Lorenz – a unique achiever

There was much fanfare and excitement at the Royal College Sports Complex at the first leg of the Bradby Shield. Old boys from both institutions from home and away were there to witness this annual social spectacle. After the game I was walking out with Nalin Pathikirikorale, when I spotted “a Golden Oldie” of Royal, in Lorenz Pereira. One of the finest products who adhered to the College Motto “Learn of books and men and learn to play the game” As a sportsman he had many firsts for Royal, his Club CCC and CH & FC. He also turned out as a schoolboy for Sri Lanka in the All – India Rugby Tournament held in Madras in 1959 and later went on to captain the then All Ceylon XV.

Lorenz’s achievements at Royal on and off the field will be hard to beat. He was a dazzling three quarter, renowned for his speed and deceptive side step and swerve. He led Royal in 1958 in the traditional match against S. Thomas’ which was captained by his very close pal, Michael Tissera. Lorenz was voted as the first Schoolboy cricketer of the year in 1959. An extremely versatile and enigmatic character, Lorenz won colours in four sports – cricket, rugby, tennis and athletics (finishing 4th in the Public Schools 100 yards final).

Walking back to the car park we talked informally about the game we had just witnessed. He had arrived for the two Bradby games and to recharge his batteries via his highly emotional links with Sri Lanka, which included attending the annual Prof. EOE Pereira Memorial Talk organized by the Institute of Engineers and to attend a ceremonial function at the Peter Weerasekera Children’s Home, Yakkala which has been supported by his partner.

Although the game was won by Trinity, he considered the margin exaggerated the real difference between the two teams. He felt that Royal was unfortunate to lose and the game was evenly poised most of the time. The forwards of both teams excelled. They were robust, fast and technically proficient.

Regrettably, the three-quarters did not come up to expectations. None seemed to possess the quality of last year’s Trinity fly half, Pushpakumara. He was looking forward to some innovation in the return match and wished for the magic, artistry and fluent passing movements of the legendary Trinity threes, such as the late Nimal Maralande, Ken de Joodt, Kavan Rambukwella, Glen Van Langenberg, etc. They were a sheer delight and devastating in attack.

He also hoped that Royal and Trinity would develop its own unique distinctive culture in their annual games. Their pre-eminent stature in the game of school rugby here demanded that it be so. They should not blindly ape the methods of the internationals. The Bradby games must be open, free flowing and far more spectator attractive. If you are to lose with flair and adventure, have fun doing it.

His father, Professor EOE Pereira, probably had the biggest impact in his life as a sportsman and as a person. He believes that the greatest gifts his father bestowed on him were his encouragement of Lorenz’s sport and a sense of humility.

Probably the most significant contribution Lorenz has made to Sri Lankan sport was that he was the first true Sri Lankan to be invited to play for the CCC and CH & FC. Subsequently being the first Sri Lankan to captain these two clubs that have now produced so many outstanding sportsmen both at cricket and rugby. He has also made a most noteworthy contribution to the history of the Bradby Shield by scoring that famous try on the left wing whilst playing on the right wing. Debates about the origins if that try still continue. Ken Balendra insists that he hooked the ball, whilst skipper Dudley Fernando says that he won the ball in a line out on the right wing. Lorenz says that quite clearly and simply sums up the spirit of the game. The glory of rugby is in the process, not the outcome.

On his current visits, he spends many an evening at the SLTA playing tennis with his brother Bryan and a host of other equally dedicated and passionate players.

He feels strongly that participation in sport is an assured medium towards the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle.