S Thomas college mount lavinia lays claim to a proud and illustrious history of rugby.
Producing stalwarts of the game such as Asanga Seneviratne , Chaminda rupasinghe and the famed Gunathilake twins as well as timely stars of the game such as Anurudhdha wilwara and Sudharshana Muththuthanthri and many more that have shone both on and off the field of rugby.
“Following the school by the sea” s demoting from the top division in 2011 the famed Thomian “grit” and legacy came under heavy scrutiny and many questions began to rise. Was this famed “grit” just myths of former giants from a time that has passed? Some may be quick to pass judgment. However passed 2011-2012 failures (demotion and the failed attempt to be re-promoted) may have become the sacrificial lambs in a greater story to be told.
The Thomian s under the captaincy of flyhalf Devin Jayasighe Kicked off the season of 2013 fiercely. Inflicting defeat after defeat within the confines of the B division making no mistake on solidifying their dream of rising again to the company of the titans of schools rugby. Against stiff opposition the thomians yet cruise smoothly their fixtures.
18th March – STC vs Prince of Wales – 62/0 – STC won
23rd March – STC vs C.C.W.Kannangara – 46/08 -STC won
07th April – STC vs St.Sylvesters – 45/09 STC won
26th April – STC vs Thurstan – 36/0 STC won
05th May – STC vs Ananda – 43/25 – STC won
11th May – STC vs Lumbini – 95/0 – STC won
The school by the sea s most significant test of might was by the likes of the formidable “lions” of Trinity college kandy , the leaders of the present A division points table. After the a hard fought 80mins which both teams threw everything but the kitchen sink at each other the thomian s won 29/15 to secure the coveted Cannon De Saram trophy. A testament to the fact that despite which ever division they me be in they are still in a league of their own.
The Papare managed to capture a brief word with present Thomian fullback and exuberant youth Aathif “the jawwa” Jawarth. When asked about the build up to the present season and the support and encouragement of the school –
“myself and the senior players especially Devin have a great desire to return college to its right full place. And we let that flow down in to the junior players as well. Initially we ran in to short comings with forming a pack after the leaving of 2012 s experienced forwards unit. However Mr Goonethilaka and Mr Botheju pulled off top notch work to bring out the best in the present reliable hard hitting forwards unit and head coach Mr Grant is always there as the brains behind every operation, with his experience and strategic knowledge being one of our driving forces as for the college support, it is there with us throughout making sure we r fine and fit and it’s a great source of comfort to us players”
With the entreatingly “topsy turvy’ Singer schools rugby season under way the Thomian s would have to hone their every mastered skill as the most tedious tasks and monumental clashes of the season are just around the cornver.
