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Wesley College Sri Lanka - Cricket Articles
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.
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. 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 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.
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Wesley cricket 50 years ago - a spectators view by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera In those days without television, mobile phones and video games cricket provided the entertainment and pumped up the adrenaline. We played softball cricket before school started, during the intervals, after school and at weekends. When there were no proper wickets- tree trunks, suitcases or black lines scribbled on a wall became perfect substitutes. Any space became our “oval”. We kept the ball low most of the time but occasionally hit a six and broke the neighbours window. When we were not playing cricket we talked and dreamed about it. Such was the strength of feeling for the game. I joined the boarding in 1952. Then in the hostel everyone played cricket. Watching the school matches at Campbell Park was a ritual never to be missed. Although 50 years have passed I have vivid memories of some of those matches and the stresses and strain that accompanied them. Campbell Park is named after Sir GWR Campbell who was responsible for starting a “modern” Police Force in Ceylon in 1844. He retired in 1891. This was later the grounds of the Tamil Union Sports Club until 1943 when Mr.PH Nonis acquired it for Wesley College. Campbell Park is divided into 4 quadrants by 2 cycle paths. Wesley lay claim to the northern quadrant. The southern quadrant became the grounds of the popular Bloomfield Cricket Club. Campbell Park was our amphitheatre. The Wesleyites, old boys and well wishes line up on the Campbell Place side and the visitors were on the opposite side. We had the old pavilion then with the metal railings. The entire pavilion had the unmistakable smell of linseed oil. That was Wilbert’s domain and us little boys were promptly and ruthlessly escorted out of the building . We had a matting wicket then and a small score board maintained by present boys. The tennis and basket ball courts and the sand pit for high jump were all part of the scene. Our metal sight screen was unusual as most school had cloth screens that ballooned in the breeze. The Principals CJ Oorloff or PH Nonis was seen seated in the pavilion on a Saturday afternoon with prominent Old Boys like DS Wijemanne and Terence De Zilwa enjoying the game and taking part in the tea and cakes. It was Mr.Oorloff who decreed we close early on a Friday afternoon to encourage students to support the school. The tall Andara hedge that separated Campbell Place from the park had a well used passage to creep through. A “short cut” as we called it. On a visit to the Park in 2000 I saw the changes to the scenery since my time. I will always remember it as it was in the 50’s. In January we could buy from the school bookstall a blue folding card of cricket fixtures for 10 cents (without any advertisements!!). In the 1st Term ( Lent Term) we played St.Thomas’, Royal, St.Joseph’s, St.Peter’s, Trinity, Ananda, Richmond and Kingswood and in the Christmas Term we played Prince of Wales, St.Benedicts, Maris Stella Negombo and Carey College. The school matches started at 12 noon on both Fridays and Saturdays when each side played 2 innings. The ritual began when the team was announced at Friday assembly and we sang the College song. The season started in January with the so called easier matches against Kingswood and Richmond . To watch the games we assembled in large numbers under the massive trees that surrounded the grounds. Singing and chanting waving the school flag was part of the fun. Zam Zam Zaky and the school song broke out spontaneously. When the going was good drums appeared with the more rhythmic tunes like the bailas were in full swing. Mr.LA Fernando often rallied the troops to sing and support the school. When wickets fell we sang “What’s the matter minor matter”. Often as the afternoon wore on the concentration was intense and the stress levels high . To take a break we sometimes walked back to the hostel for some refreshments. I can still remember the tall, dark, slim figure of Mr. Eric Gunasekera then in the evening of his life and partially blind waiting at his gate for news of the matches. We always stopped to greet and relay the events at Campbell Park. Alerics and Piccadilly Ice cream vans, with their engines humming ,did good business on those days as well as the Achcharu ladies and GRAM sellers ( a paper cone of roasted peanuts cost 5cents). To be a 1st eleven cricketer at Wesley was a great honour. They were placed on a pedestal and were greatly respected by all. Despite their teenage years they received this adulation with poise and dignity. Much can be said about the discipline and training at Wesley which helped to produce such men of modesty and valour. Cricket in those days was played by gentleman. Umpires word was law. We congratulated the opponents’ achievements in the field. We walked away when we felt it was out though the umpires did not see . The spectators dissent and applause was confined to areas beyond the boundary. No streakers, foul language or efforts to intimidate the batsman at the crease. When we lost though crest fallen and frustrated clapped the opponents back to the pavilion. Those injured in the heat of the battle were comforted by the captain of the opposite side. My generation grew up with peace. This gentlemanly behaviour on the pitch merely reflected the peaceful and chivalrous times of our youth. In the 21st century these seem rather tame as the cricketers have given up being gentleman for the high stakes they play for The 1950’s were the vintage years of cricket at Wesley. 