OTRFU Dinner Dance - 2004 " Golden Touchdown 2004"
Message from our Patron and Chief Guest.
It gives me great pleasure to contribute a brief message to the
souvenir of "Golden Touchdown 2004" the Dinner Dance organised by
the Old Thomians Rugby Football Union to felicitate the past
Rugby captains of S. Thomas' College.
College has produced many distinguished
Rugby
captains and it is fitting that we are felicitating them as we
celebrate fifty golden years of
Rugby
at S. Thomas'.
The OTRFU through their association of past rugby players have made
a ignificant contribution to the development of the game at College.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the OTRFU for their
efforts and I hope they continue to support our endeavours to become
and remain the best school Rugby Team in Sri Lanka.
The Dinner Dance is not only a celebration but also an opportunity
to meet and reminisce of the good times at STC. The organisation of
such an event requires enormous effort and team work and we are very
grateful to the Organising Committee for having organised this
year’s Dinner dance.
Finally I wish all of you a very pleasant and enjoyable evening.
Esto Perpetua.
DR. DAVID PONNIAH
Warden
S. Thomas' College,
Mount Lavinia.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
On
the 22nd of September, 2004
@
21:30
hours I was given the task of organizing this memorable event, where
we Thomians (Thoras) are celebrating 50 years of rugby at S. T. C.
It might have been a coincidence that they decided to thrust upon me
this responsibility, since many of my batch mates are celebrating
their 50th birthday this year, including myself. Even
though it was a very short time frame my committee and I together
took up this challenge to celebrate this "50th Golden
Touch Down" Dinner Dance- It was a BIG challenge for us to organize
such a grand function in a matter of 52 DAYS, but as Rugby is a Team
game there were guys to run, and pass the Ball and score. We hope
this evening is a success and you as spectators (participants &
supporters) would enjoy the game (the Dinner/Dance).
For us to make this 50th Jubiliee Year a memorable event
our thanks goes to our ever supporting Main Sponsor, Co-Sponsors,
Sponsors, Advertisers and Donors, and all those who supported us in
numerous ways, means and gestures. My sincere thanks to my team (the
committee of 2004) for making it Our Day Tonight. A special thanks
to Ms. Calistar (from Shanaka's Chambers) for the patience with the
typing, and Mr. Jerome Fernando of Topbrass for his untiring efforts
to make this a success. Also I am thankful to the Galle Face Hotel
Management and Staff for their services. My wish and request is that
more Thomians will come forward to assist and help in keeping the
College Flag flying high in all the extra curricular activities
especially Rugby-Football, to be The Best School.
RUGBY
? "Blue Blacks" that's S. T. C. in the next 50years, Esto
Perpetua !
Thank you again for your support and presence tonight. Have fun and
a pleasant evening till
02 :00
hours 14''' November, 2004 with the Thoras.
Ranil de Soysa &
Co.
(Sarath de Zoysa, Tissa Molligoda, R. Renganathan, Sanjay Ihalagama,
Gimantha Jayasinghe, Suren de Chickera, Thusitha Ranasinghe, Eraj
Wimalasuriya, J. K. Perera & Shanaka de Livera (The Coach & Master
in Charge)
Ranil De Soysa.
Chairman
Dance Committee.
MESSAGE FROM PAST
RUGBY
CAPTAINS ABROAD
D. R. Weerasinghe
Congratulations to the organizing committee, a wonderful idea,
precious, fond memories, re-visited. Firstly I would like to thank
Warden S. J. Anadanayagam for having faith in the young graduates of
the 1968 team. Next Mr. Quentien Israel-yes, it was unanimous, we
needed and wanted a new coach. Mr, Percy Perera has done a great
job, thank you very much. The 1969 1st XV side, a gutsy bunch of
young teenagers, robust, talented, fit, athletic, and if I may say
so "GALTIC". It was the time to rebuild a team to put STC Rugby,
back in its right place. 1965 was a great year. We beat Royal, St.
Joseph's, St. Peter's & Trinity. I can still
remember the newspaper captions "LIONS TAMED AT HAVELOCKPARK".
It was a fabulous game and we won at the last minute, as both sides
kept on scoring try after try till the very end. The team unity and
success was paramount. I am proud to say, all those who attended 1st
XV and 2nd XV rugby practice, worked and trained very
hard. They were dedicated, disciplined athletes. Mr. Quentin Israel-
Sir, your support and coaching was invaluable, not forgetting Mr.
Lassie Abeywardene, the rugby players were recognized by the entire
teaching & administrative staff. We managed to put a smile on the
faces of the minor staff, our Die-hard supporters come what may.
The momentum created in 1969 & 1970, produced an undefeated champion
sides in the years that followed. Sir, we are indebted to you, a
million thanks will not convey the true feelings, each and every one
of us coached by you, carry in our hearts. You instilled into us
team work, dedication, sportsmanship and to be gracious in victory
as well as in defeat. Sir, you deserve more than a standing ovation.
My sincere regrets for not being able to grace the occasion, as I
live in
Canada.
I am sure there may be a few teammates in the audience today, which
includes the Master of ceremonies Mr. Gamini Kumarage. Goddi- fondly
known, absconded practices, I personally searched for him in Miller
A dorm, and was forced to drag him down to the big club grounds.
Unfortunately for him there was no rear door, the other popular
escape route, was the drainpipes, many have been caught on camera,
if only the drainpipes could talk? Sincerely, it was a pleasure to
have captained the 1"XV side, in 1969 & 1970, I am proud to say that
each and everyone of you gave me and STC your utmost, for which I
salute you.
