The most memorable night in Josephian Cricket history was unfolded on 15th October at Water’s Edge when their best cricketing-sons were felicitated with awards of excellence in an extravagant and colourful event named ‘Joes Night of the Stars 2014’.
With the participation of past rectors, old boys and many distinguished guests in the field of cricket, five Josephian stars were felicitated and rewarded for bringing honour and fame to their College and those players were Angelo Mathews, Chaminda Vaas, Thisara Perera, Dimuth Karunarathne and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
With the production of many national and junior national players at Darley Road in recent past, St. Joseph’s College has been a proud servant of Sri Lanka Cricket serving the national grid with some super stars. During the stirring felicitation ceremony many non-Josephian greats also graced the occasion; the audacious Aravinda de Silva and unforgettable world cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, batting stylist Mahela Jayawardena, former opening batsman and current coach Marvan Attapatu and yesteryear stalwarts, Micheal Thissera, Anura Tennakoon etc which added much nostalgia and glamour into the event.
The proceedings commenced with the lighting of the oil lamp where the chief guest, rectors, guest of honour and the stars to be felicitated all taking a turn to kindle the fire. The national anthem was sung by the fabulous voices of the famous Josephian choir followed by a brilliantly harmonized college song.
Rector Travis Gabriel and other spoke of the evening and laid out statistics and performances of the to-felicitated players.
The guest speaker of the night, Mahela Jayawardene took the stage to a warm ovation and spoke in his so-dignified and phlegmatic manner. In his opening line he threatened his team mate ‘ Angi’ stating he must be ‘already sweating’. His words set the tone for the evening with the audience consuming every bit. He touched on each player felicitated on the day. “It is a great honour for me to be here tonight. Vaasy is probably the bowler in international cricket, who would bowl his first delivery in the right spot; I have never seen anyone that accurate on his first delivery. He took Sri Lankan fast bowling to a whole new level. We all call Thisara ’Panda’ not because of the way he looks but because of the way he moves around things. He is always with a smile. Thisara is a brilliant team player on and off the field and mostly, Thisara loves his food. Dimuth is a fantastic player but he has not yet given his best yet in the international matches though we have seen his class few times. He’s a real hard worker. I have seen young Sadeera in few games and at our training. I hope the very best for him as well. Finally, Angelo Mathews is a fantastic guy to have in your dressing room. It was a tough role for him when he first played for Sri Lanka under my captaincy but he established himself straightaway. The way he has improved in the last two years is phenomenal. “
Angelo Mathews also officially launched the official Josephian Sports FB page and all the five players were seen interacting with their old team mates from College and taking photos and enjoying a superb night filled with entertainment.
Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews speaking exclusively to www.thepapare.com expressed his joy on this memorable occasion, “I have always cherished every moment at St. Joseph’s. I am extremely humbled by this appreciation. “
“I’m star struck to have been honoured like this among all these legends. It is indeed a wonderful feeling. “
The 19-year-old rising Josephian star, Sadeera Samarawickrama conveyed his thoughts to ThePapare.com especially adding that the notification of him by Mahela Jayawardena was ultra-special.
The evening was well-thought out and tastefully organized with the just the right amount of everything; cordiality, vibrancy, forthrightness, and homage. Well-done Joes!!
