Captain Farveez Mahroof has been awarded an UK Scholarship to Play Cricket in England this summer.

Farveez, who Captained Wesley Cricket Team in two successive season 2002 and 2003 (a very rare achievement). Farveez also, Vice Captained the Sri Lanka under 19 tours of Uk and New Zealand 2000/2002. Both these tours were successful for Farveez.During the England Under 19 tour of Sri Lanka 2003 he had the honour of recording a hundred and also, did well with the ball.

The lanky all rounder now plays for Stanmore CC and has already scored two hundreds and four half centuries and also has a good haul of wickets. The Stanmore President and the Club Captain are full of praise for Farveez.

Sri Lanka Cricket board officials have predicted that he will be playing for Sr lanka as an all rounder for Sri Lanka very soon.

Wesley OBU (UK) keeps a keen eye on Fraveez and attends to his needs. The OBU has already provided financial help towards his keep whilst in England.Recently the OBU presented to Farveez cricket equipments and have had talks with the representative of the Sr Lanka board UK to assist in funding a Cricket coaching session in the UK.

Farveez, also represented the Wesley OBU UK at the recently concluded Festival of Cricket 2003 at Shenley and did quite well.

The Wesley College OBU UK was very happy to receive the News from Colombo that Fraveez Mahroof has been voted the Schoolboy Cricketer of the year 2003.
A great honour for our Alma Mater.

Farveez Maharoof - OBSERVER-BATA Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year
A great trier Farveez Maharoof won Observer top cricket award in 2003 By Leslie FERNANDO

Farveez Maharoof Observer
Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2003 with the trophies.

CRICKET: The 23-year-old Sri Lanka allrounder Mohamed Farveez Maharoof who is presently playing for Delhi Dare Devils team in the Indian Premier League cricket tournament was the winner of the Observer, Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award in 2003.Former wesleyite Maharoof, won the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award 2003 and was also picked as the Best Batsman All-Island and also figured prominently in the final round of the Best Bowler, Best Allrounder and Best Captain awards.

He was picked for the top award in school cricket by the panel of umpires from three associations - Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers, Sri Lanka, Central Province Cricket Umpires Association and Southern Province Cricket Umpires Association.Maharoof showed early promise as a cricketer and he had many fine knocks with the bat and claimed many wickets with his bowling in inter-school cricket matches. The climb to the top in inter-school cricket was sharp and it was no surprise that the judges in the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest picked him for the top honour.

Farveez Maharoof born on 7th September 1984, is a right-hand bat and right-arm fast medium bowler. He played for Wesley College from the young age of 11 years at junior level under-13, under-17 and the first XI with distinction.Maharoof, the 1st eleven captain of Wesley in 2001 and 2002, established a fine record of scoring a double century (243 not out) against Richmond in 2002 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. None of the past Wesley cricketers have achieved this feat.

Good bat

He has represented Sri Lanka Schools under-19 side against the visiting England Academy side in 2003 and slammed a quick-fire century (100) off 99 balls. He was also in the Development Cricket Squad run by the BCCSL. He had the distinction of playing for the BCCSL Board XI led by Romesh Kaluwitharana against the New Zealanders in 2003 and scored 22 runs and he claimed the wickets of Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming and Scot Styris.

Maharoof had a good run in England, playing for Stanmore in the Middlesex County League. He figured prominently with the bat and ball, scoring heavily and capturing wickets. He has been a great asset to Stanmore who became Ladbrokes Middlesex County League Champions for the second time. For his excellent performances for Stanmore, the Australian coach of Middlesex invited Maharoof to play for the Middlesex 2nd XI.In the 2003 inter-school cricket season, he scored 845 runs which included two centuries against Ananda (146) and Nalanda (106 not out) and five half centuries. He has also bagged 42 wickets with 5 for 56 against Ananda as his best effort. He also played a few games for CCC in the under 23 tournament.

At Wesley, he was also bright in studies an ‘A’ Level student. His father Hassan Mohamed who was also a good sportsman during his younger days representing the CMC Community Centre and Playgrounds. So, young Maharoof got all the support from his father. He started club cricket in a big way, turning out for Bloomfield and proved his allround capabilities in most of the Premier League matches. Maharoof is a promising new allrounder in the Sri Lanka team. He first made his impression in the under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh where he captained the Sri Lanka team. He enjoyed a prolific school career for Wesley College with a highest score of 243 and best bowling figures of 8 for 20.

Sound technique

Maharoof has a sound batting technique and is able to adopt to different conditions. He is wellknown as a player who can score runs down the order but he is also capable of playing patiently when in tight situations.
Maharoof’s Test match bowling figures (24 wickets at an average of 60.75) do not show his natural talent as sometimes he is underbowled. This was amply seen in the third Test between England and Sri Lanka in 2006 when he did not bowl in the entire match. In the qualifying round of the 2006 International Cricket Council Champions Trophy, Maharoof had the best bowling figures in the history of the tournament - 6 wickets for 14 runs which is also the 9th best analysis in all one-day international matches. That was against the defending champions West Indies and it was Maharoof’s first five-wicket haul in ODI’s. Maharoof took 4 for 23 against Bermuda to start the 2007 World Cup and became the first Sri Lankan to take a 4 wicket haul on his World Cup debut. He also took his 100th wicket in his 75th one-day International, becoming the fastest Sri Lankan to reach that landmark, beating Muttiah Muralitharan by one match.

Maharoof out of West Indies tour

Farveez Maharoof, the Sri Lankan allrounder was ruled out of the West Indies tour recently with a side strain. He suffered the injury during the recently concluded CB Series in Australia, but was named in the 15-member Test squad for the two matches against West Indies. Selection Committee sources stated that Maharoof had failed to recover sufficiently from the injury and had to miss the tour. Left-arm fast bowler Chanaka Welegedera who toured Australia for the CB Series but did not play a single match due to a technical problem with his follow through, where he was warned for running on the pitch, was the replacement for Maharoof for West Indies tour.

In Indian League

Maharoof recovered from the side strain and presently is in India representing Dare Devils, Indian Premier League team of New Delhi.Altogether Maharoof has played in 20 Tests, scoring 538 runs, batting average 19.92. He had three half-centuries and top score of 72. He took 24 wickets after bowling 2,628 balls, best bowling - 4 for 52 and he has taken 6 catches. He played 75 one-day internationals and scored 751 runs at an average of 19.96. He has two half-centuries, highest unbeaten 69. In bowling, took 100 wickets, sending down 3,075 balls, average of 23.88, best bowling figures 6 for 14 and held 16 catches. At a recent meeting, Maharoof said that the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest gave him all the encouragement to forge ahead in the cricket world.

Schoolboy cricketers he said should be encouraged a lot and the results will follow.

by A. C. DE SILVA and LESLIE FERNANDO

Farveez Maharoof of Wesley College is the OBSERVER-BATA Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2003. He was picked for the top award in school cricket by the panel of umpires from three associations-Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers, Sri Lanka, Central Province Cricket Umpires' Association and Southern Province Cricket Umpires' Association at Galadari Meridien Hotel.

The awards ceremony will be on August 29 at 6 pm at the BMICH.

Besides winning the prestigious award, Maharoof who is presently playing for Stanmore in the County League in England (Stanmore Middlesex County League Champions) was also picked as the Best Batsman All-Island and also figured prominently in the final round of the Best Bowler, Best Allrounder and Best Captain awards.

While Wesleyite allrounder Farveez Maharoof won the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award President's College Kotte's Chinthaka Rasanga Perera was picked OBSERVER-BATA Outstation Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2003.

Farveez Maharoof, the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year has played for Wesley College from tender age of II years. He has captained the school under-13, under-15, under-17 and the first XI with distinction.

Maharoof, the 1st eleven captain of Wesley in 2001 and 2002 established fine record of scoring a double century 243 not out against Richmond in 2002 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. None of the past Wesley cricketers have achieved this feat. He has represented Sri lanka Schools under-19 side against the visiting England Academy side this year and slammed a quick-fire century (100) off 99 balls. He is also in the Development Cricket Squad run by the BCCSL. He also had the distinction of playing for the BCCSL Board XI led by Romesh Kaluwitharana against the New Zealanders this year and scored 22 runs and he acclaimed the wickets of Kiwi skipper Stephen Flemming and Scot Styris.

Maharoof is having a good run in England, playing for Stanmore in the Middlesex County League. He has figured prominently with the bat and ball, scoring heavily and capturing wickets. He has been a great asset to Stanmore who would be Ladbrokes Middlesex County League Champions for the second year.

For his excellent performances for Stanmore, the Assistant Coach of Middlesex has invited Maharoof to play for the Middlesex 2nd XI.

This season he scored 845 runs which included two centuries against Ananda 146 and Nalanda 106 not out and five half centuries. He has also bagged 42 wickets with 5 for 56 against Ananda as his best effort. He also played a few games for CCC in the under 23 tournament.

Maharoof, an 'A' Level student will continue his studies and play cricket said his father Hassan Mohamed who was also a good sportsman during his younger days, representing the CMC Community Centre and Playgrounds.

Benedictine Jeremy Saverymuttupulle is the Best Bowler and Nuwan Perera of St. Sebastian's College is the Best Allrounder. He was also picked as runner-up to Wesleyite Farveez Maharoof for the big award. Thomian wicketkeeper Kaushal Silva was picked as the Best Fielder.

The Best Team All-Island St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa and they win the award for the first time. Manjula Silva of St. Sebastian's College is the Best Captain.

In the Outstation Contest, Chinthaka Rasanga Perera of President's College, Kotte besides winning the 'plum' of outstation cricket he was also picked as the Best Bowler and best Allrounder. He is a fine right-arm 'pacie' and has captured 81 wickets for the season. His best was 14 for 142 against Lumbini MV (match bag).

He has a very impressive bowling feat, having the following figures: 7 for 166 against De Mazenod College, 6 for 139 against Kalutara Vidyalaya, 8 for 62 against St. Aloysius Ratnapura, 8 for 148 against Raddoluwa MV, 12 for 100 against Royal Panadura, 5 for 79 against St. Anthony's College Wattala, 10 for 138 against Gurukula MV and 10 for 110 against St. John's Panadura.

Chinthaka is also a capable batsman, scoring 350 runs, the best individual score 75 against Gurukula MV.

He started his cricket career at Dehiwala MMV and captained the team 2000 and later joined President's College, Kotte and gave off his best in all departments of the game.

He was a member of the Sri Lanka under-19 team which played against England Academy team this year. He is also in the under-19 squad which is coached by Ruwan Kalpage. He also plays for Chilaw Marians in the BCCSL under-23 tournament.

The Best Batsman Outstation is M. C. Kuruppu of Siri Piyaratana MV Padukka. The Best Fielder C. Kodituwakku of President's College, Kotte.

Earlier, Yasith Mihiranga Maithripala of D. S. Senanayake College was voted in as the Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year. Jayathu Neelaweera of Sri Sumangala Panadura was the Most Popular Outstation Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.

Farveez to lead Sri Lanka under 19 team 30/7/03

The Pakistan Under 19 cricket team will make a tour of Sri Lanka this month. According to a release issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka the Pakistan side will be coached by Aaqib Javed. The Sri Lanka team will be led by Farveez Mahroof. Former Wesley College captain Farveez Maharoof will lead Sri Lanka under 19 in the series against the touring Pakistan under 19 side next month.

Mahroof an outstanding cricketer produced by Wesley was recently picked the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.

Mahroof to be honoured by his alma mater By M. Shamil Amit
One of the most outstanding cricketers to have come out from Wesley in recent times, 19 year old Farveez Mahroof is to be felicitiated by the school and the OBU of Wesley on August 16 2003 at the Old Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC). This was revealed by the Principal of Wesley M.A.P. Fernando at a press conference held at the OWSC on Friday.

Farveez who has been selected as the captain of the Under 19 national team for the forthcoming series against the visiting Pakistan Under 19 teams is regarded as the most successful player in the school crixket arena for the last two seasons. He started his cricketing career at a tender age, making his first appearence in the year 1995 when he represented the Under 13 team.

From there he never looked back and went on to lead the Under 13, 15, 17 and the Under 19 team. He captained the senior team for two years in 2002 and 2003. His first mentor was Russel Hamer who is a Old Wesleyite and a former Sri Lanka wicket keeper. Incidentally Farveez established a new record last year when he cracked a swashbuckling 243 not out against Richmond at the Galle International Cricket Grounds eclipsing Mervyn Hamer's (Russel's brother) record of 233 n.o. against Kingswood. This is the highest scored by a Wesleyite.