1950-51 DBC Mack captained the team. I was a “day scholar” then and being 7 years old had no opportunity to see the cricket. 1952 and 53 were the Claessen years when Radley and then Bryan captained the teams. The hostile bowling of MN Samsudeen and the Claessen brothers and the aggressive batting of Bryan C and Patrick Schockman brought us tremendous success. In those days the barometer of success was the performance against St.Thomas’, Royal and St.Joseph’s. It is my impression that in 1951 and 52 we were placed 2nd in the league table and were unbeaten. The team was as follows: 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. Most of us regard heroes of our youth as the greatest we have seen. I have never seen a better schoolboy batsman than Lou Adhihetty. But I do not think there was anyone in that period more exciting than Bryan Claessen, or a finer all-rounder than Ansar Fuard. There were very few better fast bowlers than LR Goonetilleke. I must say it was exceedingly difficult for me to select these cricketers from the vast galaxy of exceptional talent we have had over the years. When successful against St Thomas or Royal at home we marched in a large group to the Principal’s porch chanting “Monday holiday” and it was usually granted to our utter delight. When matches were played away in Colombo we never missed them. When we played St.Thomas’ away it was a long trek to Mt Lavinia. The red Leyland double deckers of the CTB had a direct route to Ratmalana via Bullers Road and Galle Road. We caught the bus opposite our school gate and got off at the beginning of Hotel Road walking the short distance to the school. St Thomas’ was established in 1862 and had the most impressive buildings with large tall grey Greco-Roman columns. They had beautifully laid out gardens. I couldn’t say the same of their breezy turf wicket by the sea which was a cemetery for visiting teams. They have always had good cricketers and strong teams. Royal College came into being in January 1835 as a private school christened "The Hill Street Academy" and was situated at Hill Street Wolfendhal. They moved to the present site next door to the University in 1923. It was a shorter journey to the Reid Avenue turf which was the Royal College grounds. On many occasions I had preferred to watch from beyond Reid Avenue fence which gave a panoramic view of the red brick school, the pavilion and the action in the middle. St. Peters grounds at Bambalapitiya was again a turf pitch. They had an elegant Pavilion built on a hill overlooking the turf. The “Bambalawatte boys” gathered in their hundreds with their Brylcreemed Elvis Presley hair, speaking their own brand of pigeon English. The Wellawatte canal wasn’t far away and the smell of stagnant water was ever present. We could see in the distance the tall chimney of the Wellawatte Spinning and Weaving Mills bellowing thick black smoke. St.Joseph’s College was started in 1896. Their matting at Darley Road has been the site of many battles between our 2 schools. I recall the swimming pool end and the pavilion end. The school had impressive large buildings built around the grounds. The high dome of their Chapel is breathtakingly beautiful. Whenever we won at Darley Road we had to evade the hostile Maradana crowd for whom it was more than a game of cricket. Many stories existed why we didn’t play Ananda. I do not know the basis for the story of skulduggery and poor sportsmanship but they have always been formidable opponents. This match was resumed in 1956 and was played at the Nalanda grounds just next door to us. This made the contest rather fierce both for the cricketers and spectators. It was the personal pride at stake and we didn’t want to lose to our neighbours. Our hostellers just crossed the small park and jumped the fence running down the steep hill to the Nalanda grounds. The match against Kingswood was played at Randles Hill, Trinty at Asgiriya and Richmond at the Galle Esplanade. Bespectacled Mr. AV Fernando our coach and Edmund Dissanayake , the master in charge were familiar figures in the pavilion planning our strategy. Bryan Claessen was a hero and I still remember him acknowledging the adulation of the boys. He went on to represent Ceylon as a schoolboy. His gyratory bowling action and the vicious spin brought us exceedingly good results. The team also had two hosteller – Arthlow Chapman and Neil Gallagher both stylish batsman who provided some fine entertainment for the spectators putting the opponents to the sword. Ansar Fuard captained in 1954. His aggressive batting and accurate bowling helped to turn matches round in our favour. Ansar and Abu followed the footsteps of their father who captained in 1915. Ansar was an astute captain and was ably assisted by his brother’s fine off spin bowling to complete a very successful year. Abu later went on to play for Ceylon and also became an influential member of the Selection Committee. The tragic death of Hermon Claessen in a motor cycle accident was the biggest blow to Wesley cricket during my time. He was a fine all round cricketer. 