When the Government Services toppled the reigning hockey champions by DENNIS DE ROSAYRO Image source: MHA Sri Lanka Facebook page   Source:sundayobserver.lk One of the most unforgettable shocks in the field of hockey took place when Government Services toppled reigning champions Mercantile Hockey Association from their pedestal at the third National Hockey Championships of Ceylon in 1958. The tournament favourites were the Mercantile HA having shared the trophy with Matale in 1956 and beating Matale 1-0 in 1957 at Matale. A third time meeting was predicted again. But Government Services turned the form book upside down with a brilliant performance in the final. Pomp and pageantry in typical oriental style marked the opening ceremony. The teams clad in their playing kits strode in procession from the clock tower to the esplanade where the championships were held, escorted by motor cycles and preceded by Kandyan dancers and a majestically dressed elephant, carrying ...

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