Apart from him representing his school, Farveez has played for the national team at all levels. In the year 2000 he went on a tour with Under 15 team to Malaysia for the Asia Cup. The same year he was the deputy skipper of the Under 15 national team that went to England for the junior world cup. In 2001 he was a member of the Under 17 national team that went to Bangladesh for the Asia Cup.

The same year he was a member of the Under 19 team that toured Pakistan. In the year 2002 he was a member of the Under 19 team that participated in the World Cup held in New Zealand. Early this year he captained the Under 19 national team that toured Pakistan. He was also the captain of the Under 19 team for the Under 19 Tri Nation series played in Sri Lanka this year.

His performances was rewarded when he was selected for a six month contract to England which was offered by the BCCSL for the most outstanding schoolboy cricketer and he was selected to play for the Stanmore Cricket Club of Middlesex County. He made a name for himself in England with headlines in one newspaper in England giving the headline " Stanmore leading the way thanks to Mahroof magic.

But of all the best reward he got was when he was selected as the Schoolboy Cricketer of the year and the Best Batsman of the year 2003. With his selection as the captain of the Under 19 national Farveez was compelled to cut short his contract with Stanmore CC at the request of a letter sent by the BCCSL. Farveez is the second player from Wesley to be selected as the Best Schoolboy Cricketer. The first being Darrel Maye in the year 1963 which was the Lifebuoy award at that time. They will also be felicitating the rugby team of 2002 which was captained by Lahiru Boteju.

Darrell Maye -- the first Wesleyite to win School Boy cricketer by Peter Christie Casie Chitty (sent by Azahim Mohamed)

Darrell Maye I will remember as one of the best all rounders I ever played with. He was the vice captain of 1963 Wesley side acclaimed as the Best School's team and that was one team that carried no 'passengers'. The team was brilliant all round when they were batting, bowling or fielding. The two third term games Thurstan and Prince of Wales, were played without a fuss. The only blemish being that Darrell Maye for hooked
for a six by a pint sized fifteen year old who was not impressed by quick bowling. POW 's wicket keeper Srinath Silva was the beginning of a long traditional line of wicketkeeper batsmen from Moratuwa.Today we have Romesh Kaluwitharana continuing to show that
Moratuwa feeds Sri Lanka with wicket keepers.
Owen Mottau and Kingswood were finished by Darrell Maye and Evararde Schoorman in ten minutes less that a day. That is still a all schools' record.Maye's bowling return was 6 for 32 and Mottau who had been on song for three years was bowled out cheaply and twice through the gate. Darrell Maye bowled brilliantly and Wesley seemed to continue their excellent performances from the previous year where the defeated the
invincible Royalists and Darrell Lieversz. The condescending Daily News headline for the preview was 'Lieversz versus Wesley", remember? The Wesleyites under Milroy Mutuvaloe seemed determined to rewrite the record books from then on. St.Peter's with the excellent all-rounder David Heyn and all their big names including Travis Fernando and Tyronne LeMercier (two of the best left arm spinners in Ceylon at the time) at Campbell Park. Two incidents marked the match. Peterite David Heyn's petulance at an umpiring decision that earned him a bad reputation and Milroy Jebarajah walking off after the umpire refused an appeal for caught behind. Jebarajah won a bat for his sporting spirit. Maye did well with the bat getting 88 runs in quick time.Then the ball he got opener Christopher Harridge, was a beauty even Denis Lillie would have been proud of. Harridge a left hander shouldered arms to a ball outside the off stump, that changed direction off the seam and uprooted middle and leg stumps Wesley's graveyard is Mount Lavinia, but in 1961 the Thomians had their backs to the wall. In 1963 Randy Morel and the Blue and Blacks fared no better. A tail enders partnership saved the Thomians from humiliation. Baacha Fuard, brother of Ace off spinnerr Abu tormented the Thomians withhis flighted off breaks and finished with 6 for 55;
Royal College had Vijaya Malalasekera and a battery of batsmen and on the first day Wesley had got the better of the Royalists and were better off on a placid wicket and the match heading for a draw. It did in the end. The Josephians came to Campbell Park with skipper Brian Perumal burning to avenge the defeat after the Wesleyites rendered after a run chase the year before at Darley Road. Not to be. They were skittled out for 68. Skipper Mutuvaloe, who bowled only when necessary returned the incredible figures of 3 for 0. The Darley Road boys fired back and put on an impressive 250 plus, with Placidus Liyanage their wicket keeper holding his side together. They Brian Perumal returned with the vengeance in heart and body and Wesley were rescued by Clifford Rodrigo and the late Rodney Perera from a preposterous 28 for 7 to safety at close with 58 for 7. St.Josephs would have to wait for many years to get that revenge. Trinity under Sunil.M. Perera made a big score. Wesley followed suit and the match ended in a draw. Rodney Perera showed that he was also a batsmen for the bad occasions and steadied the inning with a carefully compiled 80.The Rag Dinner was at Ward Street's Chinese, but the freshers could only eat the ice cream. They had tucked into the chicken buriyani at Trinity so that everyone else was wearing new shirts on Tuesday at school. Darrell Maye skipper the team in Galle, because of a leak in the Chemistry paper and Richmond were finished off before lunch on the second day. One of the Richmondites suffered a broken elbow. Hit by a Darrel Maye snorter. William Deutron made a comeback in the side after a studious three months and was almost run over by the Galle Colombo train, trying to check the train's speed .Bacha Fuard got stranded halfway up a coconut tree, in a sarong that loosened it hold around his waist, William Deutron got Vintogene applied in a very sensitive place and had to run around the campus trying to cool off. The Richmond principal paid a surprise visit to the dormitory and did not thing much of the team's discipline of course someone was singing a rugby song. To make him happy we sang the Collegesong after dinner at his residence and that made his dog howl. So he reported us anyway. Spoilsport. What bugged him most was that Deutron rang a bell that wakes up everyone on Richmond hill. And his dog howled. Mutu got the skipper's hundred in the last match against Ananda despite the Anandian having three men on the cover boundary. Who said he could not cut? Mervyn Hamer, Chandran Perera, Sarath 'monkey' Wickremaratne,Lal Fernando, M.G.M.Fahlih Evorade Schoorman Bacha Fuard, C.T.Rodrigo,Milroy Jebaraja, Donald Thurairatnam and I stood in the photograph with Darrell Maye, Milroy Muthuvaloe, Edmund Dissanayake and Henry Van Buuren a former Wesley skipper who was our coach. I was proud of it then and I will always be proud of that team. Only two victories and six draws, but they were always in a hurry to win. Cricket was a pleasure to watch then by the crowds of people the came to watch a school match.

Wesleyites felicitate cricketer Maharoof and rugby players
At a very informal gathering of past Wesleyites, cricketer Farveez Maharoof and the first fifteen rugby team were felicitated by Wesley College, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the Welfare Society and the Old Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC) in a joint venture on Saturday at the OWSC.

Those who were given the opportunity to speak that evening spelled out the deeds of Maharoof in glowing terms, from the time he started to wield the willow. Among them were the Principal of Wesley College M.A.P. Fernando, Sri Lanka's first Test captain Bandula Warnapura, who was one-time coach of Maharoof and Captain Navin de Silva, a former Wesley captain.

Tracing Maharoof's cricket career, principal Fernando said that he had captained the school at every age group from under 13 to first eleven and having made it to the first team at the tender age of 14, he still had a year of cricket with Wesley till March next year.

Fernando said that Maharoof had brought honour and glory to the school by becoming the first Wesley schoolboy cricketer of the year for 40 years and the first Wesleyite to captain a national under 19 side after 23 years. Darrell Maye was the first Wesleyite to become schoolboy cricketer of the year way back in 1963 and Capt. Navin de Silva led the Sri Lanka under 19 team to England in 1980.

Warnapura, who was Maharoof's second coach at school after Russel Hamer, said that he saw a huge difference in confidence in the boy after he had gone on a scholarship to England where he made it to the Middlesex Second XI team. Warnapura said the confidence was borne by the manner in which he reached his century against Pakistan under 19 that same day - with a six. He said that Maharoof will enter the Max Cricket Academy next year where he should further his cricketing knowledge and skills.

Warnapura also cautioned the boy and told him not to forget his past and what he had achieved so far in cricket was only just the beginning of what was going to be a hard road to success.

"There will be success and disappointments along the way. You should be strong enough to take both if you are to make it to the top," said Warnapura. He also warned him not to get carried away too much by the money he would earn from playing cricket, but to spend it wisely.

On the same lines, Capt de Silva reminded Maharoof that he was at the beginning of a long and professional career and the path to success was not going to be an easy one. He also reminded him not to forget his alma mater and that he should one day come back and give something in return to the school.

"Forgetting your old school is like forgetting your own parents," said de Silva. He said everyone present that evening would long to see the day when Maharoof will represent his country at Test cricket and captain his country to win the World Cup.

Maharoof was presented a gift voucher by Prefect of Games Kenneth de Silva on behalf of the school, the PTA, the Welfare Society and the OWSC to purchase sports equipment of his choice.

In return, Maharoof thanked the principal, his teachers, the three coaches who had shaped his career so far, namely Hamer, Warnapura and current coach Neil Rajapakse and everyone present, for taking the trouble to felicitate him and promised to do his best for his school and his country.

The Wesley first XV rugby players were also honoured at this function and were presented with a cash donation of Rs. 10,000 by a former Wesley rugby captain Vinod Joseph who had promised them the sum if they beat Royal. Joseph who is domiciled abroad sent the donation through another old Wesleyite Asgerally Mohideen to be presented to the team.

Wesley ended runner-up in the schools league and were losing semi-finalists in the knockout. After initial disappointments Wesley rugby has produced outstanding results under coach Priyadarshana. The secret of their success is that the team has been playing together since the under-13 age group.

Principal Fernando said that the school would present the entire first fifteen squad with tracksuits in recognition of their achievements.

Edmund Dissanayake and Wesley's Cricket By Peter Christie

The horn rimmed spectacles Edmund Dissanayake wore, were a familiar feature at cricket practice on Campbell Park from the mid fifties. What he looked like when he played and captained Wesley in the late forties, is not for me to tell, but I daresay I was not impressed by anyone of cricket coaches before or ever since. When the former Sri Lankan cricket Arjuna Ranatunga forthrightly said that Dav Whatmore only fine tunes Sri Lanka's cricketers, he said a mouthful that has been described as unpleasant and ungrateful by those who do not know the rudiments of the game. While I endorse what he said, I give Edmond Dissanayake affectionately known as 'Pigeon' as an example of the man who towered above every coach Wesley ever had including the brilliant tactician B.J.H.Bahar (1959 to 1962).

The reason is that like Whatmore, Bahar had only to fine tune Edmund's under sixteeners. Journalist Alban V. Fernando did Wesley proud with J.Fred .De Mel (former head master and father in law of 'Laffa' Fernando) protégés and Wesley's grandiose teams of the 1950's more than impressed. Edmond took over from Mr.De Mel and the batsmen went through their paces learning much about correctness of technique. After all was Edmond not one of De Mel's students? In some cases we saw players like Errol Ronnie Smith change stances, crouch to see the ball better and make big scores. Errol would have played international cricket if he did not decide to migrate to Australia.

Was Darell Maye not one of the leading allrounders as were Milroy Mutuvaloe, Sarath Wickremaratne, C.T.Rodrigo, Everad Schoorman , the Hamers Russell, Mervyn and Granville. Gangling Wille Deutrom was an under estimated allrounder playing in a team that had no rudder. Everyone of these cricketers were coached by Edmund Dissanayake for at least an year at Under Sixteen level Brian Close the former England skipper described in 1965 Russel Hamer, Willie Deutrom and Omar Jayasekera as 'the fastest school boys on their feet'. Where did all the speed come from? Edmond's method may not have been unique, but he was as far as I know he was the coach to stand eleven yards away and toss a ball obliging the batsmen to do the 'one and a half'steps to the pitch of the ball. He insisted on 'up elbow up', the straight bat lift and solid defence and spent time on batsmen who walked from the under sixteens to the big boys league with one giant step. This was all the technical details that held good as most of us progressed through club cricket. Where Thomians and Royalist then had conducively laid out paths to the 'international scene' Wesleyites needed to have the extra something to go through. I am speaking from experience and can daresay that I asked my self more than once if the playing fields were levelled. They were not, then, and we can thank old Wesleyite Abu Fuard for having that changed when he administered radical changes. Today the Sri Lankan cricket team is in most aspects popular, meaning that the old school ties don't play decisive roles anymore.