1955-56 were the Lou Adhihetty years. He was a great alrounder who brought honour to himself and the school. Lou’s name appeared in the national papers regularly for his fine performances with the bat and ball. Wesley was fortunate to have an old boy- Christie Seneviratne as a sports journalist who wrote under the pseudonym “Wrong’un”. He gave us good exposure when we deserved it. The cricket coverage in the daily papers were full of clichés. “Rain stops play”, “Benedictines skittled for 65 runs”, “Tame Draw at Darley Road”. “Royal routed for 89 runs”. Any Tournament was called a Tourney!! We are fortunate to have Richard Dwight as a Sports Journalist to help keep our flag flying. Cricket in Sri Lanka is played in the dry season January to April being so dependent on good weather. I recall the many times watching the game in the blistering heat of the mid day sun with perspiration dripping from every pore. There have been times when the whole game has got washed off by a sudden burst of bad weather. This was indeed a great disappointment for us all. I remember the times when I have prayed for rain when our team was losing !! There is nothing more heartbreaking than to see a winning team robbed of victory by a quirk of nature. To have the better team isn't enough to win matches but good fortune must shine on them too. Wesley never had a big match. Seeing the fun at the Royal Thomian , Josephian-Peterite and Ananda -Nalanda matches we felt left out. I remember asking Mr. LA Fernando why we don’t have one and he said with a murky smile “all our matches are big matches”. There is some truth in it in the way we approach them. Once when A Peterite cricketer Vittachi was hit on the face by a Lou Adhihetty bouncer it dislodge a front tooth. I remember the confusion in the middle and his rapid exit to the General Hospital Colombo. Lou is presently in retirement in Switzerland. 1957 HL Juriansz, a hosteller captained cricket. I remember him as a thoroughly decent Wesleyite and a very popular captain. 1958-59 team was lead by Nalendra Abesuriya . He too was a hosteller with a large fan club. Being an alrounder Wesley had 2 very successful years under his leadership. He left school and entered “Planting” but ill health made him retire early. I was deeply saddened to hear that Abey, passed away in his early 40s leaving a young family. 1960 was captained by SR Sinniah another a cricketer of great ability. Another hosteller from Moscrop House. He presently lives in the UK and plays for our summer tournaments with the OBU. LR Goonetilleke must be our best bowler ever. His accurate left arm fast bowling broke the back of many school teams. He was subsequently selected to play for Sri Lanka. 1961 was D.Kodituwakku’s year as captain. This was the year of my University Entrance examination. I was busy putting in the hard work which prevented me from supporting our team with my usual enthusiasm. 1962 was captained by LCR Wijesinghe coached by BJH Bahar. It was a successful year and was one of our best years since the time of Lou Adhihetty. LCR was my classmate in the 6th form. After many decades I located him in The Emirates where he now works as a Metallurgist . He is unassuming, modest and immensely sensible. Kenneth De Silva who was a hosteller had his beginnings as a softball cricketer with us in the small park. He became a match winning all rounder in 1962. I still wonder how he managed to spin the ball so viciously with his tubby short fingers. He is now the prefect of Games at Wesley and a great asset to the College. Rodney Perera’s 101 against Richmond was a match winning performance. Sadly Rodney is with us no more. Milroy Bulner who was a valued member of the 1961 team too passed away in his 30’s . Following is the 1962 Cricket Team sent to me by LCR Wijesinghe. Lalith Wijesingha, Kenneth De Silva (v. capt) , Milroy Muthuvaloe , Darrel Maye ,Sarath Wickramaratne , Mervyn Hamer , Everard Schoorman , C.T Rodrigo ,RAK Perera Batcha Fuard , Milroy Jebarajah ,Priyanath Fernando, Campbell ( forget his first name) We played 8 matches , Lost the first match to St Peters' on the turf at Bambalapitiya, Drew with St Thomas' Mt Lavinia at Campbell Park, Won against Kingswood, Richmond, Trinity, St Josephs', Royal, & Ananda. The following are the highlights from my years at school. The long lists speaks for itself of those glorious times. Over 5 wickets in an innings
Over 8 wickets in an innings
Scorers of centuries
The enchantment of the cricket matches of my childhood still haunts me. At school Cricket was not only a game but a way of life. My lasting memory of cricket at Campbell Park is the sight of the setting sun behind All Saints Church and its lengthening shadows. As the bails were lifted we all departed discussing the ups and downs of the days play. Losing a match in those days was like the end of the world but we always bounced back. It was certainly a good training to face the peaks and troughs of our own lives. The songs we sang and the friends I made are etched deeply in my memory. After leaving school in April 1962- I went for some matches in the following year. The magic and the aura of this extraordinary spectacle seem to have gone not being an integral part of it anymore. Thereafter life got too complicated building my career. I never saw any matches at Wesley again. Ah! Those were the days. I dedicate these notes to the many Wesleyites who entertained us at cricket 1950-62 but have now departed this world. They have done us proud. Our heartfelt thanks posthumously to Wilbert, Cricket Coaches and the Masters in Charge of cricket in those years who made it all happen in the background while we sang and beat the drums beyond the boundary. May God Bless them all.. TEMPUS FUGIT Addendum by LCR Wijesinghe There are some incidents etched in one's memory and can be remembered to this day. Here are a few from some selected matches.
