Wesley College Colombo
I tend to believe that cricket is the greatest thing that God ever created on earth ... certainly greater than sex, although sex isn't too bad either. -
Harold Pinter
Contents
Wesley's Glorious Years of Cricket - (Early fifties) From the 125th Anniversary souvenir
By Bryan Claessen
I
had the good fortune to be a member of Wesley's first eleven Cricket
Teams during the 1950 to 1953 seasons. These were indeed our
glorious Years of Cricket. Derrick Mack captained in 1950 and '51.
Radley Claessen in 1952 and I lead Wesley in 1953. Wesley was placed
second in the Inter-Collegiate Championship of 1950-51. The
following season we took the top spot although we drew with
St.Thomas' and in 1953 we had the distinction of being un-beaten
Champions. It was an exciting four years of Cricket with Mr.A.V.
Fernando as our honorary coach. Every player was self-motivated and
totally committed to the task of winning. Wesley had the capacity to
bat right down to number eleven. There were batsmen of sheer
elegance, possessing every stroke in the book, and there were others
with solid defence. Our fast bowlers were awesome whilst others had
the ability to swing the ball with great control and our spinners
had a natural gift of luring the unsuspecting batsmen to venture out
of their crease at their peril. It was of course good fielding that
made the difference because it restricted our opponent's ability to
score. It generally made batsmen hesitant and negative in their
approach and frustrated them as they repeatedly failed to penetrate
the field. Good fielding of such a high standard provided our
bowlers with confidence, which is an ingredient so virtually
necessary in the battle for supremacy between bat and ball.
There were two
other aspects of paramount importance to Wesley's successes. First,
we had an unrelenting determination; a will to win.We always played
hard and we always played fair. Secondly, the players had the
benefit of knowing that the whole school - teachers and students
alike, without exception, were supporting them all the way. The
intensity of support was inspiring and we were all fired -up for
action by the famous War-Cry originated by Rev. James Cartman
(Principal 1945-49) Because of this dedicated support and the sense
of total unity that prevailed, the successes of our Golden Years
must surely belong to all Wesleyites of the time and our
achievements remain as their most cherished recollections to this
very day. Be that as it may , we had our moments of nail- biting
concern and one such occasion was our 1951 encounter with Prince of
Wales College at the Campbell Park Grounds. Prince of Wales insisted
that one of their teachers should umpire. This made it necessary for
oar Coach to join him as a matter of courtesy. During the first
Innings, Prince of Wales scored 142 runs which we considered to be
an easy target for Wesley because of our very strong batting
line-up. That assumption proved disastrous. Apart from a couple of
small partnerships, Wesley made a right royal mess of things to find
itself at a very precarious eight (8) wickets for around 100 runs.
This was when George Jayatunga joined S .Musafer, our keeper.
It was reported on the grape vine that "Mus" as he was affectionately known was constantly looking up towards a bright blue sky on a blazing hot afternoon. The coach who was by this time quite disgusted by our efforts, unobtrusively moved upto us and whispered What the hell are you looking up for ?" Mus was quick to respond. "It might rain. Sir", he said. Yes, there was no doubt Mus was praying for a miracle like the rest of us. What we didn't know was that Mus wasn't going to surrender his wicket without a fight. George and Mus moved the score along steadily and then right out of the blue Mus pushed the ball into the covers and took off for a run like a scalded cat. The fielder lunged forward, picked up the ball and hit the stumps at the Welikada Gaol end. Mus was half way down the pitch but he kept running as if he wanted to reach the gaol to incarcerate himself for his grave error of judgement. He charged into the stumps flattening them in the process.
The fielders appealed and jumped around in glee but the Umpire was confused as he pondered if it was MUS who brought the stumps down , and according to the best traditions of this great game, the Prince of Wales Umpire gave MUS the benefit of the doubt. Such an incident should be sufficient to create a climax to bring this story to a conclusion but not so, with MUS at the centre wicket. He was out to the last ball of the over, caught Senaratne, bowled Sooriyaratchi for 20 runs when the scores were dead level. T.Allalasunderam at number 11, Wesley's fastest sprinter at the time strode out to bat. He walked straight up to George Jayatunga, who was to take the strike and nervously announces "Push and run, George" and that is exactly what they did to win the game. In this the School's 125th Anniversary, I join in the spirit of Celebrations and wish Wesley success in all its endeavors - both on and off the field. As a means of paying tribute to the gallant players and perhaps to refresh some fading memories I now give the names of all the cricketers who were a part of our glorious early fifties.
