S.Thomas’ College rowing team: Seated: Anuradha Nadaraja (coach), Dinesh Kumarasinghe (DOS), Chahel Samarasinghe (vice captain), Asanka Perera (sub warden), Dharaka Peiris (captain), Carmen Fernando (TIC), Sajin de Livera (coach). First row standing: Shenal Ratnaweera, Avinash Rajaguru, Niran Warawitta, Ashan Walpola, Ashika Ratnaweera, Shanara Senaratne, Bhanuka Ratnayake, Aritha Raddalgoda, Abhishek Nanayakkara. Second row standing: Chevon Perera, Rishen Perera, Nadiv Jayatilleke, Seth Stork, Vinuk Ratnayake, Dhanuk de Silva, Vihanga Kudaligama, Devotta, Andrew de Silva. Third row standing: Navika Moolamure, Ayuka Amarasekara, Aeden Janz, Anik Wijeyratne, Mahith Nanayakkara, Dian Canisius
The much anticipated Royal-Thomian Regatta, the annual showpiece between traditional school rivals Royal College and S. Thomas’ College which began in 1962 and later evolved into a Regatta in 1966 in the sports calendar of both schools will take place on October 26 on the waters of the Beira Lake in Colombo.
Both schools compare the event to the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race in England with the tradition that surrounds it.
Being the oldest inter school regatta in the country, S. Thomas’ has 23 victories and Royal 21 victories with five ties. Royal is expected to go into this memorable race as reigning champions, having won it for the past four years.
The course covers a one mile stretch on the Beira Lake and a total of 52 points are at stake. The event commences with the Senior Single Sculls which offers six points to the winners and followed by the Junior Sculls carrying points. Then there is the Senior Pair event for the Freddie Ruax Trophy and the Junior Pair event for the Chula Samarasinghe Challenge Trophy carrying eight and four points respectively that will follow.
The focus will also turn to the Senior Double Sculls for the Srisena-Sirimanne Trophy which will reward the winners with points with the Junior Double Sculls for the Phillps-Moheed Trophy offering four points.
Thereafter the Junior Coxed Fours of eight points is rowed for the Eraj Wijesinghe Trophy as supporters of both schools await the all-important Boat Race carrying 12 points which gets underway for the Boat Race Trophy.
In addition there are three exhibition races including the under-16 race, the Junior C fours and the Old Boys Four event which do not carry any points.
Being the 50th year, a larger turn-out is expected on the Saturday, October 26 to witness this historical event.