Edmond was also a tactician. He advocated my aggresive leg stump line as he had done Kenneth de Silva's(1958 - 1962) to four fielders in close catching positions. His whisperings from the head umpires position at practice were educative to skipper and bowler. When it came to the batsmen playing shots square of the wicket , he insisted on playing straight or shouted out "too early to play those shots". It is reasonable for someone to ask whey then did so many Wesley teams hit rock bottom in mid sixty because Brian Close rated the Wesley team high yet we were beaten by innings three times that included a dubious record loss against Richmond for the first time in 90 years. Edmond had taken a back seat while a dancing instructor conducted a team that was in the process of being built. Most of the batsmen then forgot the golden rules taught by Edmond and he was not around to put things right. With due respect to the former Thomian wicket keeper Carl Cooke only Russell Hamer had his head out of the water and he made a ton against Ananda, because of his natural talent and agressive attitude. The rest of us , silently missed Edmund's whispered advice. Inexperienced skipper Donald Thurairatnam would have been the first to admit that.

Farveez Maharoof and the Harrow Mayor by Richard Dwight

In the annual Harrow Mayor's Charity Shield limited over knockout cricket tournament final at Harrow, Farveez Maharoof of Stanmore Cricket Club walked upto receive the man-of-the-match award from the Mayor of Harrow Council recently. The Mayor on congratulating Maharoof and while exchanging pleasantries inquired as to what college he went to, Maharoof with pride replied Wesley, pat came the rejoinder from a delighted Mayor, who said that he too was a Wesleyite and introduced himself, as Mano Dharmarajah.

What a happy coincidence way out in England from one Wesleyite to another, with one giving and the other receiving. Maharoof as Wesley's Cricket Captain was a prolific run getter and bowler, having had the distinction of being adjudged the 'Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year' and the pride of captaining the Sri Lanka's school team against the Pakistan schools' team.

Earlier this year he had a short stint playing for Stanmore Cricket Club, UK. Mayor Mano Dharmarajah, who was taking a break from his busy schedule at Harrow Council, to be here for a week, was an old boy of Wesley College, having played cricket for Shaw Wallace and Hedges and the Tamil Union in the Daily News Trophy.

He was full of praise for Maharoof's ability as a batsman. Maharoof, he said came to bat at a crucial stage, when his side Stanmore had still to get 66 runs to defeat Harrow, Maharoof, the Mayor said clobbered the bowling in style to score 46 valuable runs and win the match.

The Hamers brothers and Wesley College By Peter Christie Casie Chitty

Peter Casiechitty

Wesley College has had the privilege of having a number of sporting siblings throughout the last half century of years. Most of us who are still alive, balding, grey-haired, squinting or sightless and nostalgic of the times when Wesley's tuck shop sold salted wheat flour doughnuts disguised as 'ulundu vadais' for five lousy cents will remember the Adihettys Lou and Vincie; the Claessens; Bryan Radley and Herman; The Riemers brothers Glen and Robin, The Rajasingham twins Mano and Menan, the Mayes Darrell and Tyrone.

Yes, but then there were also the Hamers, Mervyn, Russel and Granville. Their contributions to Wesley's sports was enormous.
Their faces adorn photographs; hanging on the walls of the school sports pavilion but when are they remembered? Like the brothers mentioned before, the Hamers were more than excellent wicket keeper batsmen and brilliant fielders. They did, as the Adihetties, the Claessens and the Riemers or the Mayes excel at athletics hockey, rugby and soccer, at the highest levels for the school and even represented Wesley at higher Zonal levels. Russell was remember an international cricketer.

I count it a privilege to have been a member of the teams in 1963, 1964 and 1965 playing alongside two of the Hamers, Russell and Mervyn. While I have to thank Mervyn and skipper Everard Schooman for guiding me to fame in 1964, Russel and I 'graduated' from the Under 16 together. Our ties were stronger. Granville was the 'baby', we had to protect.

I have to change direction here and now refer to administrative blunders that have left the Hamers estranged from the school I know they love. Although it is late, too late for reconciliation of the damage done now that the younger Hamer boys have grown up and Russell and Mervyn were contraint to send their sons to schools other than Wesley. Donations for various projects were demanded from them.

Russell's son Peter, was Sri Lanka material from the day he was born, the Senior Hamer, being an excellent coach and an Sri Lankan international. Mervyn too had to school his son else where against his his wishes because of the red tape and bureaucracy laid out by old Wesleyites who have nothing to show except that they lobbied extensively to get what they wanted and where they wanted to get. Peter was schooled at St. Josephs. Representing the first eleven there he blasted his way through school and club compiling a double century against Wesley for good measure. All this while Wesley struggled with mediocrity and anthill level talent. They should have learned better but the trend was not lost. When it came to Granville's son Damien turn, History repeated itself. Damien was a team-mate of Farveez Maharoof from the under thirteen on. His all round talent at sports also found him an important and active cog in the Rugby team while the cricket season was on. Proof of this is that he was selected to represent Sri Lanka juniors in Malaysia while he was at Wesley in 2002. For this came the sentence. Damien was dropped from the school cricket team for being in Malaysia and not at cricket practice pleading with his coach. When I made a personal inquiry as to how this was possible the arrogant reply was." He did not get prior permission to go to Malaysia from the cricket coach and the Hamers don't rule Wesley College".

The cricket coach did not want Damien Hamer. Brilliant batsman and gifted all rounder Damien could have made the difference in lost of matches that were lost or drawn instead of won.
Prefect of Games the lovable and popular off-spinning all rounder who played in the sixties Kenneth de Silva was apologetic however and promised to settle the dispute. I thought that disgusting. The Principal was not M.A.P.Fernando nor was it N.A.B.Fernando. Two old boys of the school. Two men I know well enough to challenge. Being an Old Wesleyite, I did not want to have Wesley's dirty linen washed in public so nothing was publicised.

I have a feeling that an organised anti Hamer campaign flourished in the Old Wesleyites circle between 1999 and 2002. Is this what the words of our College song "bound by one fraternal band" means? Various versions were laid out but none could justify that a younger Hamer had to pay for the sins of his father and uncles. I hope Damien continued to play cricket even if it was not for Wesley. If Wesley can do without Damien's talents Sri Lanka will need someone like him.

Wesley last pair thwarts Josephian victory by SRIAN OBEYESEKERE (Jan 2004)

Wesley survived 24 anxious balls to salvage a draw against St. Joseph's whose bowlers could not take the last wicket in their inter-school cricket match at Darley Road yesterday. Wesley were forced to follow on having being bowled out for 117 after resuming from an overnight 40 for 4 wickets in reply to the Josephians massive score of 351 for 6 declared. The visitors fared only a shade better ending on 148 for 9 wickets with Nuwan Samith (42) and Anura Kumara (35) delaying a Josephian victory. But the day belonged to St. Joseph's leg spinner Ranesh Perera who claimed 2 wickets for 14 runs in the first essay and capped it with a remarkable 5 for 25 when Wesley batted a second time to have match haul of 7 wickets for 39. St. Joseph's's was without the services of colursman Angelo Mathew who is on national duty with the Sri Lankan Under-17 XI in the ongoing Under-17 Asia Cup.
St. Joseph's 351 for 6 wkts. dec.
Wesley: 40 for 4 wkts., overnight, all out 117.
(Anura Kumara 26, Kushan Seneviratne 17, Avishka Liyanage 15, Rajeeva Weerasinghe 3 for 26, Rajeev Vedachelam 3 for 33, Christopher Fleming 2 for 10, Ranesh Perera 2 for 14) and 148 for 9 wickets at stumps. (Nuwan Samith 42, Anura Kumara 35, Rajasekera 28, Ranesh Joseph 5 for 25, Christopher Fleming 2 for 14).

M. Sathasivam was not guilty

A recent teledrama in Sinhala had implied that the real murderer was "Sivam", in the Sathasivam Murder Case. This is grossly unfair by Sathasivam who was found "Not Guilty".

For more than 25 years, Sathasivam had held spectators spellbound with his vibrant batting. He played with cricketing greats like F. C. de Saram, Sargo Jayawickreme, Lucien de Soysa, B. R. Heyn, C K. Nayudu, Vijay Merchant, Mustaq Ali, Mankad, Lindwall, Keith Miller, Weekes, Worrell and Walcott. No one in Sri Lanka had scored more centuries than he. No one could set a field to him. He could always find the gaps to send the ball crashing to the ropes.

In sooth, he was a murderer of the leather ball, yet he stood indicated in the Supreme Court with the murder of his wife.
Satha had married in 1940. Relationships with his wife were not too cordial latterly and the wife filed divorce action on the grounds of malicious desertion. Satha who was in England at this time’ returned to Ceylon on September 22, 1951, and in spite of the divorce proceedings, returned to his home at Alban Place, Bambalapitiya.

He lived with his wife for about two weeks. Thereafter, when he was at a friend’s house, he was served with divorce papers, on October 8. He returned to his home at Alban Place, that night.
Next day, about 8.15 a.m. the two older children left for school with the ayah.. Satha was still asleep. William, the servant had been employed by Mrs. Sathasivam, only a week before without any references!

When the children returned from school around 3 p.m. neither Satha nor William was there. Mrs. Sathasivam lay dead in the garage, which was adjacent to the kitchen. Satha was arrested around 5 p.m. at the house of his friend and charged with the murder. William, the 2nd accused, had been pardoned after the preliminary inquiry and was now a witness for the State. William who was arrested ten days after the crime, confessed that he had helped his master to kill the lady, before 9 a.m. He stated that the master had removed the lady’s bangles and gold thalikody and given them to William as a reward for his assistance.

He said that these were sold to a jeweller about 9.30 a m. Two men at the jewellers shop admitted the purchase and also confirmed the time. These jewellers were receivers of stolen property. How could one match their testimony to that of three other independent witnesses who definitely stated that they had seen Mrs. Sathasivam alive, around 10.30 a.m. The first of these was the traffic manager of the taxi company that had supplied Sathasivam with a cab, who said that a lady had phoned for a cab at 10.30 a.m. and he thought he had recognised her voice as that of Mrs. Sathasivam.

The driver of the taxi said that when he called at the house five minutes later, he saw Mrs. Sathasivam at the door when Mr. Sathasivam left in that cab. Finally, the son of Mrs. Sathasivam’s legal advisor, who was familiar with her voice, said he had a telephone conversation with her at some time after 10.25 a.m. None of them had any reason for inventing an untruth, and it seemed very unlikely that all three were mistaken.

Albert Silva, SP (Crimes) visited the scene of the murder, and acting on the evidence he collected on the spot arrested Satha. The Tangalle Police had arrested William and he was produced before the SP. The SP who had wide experience in his field, doubted William’s credibility. He played a fast one on William. Putting his hand into his pocket, he jangled his bunch of keys and said "badu hambawuna".

William who thought that Mrs Sathasivam's gold jewellery he had stolen had been recovered knew the game was up. He fell on the ground prostrate pleaded for mercy, and confessed with details of his dastardly performance, that it was he who single handed had murdered the lady. It is submitted, respectfully, that this confession to be admissible, should have been made before a Magistrate. The SP moved for the immediate release of Satha and William charged for the murder. However, the IGP rejected the SP’s plea, and ordered proceedings against Satha with William as a State witness. "Honest Albert" true to his principles of honesty, bid goodbye to the force he had served with honesty and devotion.

At this stage, let me deviate by stating that at that time very few knew that Satha was innocent. However there were at least three people who solemnly banked on Satha’s innocence. The other two were Christie Seneviratne, Sports Editor of the Daily News, and Alfred Gogerly Moragoda, Civil Servant. To continue, according to Prof. G. S. W. de Saram, JMO who had been called by the State, judging by the evidence in the digestive tract, the opinion was expressed that the morning meal of string hoppers had been taken about three hours before death and it was accepted that she would have died much later than 10.30 a.m.