L.Abeywardene, N. Gallaher S.Musafer D.Mack L.Adhihetty, D.Ebert, G.Abeysooriya B.Perera H.Felsinger, M.Samsudeen, S.Allalasunderam R.CIaessen A.Batuwitage Abu Fuard N.Fernando V.Adhihetty, S. Mack, A. Chapman, GJayatunga, D.Range, P.Schokman A.Casiechetty MJurampathy R.M. de Silva H.CIaessen Ansar Fuard G. Nanayakkara and Bryan Claessen.
Editors of Note: Bryan Claessen Captained the Wesley Team in 1953. In 1953, he was selected to play for Ceylon against, Australia skippered by Lindsay Hasset. Bryan was one of Wesley's best exponents of spin bowling, which included the "googly" He now lives in Australia.
Vincent Perera - Wesley's Groundsmen Remembered by Edmund Dissanayake
Vincent Joined the Ground Staff in 1958 Ranis, the bell-ringer, quite seriously told me, that be would not fit in, because "he was wearing shoes". But following the good example set by Wilbert, Vincent served the School with great acceptance till he resigned in 1985, after a period of 27 years. His family lived about 25 miles away, but he seldom took leave of absence. He was dependable, courteous, thorough in his work, and absolutely efficient. ' One incident about his integrity is recalled. When the School wanted to purchase a set of balls for practice, he made available 24 Kookaburra Balls used in the previous season. (Most ground boys used to sell used balls for a few rupees). Cricketers who knew him were full of praise for Vincent. Men of his calibre are a rare commodity today.
Wilbert -Groundsman remembered by Edmund Dissanayake
Wilbert joined the Ground Staff of Wesley u 1920. he was only 15 years old. He served the School devotedly for 48 years, when he retired because of feeble health. He passed away on the 23rd of April 1968., The good father that he was, he endeavoured to provide the bare necessities for his family of five, by sacrificing his mid day meal. It is said that he often partook of only a cup of plain tea at lunch time. Wesleyites had the highest regard for Wilbert. He had a good knowledge of the game. Very often the team that was selected by the School, was the same as he himself had in mind. Umpires who came to Campbell Park did not have to double check the markings of the wicket. Wilbert's measurements were always accurate. Wilbert had great faith in Wesley. The Old Boys rallied round splendidly to launch a Fund for his family. The Principal, Mr. Harold Nonis, and the Hony. Sec of the Old Boys' Union, Mr. J. G. P. Wickramanayeke were of great help to him. Wilbert's devotion to duty, loyalty, integrity, sense of responsibility and quiet efficiency were the hallmark of his character.
I joined Wesley in 1950. After captaining the Under 14 and Under 16 teams, I had the privilege of being appointed as the Captain of the 1st Eleven Cricket team in 1963. We went through the season unbeaten defeating St Peter's , Kingswood, and Under the able guidance of our coach Henry Van Buuren, former Captain, and astute tactician, we were selected as the first recipients of the Lifebouy Shield, for the best School's cricket team of 1963. Darell Maye was selected as the "Schoolboy Cricketer of the From 1960 to 1962 we came under the able guidance of B.J.H. Bahar (Snr), who hailed from far away Hambantota. Our Cricket was right on top. Other members of the team were Everard Schoorman (Australia), Milroy Jebarajah (Canada), Batcha Fuard (New Zealand), Sarath Wickramaratne, Mervyn Harmer Clifford Rodrigo, Rodney Perera, C.Perera, L.Femando I was invited to be the Honorary coach of the 1st Eleven in 1981 I accepted the challenge although the facilities available were limited. We were unbeaten m 1981 and in 1985.
It was with a great sense of satisfaction that I can state that during the period 1981-1988 many centuries were scored by the boys trained by me. On for occasions , more than a 1000 runs were scored by individual players. Navin de Silva achieved this twice in 1981 and in 1982. In addition be captured more than 50 wickets each year. Duminda Nissanka scored 1000 runs in 1987 Navin de Silva was selected to lead the Sri Lanka School cricket team tour of England and its worthy of mention that Captain and Vice captain of our current national team, Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva played under Navin in this tour. Our unbeaten team of 1985, skippered by Mylvaganam Ganesh was adjudged the Best Schools Team and was awarded the Lifebuoy Shield again, for the third time, the second being under the Captaincy of Amaresh Rajaratnam. in 1969.
