Devin playing big on all fields
View(s):While many sportsmen excel in one sport, there are a handful of sportsmen who perform well in several sports. Devin Jayasinghe from S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia is one of them.
Devin is a familiar name in school sports, both in rugby and in cricket. In an interview with the Education Times, the 19-year-old said that he will follow his sports dream both in the country and overseas.
Devin, started playing at the age of nine, being part of Thomian Under-9 rugby team. After just two years of playing rugby, at the age of 11 he discovered a passion for cricket.
“Most of the students usually drop one sport when choosing another. But I decided to continue playing both rugby and cricket. My parents and the school administration were very supportive and encouraged me all the time,” he said.
The Thomian skipper had to make a few sacrifices in the process of achieving in both sports.
“I missed gym sessions with the rugby team because of cricket practices. There were times I could not take part in rugby training because of cricket match season. As I had training from 1.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. all my extra classes were at night from 7.00 to 10.00 p.m.,” he said adding that the stress never had a negative impact on his sporting spirit.
Hard work and determination are the factors behind him managing both rugby and cricket while concentrating on his academic work.
Recently he was able to add to his long list of achievements by leading his team to victory over the much-fancied Trinity College, 
helping S. Thomas’ regain the Canon R.S. de Saram Shield. Devin’s 19 points, which included five penalties and two conversions, contributed immensely toward the victory.
The Thomian skipper is ambitious to enable his team to advance to the ‘A’ Division of the Singer Schools Rugby League by winning the championship of the ‘B’ division.
“The 29 – 15 win over Trinity College was a result of hard work, determination and a sense of responsibility,” he said.
Last year Devin scored an impressive century as S. Thomas’ regained the Mustangs Trophy defeating their rivals Royal College on the Duckworth and Lewis method by 113 runs in the 37th annual limited-over encounter. Man of the Match Devin’s 101 runs, which included one six and 12 fours, led the team to a victorious 238 for 9.
This year, Devin scored 74 off 107 balls in the first innings against Royal at the 134th Battle of the Blues.
“Despite the loss, our boys played well and I am happy to be a part of the remarkable effort,” he said.
He also claimed the Best Batsman award, at this year’s Battle of the Blues.
For him, leadership is being a good team player, a good friend as well someone who can take responsibility for the whole team.
“A captain should be someone who can remain calm even in the midst of a tough game, if the captain is panicked, the whole team collapses,” he explained.
English rugby union player and former member of the England national team Jonny Wilkinson is his role model.
“I see him as a player who reached to the top through hard work and determination.”
Commenting on the development of rugby in Sri Lanka, he said that with coaching from both local and foreign coaches, ruggerites here now have more chances in achieving in international games.
The youngest in his family of three boys, Devin said support from his family has been a great strength.
He is now focused on his higher studies and plans to go overseas to follow a business management degree.
“I have got several invitations from clubs. I may play for a year before leaving,” he said. He hopes to continue playing rugby in the land of the kangaroo.-
-Nadia Fazlulhaq
Pix by Susantha Liyanawatte
| The 29 – 15 win over Trinity College was a result of hard work, determination and a sense of responsibility |
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