"One of the most important points was the fact that the soles of the lady’s feet were coated with the same dark material that had been found with the coconut fibres adhering to the abrasions on the left side of her jaw and neck. On analysis it was found to be identical with similar material taken from the kitchen floor. The Govt. Analyst also found drag marks on the kitchen floor. It seemed clear proof that she had walked into the kitchen that morning, and never walked out". Sir Sydney Smith. Foresnic expert who testified in this case which was reported in his book "Mostly Murder", Satha who was examined soon after the crime did not have any scratches on his face or arms. William had scratches on the face and arms which looked about ten days old.

The trial lasted about 3 months and the Jury arrived at a unanimous verdict of "Not Guilty", Dr. Colvin R. de Silva led the defence team. For the record, Sathasivam’s photograph appeares in the Wesley College M. H. Mohamed Pavilion in a prominent place. An annual Award is made in his honour to a Wesley cricketer "For the most scintillating innings in the cricket season."’

Wesley clinch U-17 Milo Rugby Cup by Chris Dhambarage

Wesley College produced a splendid performance to clinch the Cup championship at the Milo Schools under 17 division two ten-a-side rugby tournament concluded at the Royal College grounds, Reid Avenue yesterday.

The Wesleyites continued with their unbeaten record in the tournament and defeated Carey College by 26 points to nil in the final. Wesley had a tough assignment in the semi finals earlier as they pulled off a hard fought 12-10 win over St. Joseph's College having beaten Zahira College in the quarter finals.

Carey College created the biggest upset of the tournament when they knocked out S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia in the first quarter final. They continued with the good work and overcame Nalanda 12 nil in the semi finals.

St. Joseph's also created a major upset when they beat the more fancied Isipatana outfit before losing to Wesley in the semi finals.

Meanwhile Trinity College took the Plate championship with a massive 51 nil win over Wesley 'B' in the final.

In the semi finals Trinity defeated Vidyartha 29 nil and Wesley 'B' had the better of Ananda 5 nil.

St. Peter's College had the satisfaction of winning the Bowl title overcoming Maliyadeva 39 nil in the final. They beat Ananda 'B' 22 nil in the semi finals while Maliyadeva defeated Eheliyagoda MV 5 nil.

In the under 17 division two ten-a-side tournament Unawatuna MV clinched the Cup championship with a close 7 nil win over Piliyandala MV. St. Mary's Hambantota beat S. Thomas' Matale 5 nil in the Plate final while C. W. W. Kannangara MV defeated Amuhenkanda MV 41 nil in the Bowl championship final.

Zimbabwe tour - a dream come true for Farveez Maharoof Sa'adi Thawfeeq reporting from Zimbabwe May 2004

BULAWAYO, Friday, To receive a Test cap is the dream of every aspiring schoolboy who takes to cricket seriously. For Mohamed Farveez Maharoof the one-day international and Test cap came within a space of 11 days and when he described that sudden elevation from schoolboy to one of national cricketer as 'a dream come true' you have to believe him.

Everything has happened so fast for the 19-year-old youngster from Wesley College that he hardly had time to sit down and absorb all what's happened on the tour to Zimbabwe.

"When I left for Zimbabwe I thought I was only going to be in the one day squad. Suddenly I was told that I am to stay back for the Test squad," said Maharoof.

"I was very happy the day I got my first Test cap on the first day of the Harare Test. It also happened to be the Test that Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan) broke the world bowling record. It is a Test debut I can't forget," he said.

"I was a bit nervous and had butterflies in my stomach when I took the field, but it started to disappear slowly once I got going and I got to know what Test cricket was all about," continued Maharoof. "All the players including the reserves and the team management supported me. The senior players were very nice. They always came and talked to me about cricket - batting, bowling and fielding."

It didn't take long for Maharoof to make his mark in international cricket. Off the third over he bowled he took his first Test wicket when he held onto a return catch to dismiss Zimbabwe opener Brendan Taylor and when his turn came to bat, he contributed a useful 40 runs in 92 minutes batting at No. 9.

Schoolboy debuts

His one-day international debut also began in an almost similar manner. Off the fourth ball he bowled at this level, Maharoof picked up his first wicket by having Vusumuzi Sibanda caught by Tillakaratne Dilshan. He went on to record amazing figures of 3-2-3-3 as Zimbabwe were skittled out for the lowest ever one-day total in history - 35.

Since Arjuna Ranatunga made his Test debut as a schoolboy of 18 years, 22 years ago there have been a few players after him who have made it to the national team whilst still in school. But the figures have been diminishing rather quickly in recent times that today it is a rarity to find a schoolboy walking into the national side because the level of school cricket has dropped so drastically. By making it to the national team at the age of 19, Maharoof fall into a rare genre.

Maharoof went on to play in three one-day internationals and two Tests. "It was a good tour to start off with. I am very happy with my performances I have done my best in both Test and the one-dayers and I am quite happy that we have made a clean sweep in both series. All the players and officials have been like brothers and father to me."

What was it like to play alongside like world cricketing icons like Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya?

"To play alongside them was like a dream come true. I have played with Sanath at club level (they play for Bloomfield) and it was the first time that I played with Murali. It was an experience to be beside such great cricketers," said Maharoof.

What of his future? "I think I have started well. I just want to do my very best for my country. I need to minimize some errors in my game and improve on it slowly and make sure I will be there for the long term."

"I have been struggling with my run up and I am hoping to get it right when I get back with Champaka Ramanayake (the Sri Lanka fast bowling coach).

"In batting I need to play straight always, hang around in the middle and try to make big scores and when I am bowling I need to keep a nagging length and wait for the batsman to make a mistake," said Maharoof.

Being in the national team has helped him get valuable advice from fast bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa. "When I was getting hit for runs they come and talk to me and tell me to stick to the basics and not to get nervous."

Maharoof gets most of his wickets bowling 'induckers' the ball that is bowled off the seam, which is also his stock ball. He also bowls the ball that cuts back off the seam. Fan of McGrath and Atapattu

"I always liked Glenn McGrath (the Australian fast bowler) the way he bowls. I haven't met him but I keep following his tactics and bowling strengths. I like the way Marvan (Atapattu) bats. They are the two heroes of mine," said Maharoof.

That Maharoof was one day bound to make it to the national team there was no doubt. As a schoolboy cricketer he has been hitting the headlines with both bat and ball. He made six centuries for Wesley between 1999 and 2004 (captain in 2002 and 2003) of which 243 not out against Richmond at Galle in 2002 is the highest. He came to bat with the side in trouble at 80-4 and saw them finally reach a total of 389-6.

It was against the same school that he recorded his best bowling figures taking eight wickets for 20 (match bag of 12) the following year. He captained his country in the 2004 under 19 World Cup in Bangladesh and got valuable exposure during the Kenstar triangular one-day tournament in Calcutta last year where he bowled brilliantly for Sri Lanka 'A' led by Russel Arnold to take four wickets for 30 in the final against India 'A' and win the man of the match award. Sri Lanka won the final by seven wickets and Maharoof finished the tournament with nine wickets at an average of 11.77.

Maharoof is the only Wesleyite to win school colours for five years and when he made his Test debut at Harare he became the second Wesleyite after the late Sritharan Jeganathan to play Test cricket. Jeganathan, leg-spinning all-rounder played two Tests and in five one-dayers for Sri Lanka in the early eighties.

Maharoof's greatest inspiration is his parents. "From the age of eight I started watching cricket matches with my parents. My dream was to play for the school first and then gradually work myself upwards. But everything has happened so fast I cannot believe it."

"Cricket has been in my blood since I was a kid. My uncle Parveez Marzook played a little school cricket. I must have taken a liking to the game after him," he said.

Wesley cricketers felicitate Maharoof - Daily News 19/5/04
Wesley College cricketers gave their former captain Farveez Maharoof a felicitation tea party at the school cricket grounds at Campbell Park on Tuesday in recognition of his selection to the national team in the recently concluded tour of Zimbabwe.
Maharoof (19) was picked to play for Sri Lanka in the one-day internationals and the Tests against Zimbabwe while still a student at Wesley. He represented his alma mater in the first XI team for six years from 1999 (captaining two seasons) and shone as an outstanding all-rounder. He later went on to captain the Sri Lanka in the under 19 World Cup tournament held in Bangladesh.

In the absence of the school principal who was unable to attend the function due to another commitment, Prefect of Games Kenneth de Silva said the felicitation ceremony was organised by the present cricketers of the school belonging to the under 12, 14, 16 and first XI teams with the help of the three coaches Neil Rajapakse, Ajith Weerasinghe and Shafraz Farook. "The boys felt that they should honour you in some way and it is they who had put in a lot of effort to make this function a success," said de Silva.

"The school is proud of your achievements on the international cricket field. But your journey has just begun. It is going to be hard work from now on. But we assure you Wesley College will be behind you to support you in any way we can. You will be looked upon by these young cricketers as a role model," he said.
De Silva drew a parallel of Maharoof's achievement with another outstanding Wesley cricketer Brian Claessen who went onto play for Sri Lanka while still at school in the early fifties. Maharoof was presented a scroll with the names and signatures of all the present junior and senior cricketers.

Maharoof thanked everyone including the parents who were present and made special mention of the ground staff who had been helpful to him since his formative years as a cricketer. - [S.T.]

Abu Fuard by Premasara Epasinghe

In cricket, some personalities are many-in-one. Several facets are rolled into a single individual. Such a character is Abu Fuard. He was, one time Asia's best off spinner. He was a fine all-rounder, cricket administrator, team manager and above all, a relentless trainer of young cricketers. From the exterior, he looks tough, rough, uncompromising and disturbingly harsh. But, at heart, he is human and as timid as a lamb.

Like the surgeon's scalpel, his sharp words, helped to heal. He may come upon a lethargic young fellow, capable, but, not doing his best. He lashes out at him allowing the reluctant cricketing youth to blossom into his fullest potential. "The greatest achievement of my life in cricket, is the fulfilment of my ambition to throw open the game of cricket played in Sri Lanka, to every nook and corner of the island, whereby, the talented boys, who come out from outstations are able to represent Sri Lanka some day or other.

This is because, during my long playing years, I had the misfortune of not only seeing with my own eyes, but, also experience, the discrimination meted out to outstation cricketers, who were not fortunate to be educated at "elite schools". They, were not only very snobbish to the "under privileged," but also, looked down upon them with utter contempt. Mercifully, ugly, is a thing of the past. So, I took upon myself, fighting for the cause of the under privileged cricketers. I must mention here, when I started this campaign, I had to fight against the "elite class". They opposed me. During this battle, a team-mate of mine, a former Ananda Captain, Dhanasiri Weerasinghe, who is presently domiciled in Australia, propagated my message to others."

"I, as a person, belongs to a minority community. I am proud and happy, I contributed even in a small way, for the greater good of the majority, by opening the gates to some of the cricketers who represented the so-called lesser known schools.
Gamini Dissanayake - Yuga Purusha - Sri Lanka Cricket
I was instrumental in inviting late Gamini Dissanayake for cricket administration. This was another notable achievement of mine. This great man, Dissanayake was responsible in gaining "Test Status" for Sri Lanka, and laying the infrastructure of Sri Lanka Cricket. Today, I shed tears of joy, when many boys of outstations are now in the Sri Lanka team and performing with admiration."

These words were uttered by Abu Fuard, when I met him recently. In early 1950's, Fuard was an outstanding schoolboy cricketer. In 1953, he stroked a chanceless century for Wesley College, against Richmond College, Galle, and put on 231 run partnership with Brian Classen, who later represented Ceylon. Abu took 6 for 76 against S'Thomas College Mount Lavinia, captured 8 wickets against Royal and returned the figures of 9 for 53 against Prince of Wales.

Self-made cricketer

After leaving school, he joined Colts C.C. Fuard is a self-made cricketer. He worked hard for it. His love and commitment to the game are unbelievable. Born on 6th December 1936, in Colombo Fuard started his cricket career at Wesley College. His father A. M. Fuard captained Wesley in 1915 and his brother Ansar Fuard captained in 1954.