Before I conclude I must also refer to the 1983 Under 17 Team skippered by All -rounder Mahendra Dissanayake, which won the All-Island Division II Tournament, winning all six(6) matches. Mahendra captained the 1st XI in 1984. He holds the School record as the best bowler against St Peter's capturing 8 for 54, in 1985. In the same year, in the match against the invincible Nalanda team, on the Nalanda Grounds, Mahendra was in devastating form capturing 7 for 34 arid 7 for 30. Even Asanka Gurusinghe and Roshan Mahanama who were stalwarts in the national team later found it extremely difficult to face the deadly inswing of Mahendra. Further, Mahendra sportingly agreed to play under the 1985 Captain M.Ganesh, although he could have continued as Captain for another year. He materially helped the school to become Champions in 1985, through his personal example with bat and ball, and advice when asked by his Captain. It was with great regret that I accepted a Staff Post in Nuwara Eliya in 1988, which prevented me from serving My Alma Mater longer --- signed Milrov Muthuvaloe
Reminiscing Soccer at Wesley by Neville Abeygunawardene
It
is not possible to write precisely of my initial involvement with
Wesley Soccer but I am sure - it was the Principal Mr. C. J. Oorloff
who invited me to Wesley after a friendly game of Soccer between
Wesley & the CR & FC In those early days, except for a few at
Wesley, the rest were at best average and nil at worst! yet with
total commitment, and enthusiasm dovetailed, the results of the
preparatory matches of the third term, held out promise for our
teams - the 1st Eleven and the under 18. Lest I forget or rather
lest we forget let me express my deep gratitude to the late Terrence
de Zilwa, it was he who provided the Soccer team with first set of
soccer jerseys, shorts and stockings. Terrence never missed a match
where the "Double blues" went into action. It was he who requested
Mr. Oorloff to present me with a double blue tie, as a token of
appreciation for my services to Wesley soccer. This gift remains a
treasured momento.
When for the first time the "Double Blues" took the field in competitive soccer, there appeared a large "fan" support from both College and the public. Our initial success against Carey College, Christian College, Richmond College, De Mazenod College and Kingswood College, were not only the fruits of labour, but a clear signal to the fancied soccer schools that a new star had appeared in the horizon. Many are the unforgettable pieces of action, for example the De Mazenod encounter at Kandana, when we were trailing one-nil in the final minutes of play, a free kick was awarded to us for a minor offence near 40 yards out in the middle. Upali Samararatne took some measured steps back amidst the absorbing mass, and let go a drive probably rare even in major soccer which sent the sphere curling into the corner of the net, to draw the match and keep the "Blues" undefeated I recall another incident when playing Richmond at the Galle Esplanade, an infuriated crowd invaded the field and manhandled our players triggered off in an incident on the field involving Lou Adhihetty, which could have turned into a fracas if not for the intervention of the late Dr. Dahanayake.
Then I recall Upali, in the game against St. Matthews at Mount Mary executing one of his menacing "gliding" tackles, not only brought down the player but his pants too! Up in Katugastota to play St. Anthony's, the Kandy District soccer champs, our goal keeper Terrence Gunawardene who in later years was Commander of the Air Force, was stricken with high fever, and though advised to stand down was determined to play. I recall the names of Michael Fernando and Rajah Authukorale. Terrence Gunawardene's performance was class. Though it was a drawn game, the major honours went to us.
Let me add a few words of appreciation to every member of the senior and the junior teams, of that period who excelled in the sport and brought honour to their Alma Mater. Lou Adhihetty, Gunasekera, Wimal Goonetilleke, Upali Samararatne, who skippered the "Double Blues" then, were excellent in leadership, apart from their individual performance. I may hasten to say the O.K. Hemachandra, now Deputy Inspector General of Police, Michael Fernando, Upali Samararatne, Nalendra Abeysooriya, Terrence Goonawardene, Rajah Athukorale. Samidon, Razark, and Lou Adhihetty could have donned National jersey, if only if they had pursued with the sport. In Hemachandra there was a very crafty player whose mid-field manoeuvres were.' the base of the team's success. Upali Samararatna's dare and dash and Terrence Gunawardene'.s safe hands were no mean contribution to the glory of Wesley Soccer. The sheer speed and control of Abeysooriya in the wings, and the deft and droit foot work of Michael Fernando, Samidon, Rajah Authukorale, to name a few were a delight to watch. These were then the days when the "Double Blues" bloomed and blossomed at Soccer!
