Thomians sail to stamp their class
Thomian vice captain Jordon Bolling takes the win in Lazer Pix by Amila Gamage
S. Thomas’ College overpowered traditional rivals Royal College to win the third edition of the annual Royal-Thomian Sailing Regatta after capturing the overall championship for the third time at the Bolgoda Lake in Moratuwa yesterday.
The Thomians won four out of the five events held while Royal sailed grabbing the Team ‘B’ Optimistic win, succumbing to the marvels of maneuvering by the boys of the school by the sea.
The conditions of wind and water were equally tests for the young athletes of both teams but the Thomians were smarter than their traditional foes. Royal had good fighters, as they challenged the Thomians at every possible opening, but failed to prevail except for once.
With four wins under their belt the Thomians easily became the overall winners taking the tally 3-0 in their favour and walked away with the Ranil Dias Memorial Trophy, which was offered for the first time this year.
Thomians Jehan de Silva and Aman Flamer Caldera emerged winners in optimistic and Lazer categories respectively as they won the Team ‘A’ Optimistic event before winding up the proceeding with a win in the Team Lazer event. Both teams had well experienced athletes who had international exposure but overall winners S. Thomas’ had the major share against the Royalists, making them the obvious favourites. This year S. Thomas’ was captained by Akil Ismail while Sansith Heenatigala led the Royal team.
Sailing is the latest addition among rivalries in sports and the event is the only duel between two traditional rival schools to be held since 2014. This contest receives the assistance of the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club, the hosts of the event.
President and Group Managing Director of the CINEC Maritime Campus, Capt. Ajith Peiris graced the awards ceremony as the chief guest while the Principal of Royal College B.A. Abeyratne and Warden of S. Thomas’ College Rev. Marc Billimoria were also present at the occasion.