S. Thomas’ and Gateway commence annual TT encounter
View(s):The inaugural table tennis encounter between S. Thomas’ College and Gateway College took place on October 18 at the S. Thomas’ Sports Complex in Mt. Lavinia. This highly anticipated event showcased remarkable talent, perseverance, and balanced performance, with each school winning in two age categories. Organised and hosted by S. Thomas’, the encounter highlighted a spirit of friendly rivalry and sportsmanship, setting a positive precedent for future tournaments.
Gateway triumphed in the Under-10 and Under-16 categories, while S. Thomas’ clinched victories in the Under-12 and Under-20 age groups. The Encounter Trophy was awarded to the Under-20 champions, following a pre-agreed rule that the outcome of this age category would determine the overall winner.
The Under-20 teams of victorious S. Thomas’ (seated) and Gateway (standing)
The Under-20 finals became the highlight of the day, with S. Thomas’ L.D.M. de Silva and Gateway’s Ishaan Faleel delivering an intense performance. After both players claimed two games each, the deciding game kept spectators on edge, tied at 10-10. A brief 10-minute pause due to de Silva’s severe cramping only heightened the intensity. Demonstrating resilience, de Silva returned to clinch the game 12-10, securing both the Under-20 title and the coveted Encounter Trophy for the Thomians.
S. Thomas’ emerged victorious in the Under-20 encounter by winning three out of four matches. L.D.M. de Silva defeated Sasen Amaratunga and Ishaan Faleel, while N. Rupalavanyan won against Joshua Dharmadasa. Faleel of Gateway claimed a win over T.R. Seneviratne.
The Under-16 teams, winners Gateway (seated) and S. Thomas’ (standing)
Gateway dominated the Under-16 encounter by winning three out of four matches, with victories from Sasen Amaratunga and two wins from Ishaan Faleel, while Thomian Santhieesh secured a win over Nethun Mandilu.
S. Thomas’ dominated the Under-12 encounter with a complete sweep, as A.B. Senarath defeated Pavara Bandara, C.H. Obeyasekara won against Aman Pasha, and S. Hasmithan overcame Ishrath Ahamed. Gateway achieved a clean sweep in the Under-10 encounter, with Vihein Senaratna, Gaius Jayasinghe and Thidas Ratnayake winning over their opponents.
After the intense matches, awards were presented by distinguished guests, including Gateway Chairman Dr. Harsha Alles, S. Thomas’ Sub Warden Asanka Perera, S. Thomas’ Chaplain Ven. Samuel J. Ponniah, Gateway’s Team Leader of Sports Development Wipula Chandrasiri and Deputy Principal of Gateway Rohana Perera. The event concluded with high spirits, celebrating the hard work and dedication of both schools.