He started his sports career as an athlete. He represented Wesley College, as a hurdler in the Public Schools Meet and competed with late Lalith Athulathmudali. He played in the under 13 Team, as a fast-bowler. But, his coach famous Alban Fernando turned him to be an off-spinner. After leaving school, he played for Moors S.C., Colts S.C. and CCC. Fuard represented Sri Lanka from 1956 to 1971. Undoubtedly, he was the best off-spinner during his era. Nothing can replace enthusiasm and practice. The best way to play cricket is to play it and enjoy it. Fuard, played it very hard throughout his career. You cannot manufacture a breed of a player, it should happen. Everyone is different. Abu, as a player, was no exception.

Bowling requires concentration, a correct bowling action, ability to bowl a good length and direction. Abu, had all these ingredients, which made him, number one in Asia during his playing days. "Those days, I used to walk all the way from 5th Lane Colpetty to Colts Grounds, Havelock Park. I start practising at 2.00 p.m. all alone. I keep a twenty five cents coin, on the matting and bowl at it-spot bowling - to improve my length and direction" stated Abu Fuard.

Abu Fuard first represented Sri Lanka in 1961 against the mighty Australians led by Ritchie Benaud, played against England in 1962. Ted Dexter captained the England Team. His most memorable moment was when he captured 6 wickets for 31 against Joe Lister's International XI. He played a key-role in the first un-official Test victory beating India at Ahmedabad.

"It was a team effort. We were left with a target of 112 runs to win. On a bad wicket, with apparent pot-holes. I opened in the second innings, made a quick fire 40 runs and won the match 45 minutes before the close, said Fuard. By profession, he was an insurance man. He joined De Soysa and Company, Colombo 2. Principal agents for seven foreign firms, who handled major projects like Galoya, Inginiyagala, Kelanitissa, Victoria Bridge etc. They did the secretarial work and Abu was handling the insurance.

They performed an honourary job He first got involved in cricket administration, during Robert Senanayake's tenure of office as the president in 1973. Those were the days, where dedicated, committed men got into cricket administration in honorary capacity. Gamini Dissanayake, Dr. N. M. Perera, T. B. Werapitiya and Lakshman Jayakody, were ornaments to the BCCSL. These gentlemen, never mixed politics and cricket. Out of these presidents Gamini Dissanayake was the greatest.

Player turned cricket administrator After hanging up his boots, Fuard took to cricket administration. In 1985, he was appointed as fulltime manager of the Sri Lanka team. Prior to this period too, he was a successful manager. Further,he was a qualified cricket coach too. Under his guidance, Sri Lanka scored the first Test series victory against India at Saravanamuttu stadium. This was followed by beating Pakistan with this victory, Sri Lanka annexed the Asia cup.

In 1979, Abu Fuard, acted as Sri Lanka cricket manager in the World Cup. During this period, Sri Lanka won the ICC Trophy and thus qualified to play in the world cup in 1979. At the conclusion, Sri Lanka was placed fourth, ahead of India, Australia. New Zealand and Canada. Fuard was a member of the selection committee of the BCCSL, from 1976-1983. Thereafter, he served as the chairman of the selectors from 1982 - 1986.

"I executed the plans and the programmes of Gamini Dissanayake, to the very letter, without any fear or favour. He prepared the ground work, with his dynamic set of officials in the BCCSL, which helped to gain "Test Status" to Sri Lanka. This was the greatest achievement of Dissanayake. He prepared the infrastructure, planning, finances, grounds, administration etc. I was like his shadow "at that time" stated Abu Fuard. One notable feature was that Fuard, served the Board in an honorary capacity. He served for the love of the game.

A man who will call a spade a spade Fuard is a man who calls a spade a spade. Because of this, sometimes, he is not a very popular character in the cricketing circles. I personally believe, Fuard, was responsible in bringing about the "Common Man's Era" in Sri Lanka cricket history. He broke the class distinction in Sri Lanka cricket. He was responsible in proposing Bandula Warnapura's name, as the first Sri Lanka Test Captain against much opposition.
"My good friend, late K. M. T. Perera, as the chairman of the selection committee backed me to the hilt," quipped Fuard.
He was a tough task master. His motto was "Country Before Self." At times, he erupts like a volcano. But in few hours he is cool as a cucumber. He always played to win.
To prove this point, I still remember an incident, when he was very harsh and severe on a Sri Lankan pace bowler, when he returned to the pavilion after capturing a wicket in the second over against Pakistan, played at the CCC grounds, stating that there is a slight pain in his leg.

Abu pounced on the bowler: "young man, country is greater than your pain. Go out, to the centre, perform in the name of your country. Forget your pain. "He uttered these words in front of three of us, Wan, Ranjit Fernando and yours truly. The bowler immediately took the field and captured five wickets, which helped Sri Lanka to score a victory against Pakistan captained by Imran Khan. Close of play, Abu congratulated the bowler and told him, not to misunderstand for shouting at him. This is the nature of Abu Fuard.

As in cricket, in life too, there are ups and downs. Fuard, is currently maintaining a low profile. Many benefitted from him. Remembering him, will be a blessing to this strange cricket character. Sri Lanka cricket, should be beholden to the many contributions made by people like Abu Fuard.

Wesley's Gymnasium by Richard Dwight

Sports at Wesley College got a shot in the arm, as it were, when the launch of the College's Gymnasium Project took place recently at the Old Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC).
There was much enthusiasm and eagerness amongst the young and old Wesleyites, who had come to witness the commencement of a long felt need, that of a gymnasium for Wesley. Addressing the gathering the Chairman of the Gym Project, Ivor Maharoof, dwelt briefly on the association of the College and the OWSC, with one being complementary to the other.

He said "it was the wonder of Old Boys, as to how sportsmen at Wesley were able to do well at rugger and yet other sports, sans the facility of a gymnasium." Maharoof drove the point, that some thought it ludicrous to find sportsmen at Wesley doing their power training under the shade of the Flamboyant trees at Campbell Park, with concrete and iron bars.
This gymnasium he therefore stressed, will give the Wesleyites the much needed filip to further develop and enhance their sporting skills.

Fully aware of the funds that will have to be raised for the project through different avenues, handled by members of the Committee, Maharoof exhorted all Wesleyites in the true spirit of 'Highfield' "Saying some people wonder what happened, some people watched things happening, some people make things happen - this is what Wesleyites are made for, to make things happen, lets go ahead and achieve it." The Principal of Wesley College, M.A.P. Fernando, and the President of the OWSC, Parakrama Wijemanne, also addressed the gathering.

Dissanayakes of Wesley by Premasara Epasinghe

Way back in December 1982, Nalanda met Ananda in the finals of the Sri Lanka Schools under-13 Division One, at the NCC grounds. It was a two-day match. Ananda was captained by A. Gunawardane and Nalanda was led by Bhagya Epasinghe. Nalanda won the 'Junior Cricket Plum' beating Ananda by 100 runs. The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation relayed live commentaries on this match and Ranjan Madugalle, was in the box as an expert commentator. In his summing up, Madugalle made these remarks:
"One thing is very clear. We witnessed some absorbing cricket during the past two days. The standard is very high. I am not be bit surprised that some of the junior cricketers who excelled these two days, especially Danesh Dissanayake (Nalanda), who made a brilliant century, Marvan Attapattu (Ananda) who scored a fighting half century, and Nalanda skipper left-hander Bhajya Epasinghe, who collected a stylish 43 and ably led the side, will be future Test players of the Sri Lanka in the 1990s."
What a great prediction!
Marvan not only represented Sri Lanka, today, he is the Sri Lanka National Test captain. Nalanda wicket-keeper in this final - Chamara Dunusinghe too became a Test player.Danesh and Bhagya left Nalanda and joined Wesley and S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, respectively and went on to play for their respective schools.Danesh migrated to Australia for a couple of years. Bhagya played for NCC, University of Ceylon, Gabrone Cricket Club, Botswana. He sacrificed his cricket career, for studies, became an academic and a professional in Finance Management, and Accountancy and became an accountant.

At that time, 1982, out of these three school cricketers, number one for me, was undoubtedly Danesh Dissanayake.He was one of the most elegant gifted batsmen and a fine pace-bowler, a brilliant fielder and a 'captain's dream'. I knew him so well as I watched them.'As a junior cricketer, Danesh scored four brilliant centuries that season and helped Nalanda to win the school Division One tournament in 1982. He won the Best All-Rounder and won the Man of the Match awards. Former Australian High Commissioner, David Rutter, who graced the occasion of the finals at NCC, as the chief guest, gave away the awards.

Sri Lanka material: I consider Danesh Dissanayake, a man of missed opportunities in Sri Lanka's cricket. Undoubtedly, he was Sri Lanka material. But, fate deprived his chance to represent Sri Lanka, as he went 'down under', after captaining Wesley, for further studies.

Personal names coined with schools: There are many personal names that goes with their respective schools they studied, and they are synonymous. Mahinda - Amendras; Royal - Gunasekeras and de Sarams; S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia - Saravanamuttus, Senanayakes (DS, Dudley and Robert), Molamures, Sarams, Mendis' and Bulankulamas; Ananda - Ranatungas, Wettimunys, Polonnowitas; Nalanda - Narangodas, Pereras (Lincoln, Jayawickrema and Parakrama twins), Asoka, Warnapuras, Seneviratnes, Illukkumburas, (Daya, Karunatilake and Achinta), Weerasinghes, Mahanamas; are some of the names that come to my mind.

Dissanayake clan of Wesley: Wesley College, and Dissanayakes are insperable. Brothers, fathers and sons have represented Wesley College in cricket, in their distinguished and chequered history. 'Dissanayake clan' began their cricket career in Wesley in late 1930s. Bertram Dissanayake played for Wesley from 1939-1941, and he was a vice captain of the college cricket team. He entered the University of Ceylon, during the period when Sir Ivor Jennings was the Vice-Chancellor.

Chandra, Donald, Edmund represented Wesley from 1944-1945. All three took up to legal profession. Chandra, retired as the Assistant Commissioner of Labour. Edmund captained in 1946 and 1947, and scored a century against Royal College after 31 years. Graham Dissanayake - retired as the Commissioner of Food, was the first Ceylonese to secure the Diploma in Development Administration (Manchester). His son, Mahendra Dissanayake, captained Wesley College in 1984 and was selected as the sports star in 1985. He too played cricket in Australia for many seasons. While in Australia, Mahendra, obtained the Bachelor of Engineering degree and MSc in Information Technology.

Danesh - a born cricketer: Danesh Dissanayake was a born cricketer. As a tiny-tot playing for Nalanda under-11, he created cricket history in Sri Lanka. The date 25th October 1980 was a memorable day for Danesh and Bhagya. Against Zahira College, Maradana, Danesh Dissanayake captured 8 wicket for 1 run and again 6 wickets for 5 runs, and a match-bag of 14 wickets for 6 runs. In the first innings Zahira were dismissed for 13 runs in less than three overs. If my memory serves right, after Nalanda scoring 250 and over, with Bhagya Epasinghe, remaining unbeaten with 158, erasing Isipatana Hashan Tillekeratne's record of 154 runs, in the under-11 Sri Lanka School Cricket Association tournament. In this under-11 tournament, right hander, Danesh Dissanayake scored a sparking 121 not out against Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya.

Great player: Immediately after leaving Nalanda, at the age of 14, he represented his father's College Wesley and between 1985/1989, he scored: 1985 - 107 n.o. versus Carey, 141 - against Isipatana, 1988 - 100 against Royal, and again 114 versus Royal in 1989, 105 against St. Joseph's in 1989. In addition, he scored 88 n.o., versus Trinity in 1988, 93 runs against STC MtL, and 98 against St. Peter's in 1989. As a great batsman, he takes good balls and turns them into bad balls. A great player can do what the good player cannot. Danesh Dissanayake was adjudged runner-up School Cricketer in 1989 and the Best Allrounder.

Achievements in Australia: While in Australia, he obtained Diploma in Business (Banking and Finance) in 1998 and in 2000, he obtained the Associate Diploma of Business (Accounting). In 2003, he obtained the Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) from the University of Monash, Australia. Danesh was in Australia for 8 years. He played cricket and watched in Australia. He was one of the most outstanding players to represent Marians and Chirnside Park Club in Melbourne between 1996 to 2003. He played along with Ravi Ratnayake, Rumesh Ratnayake and present Sri Lanka 'A' coach Stanley Nell.