1961..........Wesley Vs St Thomas'......... This match was played at Mt Lavinia & Wesley was Captained by D Kodithuwakku. I cannot remember the details of the scores of both schools but I know I made a significant contribution with both bat & ball. I scored 60 runs and took 5 wkts in the innings & 6wkts in the second innings. The Thomian last pair of Tony Sirimanne & Selvadurai was at the wicket and I was bowling .Sirimanne drove the ball straight to Glen Reimers who was fieding at mid on & he grassed a relatively simple catch in the excitement. Sirimanne & Selvadurai held on for nearly one hour I guess , and saved St Thomas' and deprived Wesley of a historic win. I wish to pay a tribute to my Father who was one of my biggest supporters and never missed any of Wesley's home fixtures. I am sure you will recall that there were large crowds to witness Wesley matches those years ( specially if the side was successful) & I always used to spot my Father watching the from a particular point. May God Bless him 1962.............Wesley vs Trinity................ Wesley won this match in the fourth ball of the last over at Campbell Park. It was the last Trinity pair at the wicket and they determined to save the match & were stone walling the last overs whatever we managed to send down. I was not bowling during this period & decided to bowl the last over. The field was a very attacking one with a silly mid off & mid on in addition to the customary slips & gully. Having bowled three very good length balls I found the batsman somehow defending and managing not to get out. I decided I should now surprise him in the fourth ball & with the same action bowled the next ball which was a short ball. The batsman was taken by surprise & just held his bat at the ball & gave a simple catch to the silly mid off......Wesley had another victory in the nick of time. 1962..............Wesley vs Ananda.............. This was played on the Nalanda grounds. CT Rodrigo was the match winner. The strange fact was that he was not a regular player but was selected for this match & did not even bowl in the first innings but went on to take 7or 8 wkts and give Wesley a handsome win over a very strong Ananda side which had Sarath Wimalaratne, TD Rajapakse etc in the side. Sarath Wickrama ratne excelled in his fielding in the gulley position by taking something like 5 or 6 catches, some of which were stunners. There was excellent team spirit in the 1962 team with each one playing their role.There were no STARS but each player made his contribution.
Addendum by Lou Adhihetty Funny that you should send this to me because about 2 or 3 weeks ago, I wrote to Bryan Claessen and reminded him (!!!) that 50 years ago I played cricket under him !! (1953). We are really getting old ! We were unbeaten - beat Prince of Wales, Kingswood, Royal, St. Josephs and Richmond - all the other games were drawn. Actually, in my carreer, I recall 3 very GOOD games. First, when we beat St Josephs in 1953, Second, beat Royal in 1954 and, lastly, beat Trinity in 1956 (scoring 49 runs in 12 min. - A MEMORABLE MATCH).
Addendum by Michael Christoffelsz
This was a
great article and I thoroughly enjoyed it, cricket was much
of what we did to pass the time away at the hostel, and some
notable matches at small park, I used to remember the fierce
competition of the hostel houses the Vikings, Spartans and
Yodayas when we played cricket against each other, and I
still remember been given out lbw by " Homba" Fernando when
I was on 90, a dubious decision I thought, and when I asked
him about it after the match, he replied " you won anyway,
so whats the problem", and I accepted his answer we both had
a laugh about it.
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