With hardly no competitive matches; Roy-Tho is their competitive version
Royal College (Standing from left): Ramiru Perera, Sanvidu Senaratharachchi, Lahiru Gamgewatta, Ashen Gamage, Anush Polonowita, Sandesh Ramanayake, Damith Kappagoda, Venusha Royal, Bulan Weerathunga, Uvindu Weerasekara, Nethin Panapitiya (Seated from left): A. Prashantha (MIC), Dan Poddiwela, M.A.M Riyaz (Assistant Principal/ Senior Games Master), Gishan Balasooriya (Captain), P.A.S.P. Jayalath (Principal), Dasis Manchanayake (Vice Captain), M.V.S. Gunathilaka (Deputy Principal), Sadisha Rajapaksha, Sineth Jayawardena, Rohan Soysa (Head coach)
The Royal-Thomian in all aspects and angles, is reputed for its never-a-dull moment match. Locally, the longest running and the uninterrupted series, and globally, only the second oldest match epitomises hive of activity.
When the 143rd installment unfolds come Thursday (21), at the SSC grounds, it would be a stark contrast. Except for the on-field noise, only a dreaded silence would have descended down and will speak for itself.
Both the teams have not had the luxury of competitive or serious games. The only match practice they have had are the traditional and friendly encounters.
Thomians, the title-holders, will be led by their top-order batter, Ryan Fernando. The fourth-year coloursman hit a purple patch and peaked on time ahead of his biggest school match. The first of the twin tall knocks came, when he renewed the history books for the highest Thomian score, plundering a 252 not out.
Icing on the cake for Fernando, playing in his final year is that, he also owns the ground record surpassing fellow and famous Thomian, Bertie Wijesinghe.
“It’s been good confidence because I was out-of-form at the start of the season. But since I’ve been scoring big runs, I’ve gotten that confidence I can do the same at the Royal-Thomian”.
The Under-19 player’s entry into the school side, in 2019, the year they regained the shield, came in in a bolt from the blues fashion.
“When I played my first year, I knew if I played the remaining years, I would end up captaining the side in my last year. But in my first year, I never even expected to play for school. I didn’t play a single first XI match in that season. But my coach decided to play me and we won”.
S. Thomas’ College (Seated from left): Senesh Hettiararchi, Mahith Perera, Ryan Fernando, Caniston Gunaratnam, Romesh Mendis, Nathan Caldera (Standing 1st row from left): Manula Pahan, Muiz Naushan, Ashene Fernando, Dhiren de Silva, Aneesh Kamalchandra, Enoshan Devachandra, Senadhi Bulankulame (Standing 2nd row from left): Charuka Peris, Devin Jayasuriya, Dineth Gunawardena, Akash Fernando, Kavindu Dias, Darien Diego Absent: Thisen Eheliyagoda, Arith Adikaram, Janindu Abeygoonawardena
In his message to his rival Royals, he threw out a warning and a challenge saying “We’re ready. We have been through tough times. But we have learnt through our mistakes. We’re ready to battle it out”. Thomians will set out to the grounds armed with two Under-19 players – captain Fernando and Caniston Gunaratnam – the deputy of his side. Gunaratnam, a speedster, becomes the latest Thomian product to be drafted into the Under-19 pool. Apart from the fourth and third year coloursmen, respectively, the team has four coloursmen. As Johnny-come-lately there are as many as a dozen of freshers.
Dinesh Kumarasinghe, their Big Match- winning coach, commenting said, “Actually, when you’ve a young side you need a lot of match exposure. But the sad part is that we had to play only 10 matches. After playing one match, two to three weeks no matches. It was very tough for the boys but I’m happy the way they have come now”.
Of the plenty of freshers, they have 15-year-old Kavindu Dias, a good pacie, as backed by his coach. In addition to the rookie, there is another lanky left-armer, Akash Fernando, 17. The Thomians are stacked as a heavy side with youngsters. However, though, four coloursmen have been dropped due to performance. Along with the four, there are few others sidelined due to injury.
“Last few matches, they have done really well. Scored 300 to 400 runs in the three to four matches. So, I think, they’ve peaked in the correct time”, Kumarasinghe credited his charges.
The boys from Mt. Lavinia, for their part, have featured in 10 friendly and traditional outings. However, they have not managed to win many matches.
Their arch-rivals, Royalists, having last won only in 2016, hold a slender edge based on the wins gained in their nine traditional appearances. Royalists are also capable of returning revenge and turning tables on their day.
Coaching the island’s biggest ever school is the biggest challenge, said their coach, Rohan Soysa. For Soysa, it’s a very special and a significant start as this would be his inaugural stint at the Royal-Thomian.
“We played only nine matches with all the difficulties we had in the country and the weather. Due to the weather, we couldn’t go with the fast bowler for the first 10 overs. From the first match, we played with the plan of the big match. Every situation we gave chances for the boys,” said Soysa, having also coached the Royalists and national players, Chamika Karunaratne and Lasith Embuldeniya.
“At the moment, we have a balanced side. Very good fast opening bowlers and two great spinners – Sadeesha (Rajapaksha) and Bala (Balasooriya),” added Soysa.
Carrying the hopes and wishes of past and present Royalists worldwide is their captain, Gishan Balasooriya. Shouldered with spearheading his side, a task lies ahead for Balasooriya and his side, unlike their counterparts, are equipped with only a lone Under-19 player in, Sadeesha Rajapaksha.
Balasooriya, a left-arm leg spinner, in his fourth and farewell year, speaking on regaining the shield said, “This time, we have a big chance to win and regain the shield. Why because, we have five players from the last big match and Sadeesha Rajapaksha as the national Under-19 cap”.
“There is no element of pressure. Of the nine matches we have played, a lot of them we have won in the first innings. I’m also getting a big hand from the five players who played yesteryear. Hence, I’m not under a lot of pressure”.
Of all the nine traditional and practice matches they have played, they have won five in the first innings. However, in the lead up to the match, they have turned out only in iota of matches in June and July. Royalists in their ranks have several coloursmen and the rest are freshers.
“In my first year in 2019, we conceded the shield to the other side. This year, playing in my last year, I’m looking forward only to regain and reward it to Royal and go,” concluded Balasooriya, in his caution to his longtime rivals. This year’s installment too, will be played behind closed doors.