Darrel Lieversz speaks glowingly about his athletics pal Lakshman de Alwis to Bernie Wijesekera
Darrel Lieversz was a household name in athletics and cricket for Royal in the 1960s. The burning question was whether he would play rugby football as well. Some argued that Darrel should not play rugby as injuries would force him out of cricket and athletics. Saner counsel prevailed and Darrel only played cricket and took part in athletics. He rose to be a star in both sports and still his name is spoken in awed terms in sporting circles.
Darrel Lieversz, hails from a sporting family. He flourished and grew to do his school proud and also the country at International level. Though domiciled in Melbourne, Australia, he has not forgotten his humble beginnings. He was here on a short vacation, to coincide with Royal’s 175th anniversary celebrations.
His father, D.W.L. Lieversz, excelled on and off the field, captaining Royal in cricket in 1926, former President of Sri Lanka late, J.R. Jayewardene was one of his team mates. Later he played for Colts CC. His son Darrell, captained the Royal cricket team in 1962. A gangling fast bowler, Darrel opened bowling for Royal with Chanaka de Silva and later played for Colts CC and shared the red cherry with Saliya Doranagama.
Lakshman de Alwis beating Darrel in the 220 M final at the Athletics Nationals in 1962 |
I met Darrell at his sister’s residence, Valerie who was a well known athlete and hockey player.
Darrel, soft as a petal said, “My sister is an old girl of Bishop’s and was an outstanding athlete and hockey player. My brother Brian (also an old Royalist) represented the school in athletics, cricket and rugby and ended by captaining the Royal athletics and rugby teams.”
Darrel has not forgotten those who helped him to make the slippery climb. “My Dad and Ma made great sacrifices for our success in latter life. Dad taught me to always to play a straight bat on and off the field and maintain human values, without malice to anyone. To date I cherish this ideal. At Royal, the late Elmo St. de Bruin put me on course in cricket and athletics at grassroots level and I served Royal to the best of my ability.”
Continuing he said, “The athletes were really committed at that time despite limited resources. The Public Schools meet was very competitive. The 220 yards final was between me and Adolf Silva (St. Joseph’s). Silva. Silva was fancied to win but I pipped him on the post.
Also to my mind comes Lakhsman de Alwis from Moratu Vidyalaya, a never-say-die athlete. Strangely Lakshman never impressed at school level. He blossomed out to be a top athlete after joining the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Darrel Lieversz |
Lakshman, a bundle of energy rose to greater heights at national level. He got the better of me on numerous occasions. His aim was to achieve success, but still maintain the sporting spirit … in the end all of us were winners. We became great pals and helped each other on and off the field. Fellowship was the codeword. We even trained together to uplift the sport at national level and make it more competitive.”
This scribe knew Lakshman. Even after retirement his passion for the sport (athletics) continued. As a knowledgeable coach, Lakshman helped improve the skills of the less affluent rural athletes. Lakshman toiled with blood, sweat and tears and worked until late hours at Torrington Square sacrificing his own personal time.
The likes of him are hard to find at present times. He was in the mould of the late Anthony Abeysinghe, the dedicated coach, who did yeoman service to uplift athletics. In 1962 at the Asian Djakarta Games led by N. Ehtirweerasingham the squad included Vijitha Wijesekera, Nirmala Dissanayake (Silver 200M), Lorraine Rutnam (Bronze 80M hurdles), Jilska Flamer Caldera, ASM Khan, Lakhsman de Alwis, Darrell Lieversz, the manager was Osman.
“Ethir” won the High Jump Gold. There were no sponsors at that time, recalled Darrell. The NOC gave on priority basis other respective sports bodies had to fund themselves. Those who failed to qualify had to return home before the closing ceremony.
Lakshman served athletics until his last breath, before he suffered a cruel death, whilst officiating a road race. After his death, I went to his residence in Pannipitiya with my sister Valerie and met his wife Dhammika. Men of Lakshman’s caliber are hard to find. “Though Lakshman has gone far beyond, I will remember him for all time as an athletic legend,” said Darrell.
Lieversz who was a frontline fast bowler, in Sri Lanka made his test debut against Pakistan in 1964 under Mike Tissera at the Sara Stadium. Pakistan was led by Imtiasz Ahamad and had players such as Javed Burki, Asif Iqbal, Intikhab Alam etc. Darrel made a winning streak claiming 5 for 40 and 4 for 28 and wrecked the Pakistani batting. Tissera commended his hostile swing bowling which really had the Pakistani batsmen reeling.
Darrell toured India in the 1964-6-65 also captained by Tissera. The team beat India for the first time in Ahamedabad in a Test, but lost the series 2-1. At Royal Darrel was coached by Mahes Rodrigo, a fine reader of the game and a double international at cricket and rugby. Rodrigo said that Lieversz, was one of the best swing bowlers in the trade at that time with his forte being the subtle change of pace to bemuse the batsman.
Darrell will be celebrating his 67th birthday in June 2010. There is no age for exercising and keeping fit. Darrell can still bowl a few overs at the nets with venom, thanks to his athletics background, where he trained with his life long pal Lakshman de Alwis. |
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