ESTO PERPETUA
D R. Weerasinghe
Capt. 1969 & 1970
Message from Frank David
It has indeed been an honour to represent College and the blue and
black hooped jerseys and stockings were worn with great pride.
Victories were hard fought and lose we did, but never without a
tight. Pitted against teams who had been playing the game for many
years before S. T. C- came on the scene, we often found ourselves
'digging deep' to keep the opposition at bay.
The inaugural team earned the name 'Thomian Tigers' for their 'never
say die' attitude on the field and this indomitable spirit was
firmly etched in our minds whenever we entered the fray. All those
who have had the honour of donning the College jersey would echo
these sentiments.
To all those fortunate enough to attend, may your evening be filled
with pleasant memories.
Frankie David.
Captain 1959
Message from K. S. Anandan
It is with immense pleasure that I send this message on the occasion
of the dinner to commemorate 50 years of Rugby Football at S.
Thomas' College. I wish to thank the President and the committee of
the Old Thomians Rugby Football Union for kindly inviting me to be
the chief Guest at the dinner. I deeply regret that due to certain
personal commitments I cannot accept the invitation.
It was indeed a proud moment for me to be given the honour of
leading the team out in 1955 which was the first year of
Rugby.
The memory is still fresh in my mind. Even though we were beaten by
our more experienced opponents we gave a good account of ourselves.
I am aware of the assistance provided by the OTRFU to the college in
improving the standard of
Rugby
and wish them all success in their endeavours. I would also like to
warmly congratulate OTRFU for the initiative they have taken in
organising this dinner. I have no doubt that this will be an annual
event and hopefully 1 may be able to attend one of them in the
future depending on my health and other circumstances.
In conclusion I wish all those present a very enjoyable evening, and
to members of the 1955 team my personal regards and best wishes.
K. S. Anandan
Capt,1955
Message from P. L. Mimasinghe
We are all immensely proud to be part of this proud tradition. Every
era will have its heady stories to tell, on and off the field. The
pivotal under the post goal kick that refused to take to the air,
the stiff arm tackle that would have earned a 100 red cards under
today's rules, in a writhing ruck confronting the horror of seeing
your face a whisker away from the posterior crack of your rather
large loose head prop whose trunks have been half pulled down by a
desperate opposition or even the embarrassment of getting caught
with a sackful of ashtrays under your blazer at the team buffer
lunch, or even being told by your coach "Aise Munasmghe, even if
you're not a ruggerite at least look like a ruggerite men" . These
are memories each of us will cherish and regale with increasing
exaggeration with every year that goes by. Congratulations to the
organizing committee for their untiring efforts to make this a
reality. Having been trained by the master coach "Quinta" to
anticipate and devise strategy to win the game, My fervent plea to
make this function a true success is to keep "Goddy" the master MC
and my good friend Ranil the chief organizer off the booze until all
have past caring! let the fun begin!
With best wishes
P. L. Mimasinghe
Capt. 1975
P. L. Mimasinghe
Capt. 1975
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OTRFU
I salute those past rugby captains of this great school who are
being felicitated today, who together with their teams gave
everything they had, their blood, sweat and guts for their
respective rugby teams in the name of the school. The records in
these first 50 years are too numerous to mention and will be
published shortly in the History of Rugby of S. Thomas' College
Mount Lavinia. I hope we will continue into the future in the same
manner, and continue to maintain the great traditions and good
record of our school in Rugby- Football.
I will be failing in my duty if I also don't thank all those
Coaches, Masters in Charge, officials, and groundsmen of yesteryear,
some of whom have already been felicitated in previous years.
At present the entire rugby scenario in College and outside has
changed. A very large number of boys attend rugger practices. There
are six teams from Under 9 to Under 19 and B teams. All matches at
all age groups arc played on the same day. There are numerous
tournaments spread throughout (lie season in Colombo and the
outstations, in which teams participate. Our opponents have
competent coaches well organized rugby structures within their
schools, numbers to chose from and talent.
Therefore, even if all these things are in place in College we still
need something special from the players. This is where I believe
that "Thomian grit" has to come into play. Our boys would have to
demonstrate as in the past, that "Thomian grit" referred to in
sporting parlance are not merely words but a reality that opponents
have to face when encountering any Thomian Team.
I call upon all past rugby players, old boys, parents and well
wishers here & abroad to support the OTRFU to help improve Rugby-
Football at S. Thomas' and to make the OTRFU the funnel by which to
channel all rugby resources to the school. I firmly believe, "unity
is strength". So let us work hand in hand with the school to achieve
our objectives.
Lastly on behalf of the OTRFU, I wish to thank all the persons who
helped to make this event a possibility including the organizing
committee and its Chairman, Mr. Ranil De Zoysa.
Enjoy yourselves and have a good time.
Esto perpetua !
Shanaka R de Livera.
President OTRFU.
Message from Stefan D' Silva.
Being a Thomian is being a part of a very exclusive club. There is
no fee, no application you merely have to spend the best years of
your life there and give your best for the rest of your life. That
is what defines the Thomians from the rest of the other old boys.
Fifty years of
Rugby
is an anniversary to be commemorated. I went on being a "card
carrying member" of an OBA when I got involved with the Rugby
training in l989, 1994, 2001 & 2003.
My message to the
coming generations of players is simple, and given in the context
that all our rivals have the talent, large numbers to choose from
and are well trained. My message, a quote from the one and only
Muhamed Ali is " THE WILL TO WIN IS GREATER THAN THE SKILL" That my
friend is what we call the Thomian Spirit, We compete on the flame
of the Thomian Spirit. The rest is academic.
Stefan De Silva.
Capt. 1976