Danesh Dissanayake was born on 2nd April 1970. His father Edmund Dissanayake served Wesley as a teacher for more than 25 years. Later he took up to law profession. He was the Prefect of Games, Master-in- Charge of cricket and honorary coach of Wesley College for many years. Danesh's mother Amara Dissanayke who hails from Matara, was a teacher by profession and holds the Post Graduate Diploma in Education.

Fuards - Dissanayakes father-son captains of Wesley: There are two instances at Wesley, where father and son captained. In 1915, A. M. Fuard and in 1954, Ansar Fuard, achieved this rare distinction and honour and in 1946 and 1947 - Edmund and in 1989 - Danesh, father and son respectively captained this great school.

A great seat of learning: Wesley College was founded on 2nd March 1874. Though its portals, several distinguished sons have passed through. To name a few - Sir Baron Jayatilleke, Dr. E. W. Adikaram, Prof. J. E. Jayasuriya, Prof. E. F. C. Ludowyke, P. de S. Kularatne, Father S. G. Perera, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Sir Claude Corea, Sir Gerard Wijekoon, Sir Mohamed Macan Markar, Justice Amir Ismail, Banker Rienzie Wijetilleke, and cricketing maestros M. Sathasivam and Abu Fuard. These are some of the distinguished Wesleyites that come to mind among many. There is a unique record created by the father and son. Both scored centuries against their oldest rival Royal College, with son Danesh doing better than the father, by scoring centuries in 1988 and 1989.

Edmund Dissanayake episode: Wesley and Dissanayake episode will be incomplete, if I do not enlighten you, on the Wesley-S. Thomas cricket encounter in 1947. Wesley were riding high beating Royal the earlier week at Ried Avenue. Thomians were captained by Upali Katugaha, who had Ronnie Weerakoon as his deputy. An unprecedented crowd was present at Mount Lavinia, to watch the Thomians reel under Wesley pressure, with skipper Edmund Dissanayake, bowling his heart out to capture 6 for 14 runs. The first day ended on a triumphant note to Wesley. Before the Thomian clash, Edmund had a feeling, some unpleasant incident is going to happen - and thinking of a premonition of disaster.

Cartman's car broke down: The following day - Saturday, Principal Rev. James Cartman decided to drive his captain to Mount Lavinia. The car stalled near Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Borella. It was a bad omen. School by the sea at sea against Wesley

However, at Mount Lavinia, Wesley fought hard and the school by the sea, were at sea, lost six wickets for 60 runs, and defeat was staring at them. Ronnie clobbered and Edmund fell Edmund changed his plan and he took position at 'suicidal short-leg'. Remember, at that era, there were no helmets, or protective gear. N. S. Jayasundera was the bowler. One of his deliveries slipped of his palm.

Ronnie Weerakoon clobbered the full toss, with all his might and the ball struck Edmund, with a resounding thud on his head. Edmund swung round like a merry-go-round and fell full length, near the pitch. Wesley victorious by 112 runs

Rev. Cartman was the first to rush to the field, and as he carried off his captain, "Even the ranks of Tuscany could scarce forbear to cheer". Before he lapsed into unconsciousness, Edmund Dissanayake, great skipper, gave instructions about the bowling changes. While Edmund was battle it out for his life at the hospital, Wesley emerged victorious by 112 runs.

Miraculous recovery of Edmund:At the Durdan Private Hospital, Dr. J. H. F. Jayasooriya, the eminent brain surgeon, battled round the clock to save Edmund. It was found that he suffered from concussion of the brain, laceration of the brain tissues, associated with paralysis of the region below the waist. Edmund Dissanayake's recovery was indeed a miracle.

Death notice and a memorial service at a sister school Galle For nearly two months he lay between life and death. There was a death notice in the Daily News 'stop press' column of another E. Dissanayake, and sympathisers presuming that the worst had happened, to Edmund, flocked to Durdans. Royal and S. Thomas' cricket teams too were there. They say that bad news has wings. The rumour of his death spread to Galle, southern capital, where a sister school Richmond College Galle, held a memorial service.

Selector of SLSCA 1968/1969: I am so happy that in later years, in 1969, Edmund (Wesley) and yours truly (Nalanda) were selectors of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association. Answer Wesley's call Presently, Danesh faced a challenge. To be the cricket coach at Wesley is an achievement itself. He returned from Australia to help his alma-mater. I must remind my 'star student', Danesh, in a nut-shell, what cricket coaching is.

Young players however talented need the accumulated wisdom of others. The role of a coach is simple. To assist his charges to improve their skills and enhance their personal performances. His aims are also simple. To create improvement; so that a batsman scores more runs; a bowler takes more wickets; a fieldsman takes more catches, saves more runs in the field and seizes more opportunities to create run-outs. Knowing Danesh Dissanayake's capabilities, I am positive and confident that as the new coach of Wesley College, one of the premier schools in the island, that he will usher the dawn of a new cricketing era for them in the years to come.

Wesley take under 20 rugby title 11th April 2005 sent by Yohan Ferreira

Wesley College emerged champions at the Western Province schools under 20 seven a side rugby tournament concluded at Longden Place yesterday.
The Wesleyites continued with their impressive record in the tournament and defeated S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia in the Cup championship final.
Earlier St. Peter's 'A' beat Thurstan 'A' in the Plate championship final and Science College Mount Lavinia beat Isipatana in the Bowl championship final. St. Joseph's College won the Shield championship defeating Zahira College in the final.
In the tournament for the 'B' division teams S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia beat St. Peter's College 'B' in the Cup championship final. Isipatana 'B' beat Wesley 'B' in the Plate final and Carey College beat Asoka MV in the Bowl final. Thurstan defeated Zahira 'B' in the Shield final. (C.D.)

Sathasivam – tipsy, twinkle-toed brilliance Sent by Naveen TK 14 October 2004

Since the credentials of Mahadeva Sathasivam have become a topic of debate in the Dilmah Forum, let me intervene even though I have never seen him bat. It so happens that I have a newspaper picture of Garfield Sobers and Satha exchanging pleasantries in Lanka during the early 1960s. From the evident warmth of this occasion my conjecture is that this event and its rapport was rendered possible by stories conveyed to Sobers by the Bajans in the West Indian teams that had toured Sri Lanka in the Sathasivam era – notably the three Ws. It is on record that Worrell considered Satha “the best batsman he had ever seen” (C H Gunasekara, The Willow Quartette, Colombo: Sumathi Publishers, 1996, p. 57).

In any event octogenarians and observers of that era make it clear that the debonair “Satha” was twinkle-toes, all class and finesse as batsman. Indeed, folklore suggests that Ghulam Ahmed considered him the best batsman he had ever bowled to. The statistics provided by Jason in the Dilmah Forum indicate why. And before someone decries all this as park cricket, let me assure people that when the Muslims played the Rest of India in the 1940s they did so as Ranji Trophy champions. In brief, it was the equivalent of, say, New South Wales playing the Rest of Australia after they had won the Sheffield Shield. In short, one had the best sub-continental cricketers on display.
So, to, did the Bombay Pentagular Gymkhana of the 1930s draw some of the sub-continental best. One needs to peruse Ramachandra Guha’s books to gain a sense of this world of cricket. The fact that some Ceylon cricketers were invited to participate was recognition by Indian cricket circles of the quality of a few Ceylon players.

As for Sathasivam’s capacities, let me add two conclusive illustrations. Firstly, he scored 101 runs in 1944 for the Rest of India versus the Hindus, the All-India champions in that year (even though he was technically unqualified – for he was a Hindu!). Secondly, he made a masterly 111 runs in difficult conditions against the full complement of Indian bowlers under Merchant at the Unofficial Test Match between India and Ceylon in 1945 and a remarkable 96 runs out of a total of 153 when the Ceylon side struggled against a visiting Commonwealth team on a rain-affected pitch in February 1950. As any cricket lover knows, it is a solid score when all around you fail that reveals the best batsmen.

So, as others within the Dilmah Forum have stressed, the foundations for Sri Lanka’s capacities were being laid in the 1930s and 1940s. Young F C de Saram scored a brilliant 128 out of Oxford’s total of 218 against Woodfull’s Australian team in 1934; made 50 and 122 not out for the Rest of India vs the Muslims in 1937; and scored masterly centuries for the SSC when they played Madras and Baroda on their tour of India in 1945. Again the Ceylon Cricket Association’s trip to Madras to play South India in January 1947 was a triumphant occasion: Sri Lanka scored 521 for 7 with Sathasivam playing what many considered to be the finest innings ever seen at the Chepauk grounds up to that date, 215 runs in 248 minutes; and then dismissed the local side for 197 and 200, with RL de Kretser (off spin) and LE de Zoysa (right arm leg spin) as the main destroyers.
Ghulam Ahmed’s evaluation of Satha undoubtedly developed from his encounters with him on some of these occasions.

Fun and Games

Satha, as he was widely known, was also a superb ballroom dancer. In personality and panache, he had so much in common with such cricketers as Sobers, Denis Compton and Keith Miller – both on field and off the field. These were young men about town, virile playboys, each a debonair Don Juan with a taste for wine, women and song. Legends grow around such men.

Neville de Silva picks up on one of these stories when he speaks of gallivanting Satha going out to bat and making a century after a night out on the town. His purpose, alas, seems to be a celebration of the generation yesteryear and a belittling of the players today. Though I played cricket with Neville, I do not share this attitude and, indeed, take exception to the disparaging tone of his essay and the whimsical insertion of irrelevant matter such as the con-job engineered by a Lankan handball team who beat the immigration laws to reach Germany. But that is of less importance than the issue at stake.
The issue of discipline and fitness among cricketers must necessarily attend to differences in each era and its expectations. In the 1930s and 1940s cricketers had more leeway in their off-field activities and were not under public scrutiny to the same degree as recent times. No more so than in Ceylon those days where the game was an amateur and elitist pastime.

Again, while old-timers and young pups may argue about the comparative batting and bowling skills of stars of the 1940s and those of 2004 till the cows go home, I believe that there is one field within which, on average, today’s cricketers stand head and shoulders above those of the 1940s: that of fielding. True, there were natural athletes (Learie Constantine say) who were mercurial fielders. But the average level of athleticism and fine-honed skills revealed today surely exceeds that of the average cricketer of bygone days. It is because of this standard of excellence that critics frown on excessive drinking and fornication in the midst of a match.

One could, of course, make an argument for fornication in moderation with a regular lover as being helpful to sportsmen and women. I go further: I affirm that it is as beneficial as exhilarating. One can be rendered purring-satisfied in ways that enable a calm focus towards the fresh task at hand or, alternatively, one can be fired up for the new day. But a night-full (serially or otherwise) probably generates exhaustion. I have no experience in the booze field as I dislike the stuff, but I suspect that it is broadly true to say that excessive drinking slows the reflexes in the same manner as marijuana smoking. And as for hard drugs, I gather they do dull/skew the senses.

So one must attend to the legends about playboys Satha, Sobers, Miller and others with some measure of reservation. Apocryphal tales are selective. They omit those moments when a night of revelry led to a dismal performance as cricketer. And especially as fielder. On the authority of a Barbadian friend, Joe Hoad, who played with Sobers, I am ready to grant that that guy’s reflexes were so extraordinary that his fielding may not have suffered much after an all-night binge. But Satha? I suspect that he was a prima donna on the field, given to laziness even on the best days. [And subsequently Neville Jayaweera has confirmed this speculation: “Satha was a hopeless fielder, never chased a ball, dropped catches and all because for most of the time he was drunk.”] So, his all-night revelry compounded his tendency to let his team down on the field.

With the cricketer of today, whether Joe Bloggs or Joe Perera, therefore, cricket lovers have the right to demand moderation and discipline in extra-curricular activities. Too much is at stake nowadays. The libertarianism of yesteryear does not prevail to the same extent.

Ironies of Circumstance

In a controversial decision the Ceylon Cricket Association selected Sathasivam of the Tamil Union to lead the All-Ceylon XI when Bradman’s team of Invincibles played a one-day whistle-stop game on 30 March 1948 when their P & O liner paused at Colombo as it vended its way to England. F C de Saram of the Sinhalese Sports Club was senior to Sathasivam and had been expected to lead. The contretemps and repercussions surrounding this decision is another story.

The story I relate is of a different order. Five years later, when Lindsay Hassett’s team played All-Ceylon on 30 March 1953 while enroute to England, the captain was F C de Saram. And what of Satha? He was in jail charged with murdering his wife.

