The 28th Annual Royal Thomian Cricket Festival – A battle enlaced in tradition and camaraderie
The much anticipated 28th Annual Royal Thomian Cricket Festival Sydney unfolded on the scorching Friday of January 26, 2024, at the sizzling Kareela Reserve, setting ablaze the cricketing arena with a thrilling display of talent and camaraderie. The mercury soared to an astonishing 40 degrees, creating a crucible for cricketing prowess that left spectators in awe.
In the fiercely contested Opens category, Royal, displaying an unwavering spirit, faced the sweltering heat and managed to post a commendable score of 122 runs. The Thomians, however, stole the spotlight, concluding the match with an astounding 7 wickets in hand, clinching the coveted EC Gunasekara Shield for a third consecutive year. Their dominance on the field was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle, etching their names in the annals of the festival’s storied history.
As the Classics category unfolded, the Thomians took to the crease with a skill that left spectators guessing, their batting prowess akin to a symphony’s movements. Thomians won the Mabel Morrell Challenge Shield by a comfortable 60 runs.
The Vintage category witnessed a grand opening, albeit hampered by the sweltering heat, with players showcasing a display of cricketing finesse reminiscent of legends of the past. Royal won the Sunil de Silva Challenge Shield by 6 wickets.
The day pulsated with tradition, brotherhood, and the vibrant beats of baila & papare music, complemented by a feast of delectable Sri Lankan cuisine that tantalized the taste buds. Friends and family converged, creating a tapestry of unity to relish the friendly and traditional rivalry between the two preeminent boys’ schools in Sri Lanka, both steeped in a heritage that resonated through every cheer and applause.
As the day’s festivities reached a crescendo, the awards ceremony unfolded, offering a glimpse into the glory of the past. The chief guest, Mr. Gowrishankaran an illustrious old boy of Royal College, regaled the audience with captivating tales of Royal Team selection, adding a nostalgic touch to the proceedings.
In a poignant moment, during the Award ceremony, the player of the match award in the Classics Category was bestowed in memory of the late Shaan Ching, a passionate cricketer and an unwavering member of the STC OBA NSW/ACT. This heartfelt tribute delivered by Duke Ramachandran on behalf of STCOBA added a layer of emotion to an already riveting event, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between the players and the rich history they carry forward. The inaugural award was presented to the winner by Shaan’s brother Timothy Ching.
A special acknowledgment goes out to The Brad and Kiara show, who skillfully captured the excitement of the day, sharing it with the city of Sydney and the folks back home. Their radio show, a treasure trove of highlights, echoes the exhilaration and passion that encapsulated the 28th Annual Royal Thomian Cricket Festival Sydney. The clips from their show, a testament to the infectious energy of the event, can be found at the links below:
Vintage – Sunil de Silva Challenge Shield – RC WON BY 6 WICKETS
Best Batsman – Chitral Perera -STC – (28)
Best Bowler – Nimalan Karthikeyan – RC – (2/9)
Player of the Match – Gunaratnam Kandakumar – RC (28 and 0/19)
Classics – Mabel Morrell Challenge Shield – STC WON BY 60 RUNS
Best Batsman – Max Labrooy – STC -(30)
Best Bowler – Ruwan Seneviratne – STC – (2/16)
Player of the Match – Chaminda Thirimanne – STC – (23, 3/5 and 1 catch)
Open – E C Gunasekara Challenge Shield – STC WON BY 7 WICKETS
Best Batsman – Kogulan Baskaran – RC- (40)
Best Bowler – David Senathirajah – STC – (4/19)
Player of the Match – Ruwan Gunasinghe – STC – (41, 1/14 and 3 catches)
Link to the article with photos and photo gallery: Click here