Play up ! play up ! and play the Game by Pete Mendis
From the 125th Anniversary Souvenir
In the first term of 1946,a notice that the lst XI cricket practices will beheld at the Prison Grounds was displayed. During the first week there was a turn up of about 10, this number gradually increased. Wilbert and M.Marshall, lugged the material to the grounds. (I met Marshall at Wesley when I came down to Sri Lanka in 1997 and seeing him after 50 years evoked mutual memories. The practices were taken very seriously, under the watchful eye of our Captain Edmund Dissanayake, who was ably assisted by Alan Ratnarajab (now deceased). We did well in all our third term matches, defeating Kingswood by an innings and Prince of Wales by three(3) wickets. We were a well knit team displaying a high 'espirit de corps'. Within that term a trip was organised to the 'ruined cities'- accompanying us were two members of the staff- Maurice Weerasooriya better known as "Tojo' and SheltonPeiris. Mr. Paul Senaratne. who was the son of a well known Methodist Minister, Revd. G.A.F.Senaratne, was the District Engineer, C.G.R. our genial host.
Some Senior Police Officers, whose sons were Hostellers mapped an extensive and interesting programme, with comfortable transport provided as well. After a few days , Tojo, a great gentleman, but of the moody type, announced that he was leaving us- none knew why- but however, the planned programme was earned out, under the leadership of Shelton and Edmund. With the commencement of the first term , we bad only Edmund to direct us at the nets, with Fred de Mel (Pappa) dropping in, on and off. The 'Thambi-boutique' was our rendezvous for a stimulating 'gabdee', and cup of tea! followed by a bee-line to Bertus Perera's home, in the company of his very hospitable parents, and the delightful presence of his sisters- Clarice and Junie. Bertus joined the Police and rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police. Then we had a another fine sportsman- L.VJayaweera, father of Vivian who was an Officer in the Mounted Corps. Later L.V. J. spent time after his strenuous work coaching. Our first match in 1947 was with Royal, at Reid Avenue whom we defeated after a lapse of eleven years.
The Monday following was decided a full holiday by the over-joyed Revd. James Cartman., who at the assembly that morning spoke of the teams 'grit and unity'. We felt seven feet tall ! The next match in 1947 was against St Thomas' which will certainly go down in Wesley's cricketing history, as the 'touch and go tragedy match', for Edmund our Skiver, whilst fielding at silly mid-off, switched m the middle of the over to silly mid-on, and was bit on the head when Ronnie Weerakoon(STC) pulled Jayasundera to the mid-wicket boundary. Edmund dropped unconscious, and was carried off the field by the Rev Cartman and Prefects, and rushed to Durdans Nursing . Home, where he re-gained consciousness many days later. Bewildered as we were by this unfortunate incident which caused grievous injury to Edmund, - a fine batsman and a sterling bowler- we were determined to 'play up! and Play the game! ' and infused with a renewed fervour we were able to defeat St Thomas' by 112 runs. Alan took over the role of captain and the team to a man supported him. It is of interest to mention, though on a no(e of regret, that our performance of that year against Royal and St Thomas' has yet to be repeated even after as long as half a century.
This is an open challenge which Wesley must take seriously. In our day we had an aim and a direction, and without doubt like the great lads of today. Some of the 1947 players flit into mind like Harold Matthysz, D.T.Ramanayake, Piyasiri Abeyewardene, Vivil Dias, Denis Van Twest, Clive Bartholomeusz, Natty Prins, and Orville Mottau- of course there were others too who played their part for Wesley. Our next match was against Trinity at Asgirya. We received a warm welcome, as our reputation had preceded us!- though, of course , the media coverage of Trinity was in the superlatives that it had the best school-boy side, which included five (5) cricket Lions. It was our first match on turf. We drew a thrilling match having to make 147 in 90 minutes That year our next encounter was with St Benedict's College., whom we defeated by an innings on the Railway Grounds at Mount Mary. There was an unbecoming incident which marred the very spirit of sportmanship, when supporters of the defeated team smashed the glass pane of Rev. Cartman's car. -The Wesley team and supporters displayed great restraint This annual fixture was off the cards for nearly 40 years and revived in 1980, when Edmund was Prefect of Games. On my meeting Edmund, during a recent visit to Sri Lanka, he told me how thankful he was to Henry Van Buuren ( Wesley Captain of 1935) who coached him, besides giving useful instructions on the strategy of planning and directing not only one's team but also the method adopted by opponents.
