Vale’ Gavin Stevens – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Family, friends, Old Anthonians and ex-Havelocks and opposing Club players gathered to pay fond farewell to former Rugby great Gavin Stevens at the Wilson Chapel in Springvale. Gavin departed the world aged 82. He was a respected sportsman at his old schools St. Sylvester’s College and St Anthony’s in Kandy representing both schools at Soccer, Cricket and Rugby Union. He also played Rugby for Outstation schools against the Colombo schools for St. Anthony’s Katugastota. He was a gentle giant of the Rugby scene in Sri Lanka representing Kandy Rugby Football Club before moving to Colombo where he pulled on the Havelocks jumper with distinction. He later went on to represent Sri Lanka as a tough nut front rower fondly known as ‘Rhino’ for his fearless foraging, and many who opposed him found him to be a tough proposition. Among former team ...

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Hooker Mohan Balasuriya was a ruggerite par excellence-by Althaf Nawaz Source:Dailynews The Hooker is a key position in rugby. One should have immense talent to occupy this slot which plays a pivotal role in securing the ball from the ‘Pack’ to the back division to create scoring opportunities.Hooker Mohan Balasuriya was one of the great rugby players produced by Trinity College, Kandy, who stole the limelight in the rugby arena as a player locally and Internationally later turned out to be a top administrator serving in various capacities in the rugby fraternity. Mohan’s father was A. Balasuriya, a lecturer at the Teacher Training College, Uyanwatte. He was a cricketer who captained Education Department team to win the Daily News Trophy in the 1960’s and was a founder member of the Central Province Cricket Umpires Association, while his mother who was a a Teacher retired after serving as a Principal. ...

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E. W. Balasuriya sports promoter par excellence-By Hafiz Marikar Source:Dailynews Kandy remembers one of its most versatile sportsmen, sports benefactor, philanthropist and above all a gentleman, of the highest calibre E.W. Balasuriya. Many seem to have forgotten the past glorious moments of Kandy rugby. But there are still who remember his great service. His invaluable services for sports in Kandy is remembered by all, even at times when changes are inevitable, with sports taking a different turn with professionalism playing a vital role in sports. He was one of the great sports promoters and a philanthropist. He was known as’Bala’ for some and some called him EW. He was a great lover of sports and gave his best. Many are the instances in his illustrious career and public life where he displayed his integrity and honesty which was a shining example of a clean life. As a donor he was ...

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