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 mates who were present to give Gavin a fitting send off were Tyronne Holdenbottle, Noel Brohier, Anton Benedict, Andrew Van Hoff, Mario Rodrigo, Beverley De Kauwe, Michael Vanlangenberg, Jerome Ephraums and quite a few others.
Reggie Bartholomewsz represented CR&FC and even led the then traditional rival team song, with Shyam (Patty) Wijesinghe and yours truly from CH & FC. Former Kandy team mate Tuan Dole was also there to pay his respects.
Gavin Stevens was a much loved personality outside Rugby. The turnout was testament to that.
The Old Boys of St. Anthony’s and the ex players paid special tribute to Gavin before he was laid to rest by singing the school anthem and the Havelocks club song.
May the turf He loved so much lay lightly on him.
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