Wesley has a high spirit of sportsmanship. I recall Edmund stepping down from Captaincy to give Harold Matthysz a chance. We also had the benefit of M. Sathasivam's great experience as be too coached our team. Both, Henry Van Buuren and Satha boosted the morale and image of the team. One cannot forget the interest, influence and the encouragement the Rev James Cartman exerted in the resurgence of post-war cricket at Wesley, despite the few facilities, in contrast to what are available now. Cricket then moulded us to "Play up! Play up! and Play the game! " and also face up to the challenges of life. What of Wesley today ? Pete Mendis London 1998
Editors Note: Pete A. Mendis apart from his keen interest in Cricket was also involved in many other activities of the school such as the Histographers Society, and was a rumbustious Hosteller, though pint sized! He is the only son of the Late Rev. George Mendis, a one time Chairman of the Methodist Synod. He is married and now lives in London, England
Sport in Wesley -Then kindly sent to me by Mr.N.S.Weerasekera
The writer was old boy of the college and was considered the Doyen of Sports writers In Sri Lanka. We expect knowledgeable young old boys like Richard Dwight and Eric Gauder to update this in future newsletters . Past and present Wesleyites I am sure be interested in what I shall be saying in the course of this article, dealing namely with sports of all forms at the old College in Dam Street, Pettah from 1893 when I was admitted into that institution as a free scholar at the age of ten. In those far off days the Principal was Rev. T C Hillard B A (Lond); the Head master Mr C P Dias MMC and his chief Assistant W E Mack.
Of my old Principals and teachers at Wesley, there is none alive today and of my contemporaries in College as far as I can remember only R F Honter, famous old Wesleyite now living In retirement in England. J,Deheragoda Retired Supdt of Police: J.C.Alwis a veteran of over 80 now living at Wellawatte; A,W.Dissanayake retired schoolmaster of Richmond; Chevalier A Sellamuttu who was a classmate of mine and Robert De Alwis after a master at Kingswood. I can still remember my first from master namely J.W.Amerasekera, also J.A.Wijeyekoon and C.W.Alwis (afterwards a Mudaliyar of the Supreme Court).
I am sure most of my readers will be interested in the following facts. From 1893 till 1897 when Price Park was opened out. Wesley had no Playground. We young pupils indulged in a little cricket in the small compound adjoining the big hall. The older boys used to walk in the evenings to the racquet courts carrying their materials and practice there. The Chalmer's granaries now occupy that space. Later when Price Park a very poor sort of playground was opened out, both senior and junior boys indulged in Cricket and Football on the park. It was in 1893 that Wesley met Royal for the first time in a cricket match. The game took place on the old Royal College tiny playground in San Sebastian.
Wesley were led by A P De Bruin, afterwards Headmaster of All Saints' School at Galle and a famous Church Organist. In the team were C R Perera, a fine left hand batsman. Z H Mantara, later the captain of the Malay CC: Sir Gerard Wijekoon, Ben Honter eldest of the Honter brothers: M H Akbar and W L Faber. Later in 1895 Wesley met Royal -on the Racquet Court, when on the Wesley side were C.R.Pereira.EB Relich,RF Honter WA Joseph and a great fast bowler and Louis Scharenguivel. The last two lived in small park near my place, In 1897 Wesley beat Royal, I believe for the first time on Galle Face Green. M L Warish led Wesley and C E Perera played a brilliant historic innings of 98. In 1898, C E Perera Captained Wesley and among my team-mates were W ONathanielsz and B Joseph, a younger brother of W A Joseph and one of a famous family of eleven brothers who played a match against Bloomfield at the Racquet court. Another member of the Joseph family, Lennie is still alive today.
He also played for Wesley. In 1899, I commenced playing regularly for Nathanielsz. W A Wijekoon a fine all rounder, A W Dissanayake, Richard De Alwis and Lyn Barbut the greatest left hand bowler produced by Wesley. Today, my mind goes back to 1900, when a famous combined colleges team led by E Weerasuriya of Royal beat the invincible Colts CC by a few runs at the Victoria Park. In that famous team were Lyn Barbut, A W Nathanielsz and Willy Ekanayake younger brother of the famous H J V. I'm sure readers will pardon my modesty when as Captain in 1901, 1902. 1903 I set up a record for no one had captained Wesley Three times in a succession. Many years after A R Seneviratne equalled my record but I believe it still stands unique as I also won the Hill Medal in 1903.