Let me assure readers that Sathasivam was not the culprit. Indeed, he was acquitted and subsequent events have confirmed that it was a domestic servant named William who had been responsible – he committed another murder. Grapevine gossip suggests that the police authorities led by Sir Richard Aluvihare were directed by tunnel-vision. The thick respectability and prudery of middle class society at that time, a mixture of Victorian Puritanism and Buddhist reformism, encouraged some vengeful blindness. Satha had penetrated so many bedrooms that high society looked askance at the man.

There are other asides to this tale however. Australian journalists travelled with their team to cover the Ashes. Fingleton had been one of the journalists who watched the Don and Satha toss the coin in 1948. He was present in Colombo in 1953 as well. And he had the savvy to discover that Satha was in jail and to insert this fact into his match report (see Roberts & James Crosscurrents, 1998, p. 83).

Fingleton could not have foreseen a supreme irony: that the Ceylon captain in 1953 would also be jailed. F C de Saram had been a senior officer in the Army for some part of his adult life; and after he transferred to the Army Reserves as a civilian he was drafted into military service during the troubled times of the early 1960s when the government had declared emergency rule as part of its struggle against the agitations of the Left. F C de Saram then became one of the leaders in a military coup d’etat in January 1961– as a segment of the elitist English-educated classes attempted to turn back the trend of populist nationalism which had brought the reins of government into forces representing Sinhala linguistic nationalism. Well, this coup was aborted at the eleventh hour because a leak (and what else could one expect in Ceylon!) disclosed their plans. F C was man enough to say mea culpa. So he spent the best part of the 1960s in jail till a legal technicality of the same order as the Bali trials in Djakarta and the Privy Council of UK’s diktat saved his bacon (literally for FC liked his bacon and eggs).

This must surely be a record worthy of book of Guinness or, maybe, many pints in many an Irish pub. Two Ceylon captains who had the privilege of leading their country against the famous Australian cricketers both ended up in jail. Cheers mate

Dennis Ebert - A policeman of many parts By Premasara Epasinghe

Frederick Dennis Austin Ebert, popularly known as Dennis Ebert, is an amazing, versatile, sportsman, produced by one of the leading seats of learning in Sri Lanka - Wesley College, Colombo. Domiciled in Australia, I met him while he was holidaying in Sri Lanka on balmy evening a few day ago.
He represented Wesley College - in five sport disciplines - Cricket, Athletics, Hockey, Tennis and Table Tennis. Later, he joined the Police and excelled as an outstanding sportsman.
Master-Blaster of Wesley - 1949-1951
Ebert was a "Master-Blaster". As a schoolboy, he represented Wesley First XI from 1949 to 1951. The year 1950 can be considered as a "Golden Year" for Dennis Ebert, and Wesley. He became a "Batting Machine" and won the Batting Prize. The Team included Classen Brothers - Brian & Radley and Ansar Fuard - elder brother of Sri Lanka cricketer Abu Fuard.
Score board tick like - a Taxi-meter
When, Dennis occupies the crease, the score-board ticks like a Taxi-meter. Against Kingswood College, he scored a power-packed 107 runs, which included 07 massive towering sixes and 14 fours (98 runs in boundaries) made in 65 minutes. In 1950, he was the only Wesleyite to represent the continued school team, against the mighty Colts CC led by that great cricketer and fine sporstman Tita Nathanielez. This Combined College XI, included former St. Peter's College and Lecestershire cricketer - Clive Inman.
Inman scored only 12 runs in this match. Ebert top scored with swashbucking quick-fire 69 runs. He deposited a ball over the ropes to Park Road, off Nathenielez, a catapulet fast bowler of Ceylon at that era.
Late Lakshman Kadirgamar
"I was deeply shocked, when I heard the news, that Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated. He was a gentleman and a fine human being. I still remember Kadir, as the opening bowler and opening bat, when he played for Trinity and led the team admirably.
In this encounter against his team, I scored 65 runs. Kadir who opened batting and bowling scored 22 and took 2 for 24", stated Ebert.
Champion athlete
Apart from cricket Ebert, excelled as a champion Athlete in 1950. He won the Javeline Throw Event in the first ever Public School Athletic championship and won Public school athletic colours and Wesley College colours. In the year 1950, he won the prestigious Best-All round Sportsman Prize at Wesley.
Family background Born on 10th June 1932, Ebert hails from a highly respectable family. His father was Alec Ebert, surveyor, and mother Sheela Ebert. She was a "leading light in Education".
She served as the Head-Mistress of Zahira College, Maradana under the renowned, reputed Educationists T. B. Jayah and Amuan Aziz. Further, she served at Gampola Zahira, under Bad-ud-din Mahamud, the former Minister of Education. She retired from St. John's College, Nugegoda.
Ebert married Marlene in 1955. They are blessed with a daughter. Her name is Cara. The two sons are Ross and Randell.
Today, this happy "Grandpa" have five grandchildren ranging from four years to twenty five years.
Aubrey Ebert
Dennis has four brothers. the eldest Rayan. His other brothers are Aubrey was a cricketer and more a boxer at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia.
Later, he became a reputed internationally recognised cricket commentator and broadcaster, from 1960-1970. I had the honour of commentating with him for many years. Presently, he is in Australia.
Batting Star - Lorensz Then, the fourth one Lorensz was a fine product of Wesley. He was a "Batting Star" in 1957/1958.
Like Dennis, he too, played in the combined school XI, under Michael Tissera against Holkar's Cricket Team from India. Lorensz scored a polished 89 runs. He too migrated to Australia, and played club cricket in Victoria along with Bill Lawry. Youngest in the family is Jeromy.
Coached by "Satha" at Junior level
As a Junior Cricketer, Dennis was coached by no lesser person than late M. Sathasivam distinguished Weslite and the best batsman produced in Ceylon before Sri Lanka gained test status.
Senior coach Alban Fernando
Later, Alban - A.V. Fernando, the reputed sports journalist coached him in the First XI.
An incident that's etchers in his mind was the Richmond-Wesley Match played at Galle in 1950. "I was determined to score in this match as my cousin brother Donald Joseph was captaining Richmond. Before, I reached double figures, I was given out - caught behind by the famous umpire Dodwell de Zoysa, who was considered as number one at that time.
I was trying to glance a ball going away from my leg-stump. The ball brushed the strap of my pad protruding out. De Soysa, thought, it was off-my bat, he gave marching orders to me.
I immediately, walked away for Galle pavilion. During the tea break, this great highly respected umpire walked into our dressing room and told me "Son, I am sorry". During our era, we played the game hard. We always respected the umpires "the custodians of the game." This is something the present day cricketers should learn and follow. Cricket is a philosophy and a way of life.
You must be disciplined, and you must always respect you parents, teachers and seniors. We still respect our teachers and superiors", stated Ebert.
Some of his contemporaries who played with him, were Classen Brothers - Brian and Radley, Mack Brothers - Derik and Spencer, Herbie Felisinger, S. Mustafer (wicket-keeper) Ansar Fuard, Luckey Abeywardane to name a few.
Joins Police
Ebert, joined the police as a sub-inspector in 1952. He served the police for 17 years. He is one of the finest police officers who served in outstations as well as in Colombo. He was an honest officer and a man of highest integrity.
He was an ornament to police. He was an outstanding sportsman. He is pleasant, charming and a fine human being.
"While I was playing in a club match, as a schoolboy, the Director Police Training School, that fine sportsman Sydney De Soysa was a keen spectator. I scored a quick-fine 50. He came and congratulated me and asked me whether, I like to join police as a sub-inspector. This was a god send for me. I joined the police in 1952" stated Ebert.
Outstanding sportsman in police
"I excelled as an Athlete and as a cricketer in police. I held the Javeline Title at the police on three occasions. Further, I clinched the government service title too" quipped Dennis Ebert.
He represented the Police Cricket Team for number of years with distinction. In the Army-Police cricket encounter, Dennis Ebert and Thiru Kadirgamar established a new-record for the last-wicket with an alliance of 122 runs. I scored 69 not out. Army Cricket Team was led by maestro Col. F.C. De Seram. We scored 207 runs.
"The Army was sitting pretty at one stage score-board reading 130 for 02 wickets. Right arm paceman, Bianz De Vaz returned the figures of 05 for 46 and destroyed the Army. This match was the Big-clash played at the Police Park Grounds. "I enjoyed every bit of cricket I played in Sri Lanka. I was so fortunate to play with great police players such as Solomon Gunatilake, L.M.P. De Silva, T.B. Werapitiya, Vernon Prins, Niel Weerasinghe, Malcolm Spitel, Hubert Bagot, H.C. Perera, stated Ebert.
T.B. Werapitiya - at brilliant best
Ebert's "finest hour", "the hour of glory" in cricket, dawned when the Police Team toured India in 1958. The Police Cricket Team was led by that great cricketer cum cricket administrator (President BCCSL) par excellence, Trinity Lion and University of Ceylon Cricketer former Deputy Minister & late T.B. Werapitiya. He collected a fine, chanceless, polished 120 runs. It was a gem of an innings. "I supported him, concentrated a lot and remained unbeaten with 36 not out.
Highlights of his police career
For him the police life was fantastic and a challenging one. When, Dennis Ebert was attached to Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D.), he served as the Bodyguard to Governor General Sir Oliver Gunatileke, another distinguished old boy from Wesley. He served in the capacity for nearly six months, in 1959, after the assassination of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike - Prime Minister. During the non-aligned conference, Dennis Ebert, served as the Body-guard to Marshall Tito of Yugoslavia. Then, he was a member of the team of investigation into the attempted "Coup d'etat" in 1962.
Further, he served with distinction as the OIC of police stations at Ahangama, Bandaragama, Wadduwa, OIC Crimes at Wellampitiya, Welikada and Vice Squad, Mirihana. After serving for 17 years in the police, he retired and migrated to Australia.
"After settling down in Australia, firstly I served in the Australian Police Department for a couple of years. Then, I joined the British Petroleum Company and later joined the world renowned General Motor Company as a controller in the Finance Division and retired.

Wesley Cricket 2006 by Reemus Fernando

Wesley has been the cradle to many national cricketers in its halcyon days. Having produced dynamic cricketers for the national side of the calibre of M. Sathasivam, Brian Claessen and L. Gunatillake in the pre-test era and having turned out test material like those of Maharoof in recent times, the college has established a name for itself for generating quality players. Current first xi team of the Campbell Place College, skippered by Charitha Karunarathne, is yet another formidable Wesley out fit to continue the rich tradition of Wesley’s history.

During their bad weather hampered third term matches, Wesley recorded their first outright victory beating Sri Jayawardenapura College and almost registered another win against Isipatana. Wesley had to be content with a first innings win against Isipatana when bad light stopped the match with Wesley needing 10 runs with enough overs left and wickets in hand.

Though inclement weather conditions hindered Wesley performance, a dynamic coach in Danesh Dissanayake and a veteran MiC in Nimal de Silva who is treated as a father figure in the school have been providing the youngsters the necessary drive to stand up against all odds and gain first innings lead on more than one occasion in their encounters. Nimal de Silva has been nurturing Wesley cricket for over 27 years and his coach Danesh Dissanayake who is a banking graduate from Monash University, Australia completed his first year as the Wesley coach.

Among the leading performers of Wesley is the captain Charitha Karunaratne, who accumulated over 500 runs last season. The left handed Karunaratne, in his fifth year, in the side, is one of the experienced campaigners. He really became the heartbeat of the side when he scored a splendid 116 ball 114 to help Wesley pile up 315 runs against S. Thomas and guide the side to obtain a first innings lead over the Thomians at the last week-end. If he strikes form then Wesley will be a real threat to any opponent. While strengthening the batting line-up he also contributes with his right arm off spinners.

Karunaratne’s abilities as a batsman are complemented by several others. Vice captain Anoj Katipearachchi and Sachindra Rupasinghe have opened together on a regular basis and they are followed by Shakthi Siriratne, Avishka Liyanage and Ryan Kern.

The fourth year coloursman Anoj Katipearachchi, who missed half of the last season due to injuries, proved his batting ability in the 2004 season when he aggregated a total of over 800 runs. He has found touch for the season and has notched his highest score (93) in their match against St. Benedict’s. Left hander Sachindra Rupasinghe, who opens batting with Katipearachchi, scored over 400 runs last season and he too is a reliable batsman.

