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A walk down memory lane
'Tanker' Hamid was a an unmatchable power-house
By Bernie Wijesekera
Zahira College, Maradana has produced some of the finest rugby players in the country. Ibrahim 'Tanker' Hamid was one of them. This granite hard prop forward has left an indelible mark as a rugby player and administrator in the annals of the game.

Ibrahim, who is a versatile sportsman had his ups and downs in life, since he started playing for his school in 1962 and '63. He faced his own personal problems on and off the field, but faced them with grim determination.

Speaking about the beginning of his rugby career Hamid said "In 1962 Zahira rugby under the captaincy of late M.H.M. Fassy swept the board barring S. Thomas. The team was coached by A.H.A. Samad and Capt. Muhlar, was the master-in-charge. We performed a king sized job for Zahira rugby and we hit a purple patch. In this team we had two talented players - Abdul Majeed, that dazzling wing - three quarter and myself. We had many firsts. Together we played for CR and FC as schoolboys under Raji de Silva. Later we joined the Police and represented our service as well as the country together".

Hamid continued "In 1962 Zahira, beat Royal led by Kaluarachchi 9-3. I barged over to score the wining try. Today both of our sons Haren (centre) Zulki (scrumhalf) are proud products of Royal and play for CR and FC and for the country. After the Royal game we beat Trinity 10-5 led by Eric Roles. Then we went on to beat St. Peter's 21-8, St. Joseph's 21-8. But lost to S. Thomas' 5-0. at Braybrooke Place".

"In our time Zahira, had the distinction of defeating all the leading clubs in our "friendlies". CR and FC, Havelocks and CH and FC and the University of Ceylon. Zahira had a good share of talented players besides Hamid and myself. There were quality players drawn from other top schools Tony Sirimanne, Mohan Sahayam, Didacus de Almeida, Ajit Abhayaratne, Maiya Gunasekera, Jupana Jayawardena, Lalin Tennekoon etc. who could have walked into any club team and we were pitted against them".

Samad and Capt. Muhlar
"If I have achieved anything in life it is thanks to coach Samad and Capt. Muhlar who nursed and nurtured the players to enjoy a better tomorrow. They not only taught the skills but also to maintain the dignity of the school and conduct ourselves in an exemplary manner. The team in 1963 was rewarded with a tour of Singapore and Malaysia".

"During this era the outstation schools vs. Colombo Schools match took pride of place. In the model of a Capper Cup S. Thomas' MTL played for the outstation schools along with Trinity St. Anthony's and Dharmaraja, etc. I played for Colombo".

The schools rugby section should strive to revive this game, says Hamid, to harness talent. He joined the Police in 1964. It was no walk in interview. The elite schoolboys competed to join as sub-inspectors. Among them were the best sportsmen who were in the running. In cricket Police SC Ibrahim played in the 'P Sara' (A division). Rugby in the Clifford Cup.

Ibrahim continued his rugby and did proud for the Police. "I am proud to have worn the Police jersey - a springboard for greater things in latter life on and off the field, but never lost balance or the ones who helped me to to go on the right track."

"In my time Police possessed a strong and heavy pack. Myself Morseth, Wijewardena, 'rock' Banda Nimal Abeysinghe, Daya Jayasundera, Anton Benedict, Linton, Buddhadasa, who could have pushed any weight to a standstill. In 1967 Police won the 'B' Division to enter the 'A' Division. (Clifford Cup) under S. Sivendran. Since then we never looked back".

"Via rugby, we built Police - Public relations camaraderie, despite catcalls in between. Later we built a friendly bridge thanks to rugby. The Law Enforcement Officers received tremendous public support on and off the field. Rugby at Police was the stepping-stone for my future career. I played for them from 1965 to '82 and captained the team in 1971 and we entered the Clifford Cup final. Then I had the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka in 1972".

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