The only other Wesleyite who was Captain and won the Hill Medal was the present principal Mr P H Nonis. In those far off days, apart from Royal, the other schools Wesley met In cricket were St Thomas', I would like to mention that in 1903. when the school champions Royal were beaten by Trinity College, Wesley went upto Kandy and on Bogambara grounds beat a famous Trinity eleven led by C V Aluwlhare and John Halangoda by one run. In my time the Combined Colleges, made up of the best cricketers of Wesley, St Josephs, Royal , St Thomas' and Trinity used to meet the leading first class teams in Ceylon and it fell to my honour to lead the combined colleges in several of these games.
In later years these matches ceased to function and today rarely do we hear of a combined colleges team beating the leading sides in Ceylon. Since my time at Wesley that ended in 1906 when I was a junior master and a Lieutenant in the Cadet Corp under captain CV Honter, amongst the famous Wesleyites whom I taught in the middle 3rd Form later won the Ceylon University Scholarship to go to England, not to mention other famous old Wesleyites like Mr.C.E.De Pinto and Mr.Eric Gunasekera afterwards the headmaster of Wesley, and a few others that I cannot remember.
Talking of famous cricketers produced by Wesley since 1903 belie the best were the late R E S Mendis, Sammy Gunasekera, both left handers who played for all Ceylon: F W Dias who was Captain in 1908-1909. T Sathasivam another fine left arm bowler whose son M Sathasivarn later played for Wesley and called as a batsman, A M Fuard. and R N Kannangara one of the greatest all rounder ever produced by Wesley scoring 1000 runs and taking 100 wickets in one year. After that come the brothers Mayol H S Joseph, who Is now I believe settled In Australia; A C Mendis a good left hander who played for the Notts; S Nagendran who also played for all Ceylon; Aban V Fernando, who was at one time master and cricket coach at Wesley and is now a well known sports journalist and the brothers Claessen - Radley and Brian.
I am not referring to famous - Wesleyites in the last ten years as their records are well known to readers. Among the greatest batsman produced since 1893, by Wesley first must be placed C E Perera; next comes In M Sathasivam who has done well for All Ceylon. I must not fail to mention that three best left arm bowlers were L Barbut, R E S Mendis, and Sammy Gunasekera. I can only deal briefly with Wesley's other sporting pastimes like Boxing. Athletics, and Soccer. In Boxing Wesley produced three of the greatest Boxers of all time in FC Jayawardene his brothers AP and AB and Henricus, who is still alive and a keen old sportsman. Also LV Jayaweera a truly fine pugilist and more recently HC Zavahir.
In Athletics Wesley have held annual meets and produced a fairly high standard of sport. The greatest Athletic product of Wesley was MA M Sheriff who later won the Athletics blue at Oxford University and also in the United States. Since the days of the school at Price park Wesley played Soccer matches with Royal, St Joseph's and other schools and did well. Since the days of the school at Price park Wesley played Soccer matches with Royal, St Joseph's and other schools and did well.
Sport in Wesley - NOW - from the Prefect of Games Mr Kenneth de Silva
Cricket: The 1st XI team was not a normal Wesley outfit but their performance was very satisfactory. The under 13 team won 6 out of 8 matches played in the All island Division Two tournament. We lost to Holy Cross, Kalutara in the Semi Finals. Faris Mahroof was the Vice Captain of the under 15 cricket team that took part in the World tournament. He was gifted with cricket gear by the joint efforts of the OBU.
Soccer: The under 16 Soccer team reached the finals of the Colombo district. schools football association tournament, but were unlucky- to lose to Isipathana College. The match was drawn and the championship was decided on a penalty shoot-out which we lost 3-2 (In November 2000) This under 16 team also reached the semi finals of the All Island Schools Championship. Chess The under 19 team won the St John's College invitation schools championship in Feb. 2000.
Chess: Our under 17 Chess team won the Bishop's College 125th anniversary invitation schools tournament in June 2000 and the western province schools championship in July 2000.
Rugger: The under 13 squad won the All Island School's championship for the 2nd consecutive year in November 2000. The Wesley boys scored over 200points and conceded only 5points in winning all the 6 matches played.They were feted by the OWSC at Tea withe the former Rugby union President Lionel Almeida being the guest of honour. The OBU, Welfare Society and the OWSC also presented a purse to the coach Mr. Disantha Priyadarsana. If we keep this talented coach on a permanent basis we could surely see more successes in the future. The under 15 emerged Runners up at the All Islad Schools Tournament held in Oct 2000.They also participated in Malaysia where they won 4 matches and lost the semi final. Steve Perera and Lahiru Boteju were selected for the under 19 Rugby squad in the Junior Asia in Sri Lanka.
