‘THE PERFECT DRIVE’ – Tribute To Claud Eustace Reid-by Ravi RUDRA
The name of Reid to the Thomians is a household one as the Reids’ have played their hearts out for the Thomians in the 146 years that the Royal- Thomian cricket match has been played. Whenever S. Thomas’ cricket is discussed, the Reids are sure to be highlighted.
Born in Colombo on March 4th, 1936, to Mr. John & Mrs. Pearl Reid, baby Reid was named “Claud” after Claud Karunaratne (John Reid’s best friend) and “Eustace” after maternal grandfather, Lloyd Eustace Herft.
Claud, the eldest sibling, was joined by his four brothers—Ronald (Ronnie, 1937), Barclay (Dr. Buddy, 1940), Bryan (Barney, 1946), and Johann (Tiny, 1948)—all of whom proudly wore the school blazer.
The cricketing legacy of these renowned brothers began on the gravel paths of Hamers Place in Wellawatte, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka, where makeshift bats and tennis balls sufficed for early games.
“Claud was the one who started the Reid brothers off on our careers in both Cricket and Table Tennis. He pioneered table tennis among his siblings, learning at home before competing for the Emerald Table Tennis Club. His interest in motorcycles saw him build and race bikes, achieving second-place finishes even against established
riders. After a brief yet successful foray into boxing—discontinued out of empathy for an opponent—Claud devoted himself to music, singing tenor in various choirs and
accompanying famous artists.” – Buddy