The fourth year player Shakthi Siriratne who captained their Under-17 team is developing to be one of the future prospects for Wesley. The right hander has accumulated over 250 runs this season and is a good fielder. Wicket-keeper batsman Avishka Liyanage undoubtedly was the most successful batsman for Wesley during the last season. While captaining the side he scored over 900 runs during the last season. This year he has accumulated over 300 runs which includes 3 half centuries. Right hand batsman Rabindranath Mathusuthan is the reserve wicket keeper for the side.

Third year players Lahiru Fernando, Ryan Kern and Ishan Jayaratne and second year player Heshan Gomes are the all-rounders who strengthen the middle order bating line-up.

With the new ball, Wesley relies heavily on the skills of third year players Ryan Kern and Ishan Jayaratne. Both are right arm pacies and the latter was adjudged the best bowler in their annual Royal-Wesley encounter last year. The Wesley seam attack includes not only all-rounders Ryan Kern and Ishan Jayaratne, but also Anoj Katipearachchi, Dilan Marasinghe and Sachindra Rupasinghe all of them right arm medium pacies.

Third year coloursman and left arm spinner Taariq Naziar is another slow bowler that Wesley looks to for both control and penetration, while another left-armer, Thilina Abeysekara toughens the spin department. Naziar took over 40 wickets last season and has taken over 15 wickets during this season. Right arm spinners Dinith de Silva and Lahiru Fernando are also dependable spinners.

Freshers Geoffrey Vandersay, Gavin Schubert, Shane Sammandapperuma, Chinthaka Yapa Bandara, Nuzky Nazir and Dulanjana Wijesinghe who captained the Under-15 side are the rest of the Wesley outfit.

Seated from left: Shakthi Siriratne, Avishka Liyanage, Anoj Katipearachchi (V. Cap), Charitha Karunaratne (Captain), Taariq Naziar, Ryan Kern

Standing from left: Geoffrey Vandersay, Heshan Gomes, Lahiru Fernando, Shane Sammandapperuma, Ishan Anjana Jayaratne, Chinthaka Yapa Bandara, Dinith De Silva, Sachindra Rupasinghe, Nuzky Nazir, Dilan Marasinghe, Thilina Abeysekara, Dulanjana Wijesinghe, Gavin Schubert and Rabindranath Mathusuthan. (Pix by Nishan S Priyantha)

A decade's partnerships between OWSC and CCS by - Richard Dwight
Ten years is a fair slice in the life of any institution, all this and more annually, was given unstintingly by Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) as sole sponsors of the Old Wesleyites Sports Clubs (OWSC) Schools Six-a-Side Cricket Tournament. The tenth of which commences on Saturday October 12 and ends on Sunday 13 at the Wesley College grounds.
The 62 year old OWSC with the generous assistance of CCS, has done well to maintain this tournament without interruptions since its inception in 1993. Viewed in the context of Clubs managed by old boys of other schools, this sustained partnership between the OWSC and CCS, to score in the name and cause of school Cricket is, whilst being exemplary also a rare achievement indeed. Since it is a landmark event in the annals of the Club, it does merit a brief narrative here. Right at the outset, without any reservation it must be said, that this tournament was the brainchild of former Wesley Cricketer, Eric Gauder, who is also a sports promoter, a radio and TV Commentator.

The thinking at that time, was that there should be a tournament with a difference. Unlike the league and limited over games conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association - it was to be a competition that will bring about 25 to 30 schools teams from different parts of the island, to converge on the Wesley College grounds for a duration of two days.

The main aim of this farsighted exercise was, whilst promoting healthy rivalry to also foster a spirit of camaraderie, bonhomie and afford opportunities for fellowship - especially with the young in mind from lesser known schools in the different district. For the OWSC held the view, that no longer is sports confined to the Urban areas only, but as well to the rural and village of our country. It is with this uppermost in mind that the Club sought to provide exposure for young cricketers, who will be the future stars of Sri Lanka.

Seen in all its entirety, it did not take long for the President of the OWSC, Prof. Mahroof Ismail and the Committee, with the all important financial assistance from Ceylon Cold Stores as sponsors, to appoint Gauder as the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the inaugural OWSC's Schools Six-a-Side Cricket tournament that was held on the College grounds on the 25th and 26th of September 1993. Daunting as the challenge was, members of the Committee spearheaded by Gauder and motivated by President Ismail rose to the occasion to relentlessly work in pursuit of success, which the tournament achieved in great measure to the satisfaction of all.

The salient features of this first ever tournament, was that it was meticulously planned and well executed. There were the billboards, buntings and banners that gave it a festive air, with the decorative school tents, which proved attractive enough. From the point of co-ordination, things were worked off in slick precision in keeping with a tight schedule, which was very salutary. The College prefects and the marshals looking ever so impressive, liaised with the teams and yet other officials on their walkie - talkies. There was no shortage for food and drink, with Elephant House chipping in, not forgetting the toilet facilities for the many who flocked on to the grounds. And to cap it all on the final day there was the colourful awards ceremony that witnessed the entire committee smartly dressed for the occasion.

There was undoubtedly much finesse and style in the way in which this major undertaking was executed. Needless to say that it lifted the stature of both the Club, as well as the tournament, with Radio and TV coverage too. So much so that through the years, it has become a much looked forward to, increasingly popular event for many. Heartening it was, that in the year 1994 a team from Maldives in Majeediya School came down to take part. It was touching as well, in keeping with the them 'Peace for all' that in 1998 with the help of the Army and Lion ir, three teams from the North/East in, a combined schools team from Jaffna, Methodist Central College from Batticaloa and R. K. M. Hindu College from Trincomalee were here to participate.

Two Principals of the College, viz. Dunstan Fernando and N A B Fernando, in accord with their respective periods of office, lent patronage to the tournament. The present principal M A P Fernando who is a keen promoter of Sports at Wesley, is a source of encouragement to the OWSC and is very supportive of the Six-a-Side Cricket competition. The Presidents of the OWSC, who were associated with the tournament during their tenure in office were Prof. Mahroof Ismail, Denzil Perera, Lucky Gunetilleke and Capt. Navin de Silva. The current President Tyronne Maye has been involved with this tournament from last year, in his official capacity. The Chairman of the Organising Committee from the inception of tournament in 1993 to the year 2000 was Eric Gauder. The present Chairman of the Organising Committee, is former Wesley Cricket Captain Sunil Fernando, who also steered last year's tournament as Chairman. Sunil also played cricket for the Colts Cricket Club and a Mercantile firm. He has sufficient experience in organizing Six-a-Side tournaments, having done so for the Tea Shippers tournament for quite some time.

Those who have assisted the tournament at different intervals from the Ceylon Cold Stores, the sponsors are M. D. Sumithra Gunasekera, Directors Billy Walpola, and Laksiri Wickremage Managers Nalin Jayasuriya, Ashan Wanduragala, Neil Samarasinghe, National Sales Manager. Billy Walpola and Ashan Wanduragala, have been very keen followers of the progress made by the OWSC in relation to the tournament. The adjudicators at these competitions have been past Sri Lankan Cricketers, while the umpires doing duty have been picked from the panel of Sri Lankan Umpires.

The Champions at this year's tournament will receive the Lemonade trophy, with individual awards for eight members, while the runner-ups will be presented with individual awards for eight members. There will in addition be special awards for the Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder and Man of the Tournament. The past champions of this tournament winning the Lemonade Trophy were 1993 Royal, 1994 Kalutara MV, 1995 Thurstan, 1996 Nalanda, 1997 Prince of Wales, 1998 Nalanda, 1999 St. Josephs, 2000 Nalanda, 2001 Royal.

May this partnership between OWSC and CCS in the next ten years, be even more brighter than the past ten years.

Fifty years of Rugby at Wesley by Keith De Kretser
Some of you may not know that Wesley celebrates 50 years of Rugby Union this year. In recent years we have been a formidable force beating the traditional stronger schools convincingly and putting on consistent competitive performances on the field. To celebrate this milestone, Navin de Silva is chairing a committee that has arranged an invitational 7 a-side tournament over the weekend 23rd and 24th September with a formal dinner at the Transasia Hotel on the 24th after the conclusion of the tournament.
I have arranged for Bob Dwyer the famous Wallaby and International Coach to attend the tournament and present the awards as well as being the Guest Speaker at the Dinner. Loyal Old Wesleyite and former rugby player Mike Siebel has sponsored Bob’s fees and the organising team in Colombo have arranged his travel and accommodation.
It would be great to capture the memories of the past 50 years by former players putting down their thoughts on paper. Not like our cricket history, rugby was always been in the background. There are many old boys around the globe who donned the double blue hooped jersey, put on the “Win it” boots and played “the game they play in heaven”.
Here is what you have to do:
In 200 words(if more may be edited) put down your reflections on the game(particular matches), the players, teachers, coaches, incidents, the personalities. If you have photos send them in scanned. – Names of players that represented the leading Clubs in Sri Lanka (1st XV) e.g. CR & FC but not the CR Bees and those that represented Sri Lanka .
It is all about leaving a legacy for the future and in comparison to Wesley’s cricket history which is well chronicled Rugby Union needs to raise its profile.
I will collate all the responses and put together a portfolio for the organising committee in SL. Please send the responses to me by 4th September to my email:
keithdek@bigpond.net.au
Pass this on to other Wesley Rugby players not on the email lists.
Some names come to mind:
Sin Sen, Y C Chang, She Hung, Ma Hung, Asoka Jayawardena, “Kalu” Cassim Cader, Rehez and Shiraz Ahlip, Iqbal Musafer, Tariq Bongso, Bashur Musafer, Shafique Wahab, Cavern Gauder, Roger Koch, Bentley Barsenbach(Coach).

REFLECTIONS - BASHUR MUSAFER
During my short stay in Sri Lanka recently I had the opportunity of witnessing the Wesley-Kingswood encounter at the Royal College grounds. I was disappointed that the match ended in a 16 all draw .It was a match that Wesley dominated in the first half and should have won, but was lucky enough not to lose in the second half. Wesley lost their scrum half who was sin binned and lost the momentum and advantage it had. However I was happy that the standard of rugby at Wesley has vastly improved and that Wesley is now a force to reckon with in the school rugby scene.

It has taken us a very long time to achieve this goal and our thanks should go to the persistence and efforts of those old Wesleyites, old ruggerites, coaches, well- wishers, supporters and those who played the game at college, as they all kept the dream alive that that Wesley could excel at rugby, this dream has come alive as we celebrate 50 years of rugby. From this point onwards we should not relent or step down from the pedestal we are now in. We should aspire to move to the pinnacle of school rugby.

It is my sincerest wish that those future players who don the double blue jersey will represent the school with pride and strive hard to play the game with a strong determination and dedication to bring honour and recognition to Wesley. They should also have the ultimate aspiration to represent Sri Lanka. This was something never conveyed to us. Inspite of all the shortcomings of rugby at Wesley we have over the few years had some representation in the Sri Lankan teams. It would be unfair to name any as I would be be doing an injustice to those who represented Sri Lanka in the last 50 years and whom I don’t know .I am sure that rugby has done better than cricket in this instance.

Recalling rugby in the 60’s it was just another game that Wesley played .It was a game I played as a last resort having played soccer and hockey with the one game rule prevalent at that time. Rugby practices were conducted in any corner of Campbell park and one day I joined the likes of Sin Sen ,the Chang brothers, the Christofelsz brothers ,Jardi de Silva and a host of others at practice .Given the ball and not keen to be tackled I proved to be too slippery for Jardi who sort of welcomed me to the game played in Heaven.

My first match was against the CR Cossacks at Longden Place is a match I will not forget as when I ran into the ground I did not know where to take my place as an inside centre. I was not a follower of rugby and hardly seen a rugby match. We had no coach and hardly new the basics.
There were no lessons as to how to tackle or pass the ball. We were lucky if there was more than one ball available for practices. Physical fitness was probably a few rounds around the park. Rarely did we have the full use of the grounds for practices as a XV. Inspite of our inexperience we won the match and it proved to be the start of a game that was the major part of my sporting career for the next fourteen years.

It was customary for the players to assist with the marking of the grounds and the erection of the goal posts (Arecanut trees). The playing area was near the prison end and ran across part of the cricket pitch .It was enough to acc