Satha - bewitching elegance on and off the field by Alfred Gogerly Moragoda CCS From the 125th Anniversary Souvenir
Sri Lanka's recent cricket
exploits prompt an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling ' s Recessional "
The tumult and the shouting have died. The Captains and their teams
have departed. "The humble heart, which the Recessional terms an
ancient sacrifice has been amply demonstrated by Sri Lanka's
outstanding players personally. They have emphasized that the credit
of success belongs to their team and not to themselves individually.
However, the sacrifice for a contrite heart, also counselled in the
Recessional, is hardly to be noticed anywhere. On the contrary, some
even green to gloat over Sri Lanka's straight victories in the Wills
World Cup matches and the Singer World Series matches, especially,
and this not without some sense of justice, over its humiliation of
the same adversaries in the finals of both these events. Even the
newspapers have gone to town over.
Sri Lanka's cricket. An editorial refers to the "decisive defeat of the Aussies for the second time" and goes on to add "our cricketing talent is truly extraordinary ... the exhilarating batsman ship of a Sathasivarn or the wicket- keeping of a Navaratne or the all round performance of a Gunasekera or Prins were the first indications of an island full of cricketing talent." All the names mentioned above are those of true sportsmen. But, perhaps, Sathasivam got more fun and joy from his cricket because he was that kind of person. It was fantastic that he was placed on remand for the murder of his wife. Those who knew him well certainly knew him as a murderer most merciless of the cricket ball.! He was the most naturally gifted batsman the world has ever .seen, the most charmingly disdainful of any kind of bowling, the most nonchalant in situations most desperate.
It was well-nigh impossible to seta field to contain him. He found than gaps with effortless ease. And he did it with artistry and finesse. It is no wonder he captained two countries at cricket. Had he played in his heyday in England, the cricket world could have placed him in no other class than that of Ranji and Duleep. These two I have not seen. But Hobbs and Sutcliffe I have, and Hammond and Bradman, and Miller and Dexter, and Worrell and Sobers. And Satha was indisputable their peer. This is only my opinion. And I have no hesitation in recording it. The bewitching elegance with which he walked to the wicket won my heart in a way in which the erect grace of Miller, the lordly hauteur of Dexter and the measured arrogance of Bradman, as they marched to their stance, failed to captivate me.
And the smile with which Satha took his place at the wicket, looking gleefully round the field noting the spot- left vacant by the opposing captain, was certainly not that of a crude and graceless murderer. So I visited Satha in the remand goal, moved by my affection, faith and goodwill. And as we talked he continue smiling with the same nonchalance he showed when he had a bat in his hand to face the wiles of the opposing bowlers in the most averse circumstances ii the cricket field. He chattily asked what his person said and what the person said about the murder he was alleged to have( committed And I told him that none of his fellow cricketers would dream that he had any hand in it The truth of this Keith Miller, Australia's greatest all-rounder clearly illustrated, when he also visited the remand to add his own quota to Satha's buoyancy.
In the course of my own visit to see him on remand the question of questions that Satha asked me was what my own wife thought about the charge that he had murdered his wife. I did not want to be untruthful. I confessed that not only my wife but all her friends, many if whom has been to her old school, were in no doubt that he had committed the murder, and they were all out for his blood Satha grinned. He had once had a skirmish with my wife's old school, which at that time had a Principal with an alphabetical name, something like Miss L. M. N O.P. The father of one of Satha's friends had a spadous jalopy. This Satha, then in his final year at school, had taken with his friends in the early hours of one morning, and in it they had loaded, as they passed by the flower pots that had the fairest flowers that ever blew in Cinnamon Gardens. Those days no garden gate was ever locked.
The morning found these flowerpots neatly arranged inside the premises of the alphabetically named Principals school. Satha and his friends were singing happy songs within its sacred walls as the maidens arrived in school. As word got around the Principal came on the scene. Satha went down on his knees. And, moving on his knees, one knee following the other in measured time, he came up to the Principal and asked her to be his bride. The Principal replied that she was still too young to think of marriage, but would keep the proposal in mind for consideration when she was old enough. Round one to the Principal. She then nicely told the gathered school boys that they has better leave in a hurry.
Some of the flower pots had been recognised by a damsel or two as belonging to their mammas, and the clamouring owners were on their way to claim them possibly in the company of the minions of the law. The Principal said she did not wish to see nice boys in trouble. They scrammed. Round two to the Principal. The next Principal of this school had the same name as the boy who did not have a penny to pay for his pie. But why should I not give the name of the chief guest she invited one year for the school prize giving. He was the Rev Lakdasa de Mel. The Principal in presenting her annual report, proudly reported that her school had won all the shields at the all island athletics meet for girls schools that year.
When it came to the Chief Guest's turn to speak he said all the nice things a Chief Guest is expected to say about teachers and parents and school girls and so on. lie also said that he was not a bit surprised, when he heard that part of the Principal's report about the prowess shown by the girls of her school in athletics, because he has always known that this school produced the fastest girls in the island. The Principal's face did not go cherry red. She smiled broadly and clapped. We loved her. When I saw Satha on remand I chose to speak of happy days. All these things, we recalled, may be to keep myself in good cheer. For Satha I had no need to cheer. He remained the embodiment of confidence and good cheer. As I left he asked me to give my wife his regards, and to tell her that, when he comes out, she is the next on his list.!
Editors Note: Alfie Moragoda, was for a short period, on the staff of Wesley, prior to his joining the prestigious Ceylon Civil Service, where he had a distinguished service holding many top administrative positions. Alfred was a prolific writer to leading newspapers under the pseudonym of Gaymede. He is the composer of the song "Minneriya Serenade" which was an inspiration of his courtship days.
Danesh Dissanayake Scores 5 Centuries by Dayaprasad Peiris
When Wesley skipper Danesh Dissanayake made his second successive century against Royal at Reid Avenue this season be achieved the rare distinction of getting those centuries on the same grounds. Danesh Dissanayake made exactly a 100 runs at Reid Avenue in 1988 and then followed up with another century of 114 against Royal this year. Of course the non-availability of the Wesley College grounds this year due to the laying of a turf wicket at Campbell Park forced the Wesley- Royal game lo be played at Reid Avenue this year too.
Danesh Dissanayake has been a consistent run getter and a capable medium pace bowler who did great service to the team from 1985 when be joined Wesley after doing so well at Nalanda. Danesh Dissanayake when he made die second century against Royal be broke the existing record for the highest number of centuries previously held by Brian Claessen and Lou Adhihetty making four centuries each. When Brian Claessan played for Wesley from 1951 to 1953 there was a complete rejuvenation in the game, as many watched his batsman ship which delighted them. His stature, poise and the way be stroked the ball to all parts of the field was full of glamour and sheer artistry.
During his three year spell be made four delightful memories for Wesley, 101 not out against Trinity in 1951, 115 against Kingswood in 1951, with both those innings played cm their respective grounds in Kandy. Brian Claessen also made several fifties during his career. Then in 1953 as Captain he made a fighting 105 against St.Thomas' College in the second innings of a drawn encounter led by P.I.Peiris on the Mt. Lavinia turf. In the final game Claessen made a belligerent unbeaten 157 against Richmond College, at Campbell Park associating in a record partnership with Abu Fuard who made a defiant 101. Wesley will always remember the Claessen era with nostalgia.
The next Wesleyite to score four centuries was the left hander Lou Adhihetty who made 114 against St Josephs in 1955 and followed up with three centuries, 147 against Kingswood. 104 against Trinity, and repeated his performance against St. Joseph's making 116 in 1956 at Darley Road. Brian Claessen had the distinction of playing for All-Ceylon against Len Hutton's England players in a whistle stop game at the Oval as a schoolboy along with the Thomian skipper lan Peiris in October 1953.
Danesh Dissanayake now has the privilege of surpassing these two cricketers making five centuries for Wesley during his career. Dissanayake made 107 not out against Carey in 1985 at Campbell park, 145 against Issipatana in 1987 at the Colts grounds, 100 against Royal at Reid Avenue, 105 against St Joseph's in 1989 at Darley Road and 114 against Royal at Reid Avenue. The full fledged all rounder has done quite well and in 1988 became the first schoolboy batsman to reach the golden 1000 runs.
Danesh Dissanayake during that season missed several centuries including 93 against St.Thomas at the P.Saravanmuttu Stadium. A bright prospect for the future and if recognised by the national selectors he should perform quite creditably in competitive cricket.
Dayaprasad Peiris Editor's Note'. This was an article written by Dayaprasad Peiris and appeared in the "Island" of 7th April 1989. He submitted this for publication in the souvenir, shortly before he passed away. He was a regular sports contributor to the "Island" Newspaper.