thomian grit defies the odds yet again

September 9th 2008

It was yet another fantastic display of steely determination, coupled with meticulous organizing and clinical execution that was witnessed at S. Thomas’ College “Big Club” grounds last Saturday the 6^th, at their inaugural “Inter-Collegiate Batch Sixes” cricket carnival. 

An accumulation of weather gods simmering down with their unified wrath could not keep the collective strength of the Thomian fraternity, old boy batches from Mt. Lavinia, Guruthalawa, Kollupitya and Bandarawela from taking to the field and continuing with their tournament, at times in sheets of rain and minimum visibility; reminding the jolly onlookers of mythological deeds of the mighty Odysseus, classics which undoubtedly would have moulded these lads from very early ages within the hallowed precincts of their beloved Alma Mater. 

The STC Class of ’90, a batch of staunch old boys who organised this event to raise funds for renovating their Pavilion & Tuck Shop building had planned for every detail. So whilst cricket remained the focal point there was something for everyone to engage in, including bouncers, pony rides & party trains for the kids, fairground games, trade stalls, vintage cars and boat display, DJ music & request stall, papare bands with petite cheer leaders to keep everyone in “the mood”’, a free massage & foot-rub courtesy of their principle sponsor TIGO, even emission testing for vehicles and a free medical check-up were provided for at this one-of-a-kind, amazing cricket carnival. It was yet another “Thomian first” extravaganza that very few but these lads from the “School by the Sea” know how to pull off in grand style - time after time!

Another unique feature of this inaugural attempt was that 32 old boy batch teams spanning four decades, ranging from the 70’s to the present, from all four affiliated schools were involved in playing 4 matches at any one time in this tournament which was worked off in a league format. Their gutsy will to defy the odds was unparalleled, albeit perhaps only to an equally bold set of umpires who braved the weather together and ensured that the “game went on” and concluded successfully as scheduled. A relatively younger 2001 A/L batch emerged champions with the “not so old” 1989 A/L following as runners up. Nuwan Peiris of the winning team was adjudged Man of the Tournament.

Thanking all their sponsors, the wider Thomian community and all well wishers of STC for their support, the organizing committee happily proclaimed that it was well worth all their time and effort, and that based on this inaugural success; they planned to make this another recurring annual event on the Thomian calendar. Pictures of the event can be viewed at their official website - www.stcmlclassof1990.org or the OBA website at www.stcmloba.org.

Esto Perpetua!

Organising Committee

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September 3rd 2008

Just a few more days and the Old Thomians will be at it again! This time it’s a Cricket Carnival at the Big Club Grounds on Saturday the 6 th of September.

There are already 32 Old Boy Batch teams registered for the Soft Ball Sixes which will be played in a league format. Thomian class groups spanning 5 decades are playing each other for the honour of some serious bragging rights and to walk away with the Challenge trophies. Although the focus will be on 4 exciting matches playing simultaneously, there is a lot more activity for your family as well. Not to worry, the event’s organizing Class of 1990 has ensured everyone will be entertained in a Vibrant Carnival Mood.

There will be bouncers, party trains, games, face painting and pony rides, fairground games of skill, including a shooting gallery and a water dunk, antique cars, boats, and other fun stuff for children of all ages.

For you old boys and your better halves there is a promise of unbounded fun and frolic with DJ music and a request stall to bring back some nostalgia. Also Papare Bands with friendly Cheer leaders to lead your kaawadii dance. For the weary relaxing feet rub and massage courtesy the principle sponsors TIGO who have also lined up other fun stuff under their sleeve.

John Keels Elephant House and Perera & Sons will be there selling delicious short eats, breakfast and lunch along with the essential soft drinks, bites and ice. Good ole Karti, and the Acharu / Annasi Amme will also be there.

Laughs will conduct emission testing for your vehicle whilst Apolo will conduct free health checks on you. The event organizing committee will however not take responsibility for the quality and outcome of these reports as we are fairly sure we had no control on what you did before this event! However, we will be happy to have Kodak take your picture with you batch mates and / or your family.

Raffle tickets with some super prizes will be available for those who want to chance their luck. No matter if you don’t win as all proceeds from this day will go towards the renovation and restoration of the College Tuck-shop and Pavilion.

You too may want to be involved in this chapter of Thomian history and make a donation as an individual or a group in the register that will be eventually displayed in the restored pavilion. So bring your cheque book along.

In any case the Cricket Carnival promises to be fantastic fun for all so make sure you and your family are there! Saturday the 6 th of September from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Free Parking at the Small Club Grounds.

Our Media Sponsors Yes FM & MTV have ensured that Thomians Young & Old from Near and Far will gather in their numbers. Don’t miss it for the World.

Esto Perpetua

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SIX - A - SIDE CRICKET RULES

September 3rd, 2008

• Each team will consist of 06 players who are old Thomians
• 04 balls per over with 05 overs per side
• Each wide/no-ball = 4 runs and no extra ball. However, extra runs scored off a no-ball/ wide will be added to the runs
• Last ball of an innings wide/no-ball will have to be re-bowled plus 04 runs and any extra runs scored off such no-ball/ wide will be added to the runs.
• In case of a tie, a toss of the coin will decide the winner.
• The Keeper cannot be replaced during the match and the Keeper cannot bowl
• The tournament will commence at 8a.m. Teams will have to be present on time, if not, opposing team will get a walk over.
• If 02 teams have equal wins in a group, a toss of a coin will decide the winner. If more than 02 teams have equal wins in a group, the winner will be decided by drawing lots.
• The winner of each group will proceed to the quarter final.
• In case of bad weather or for any other reason whatsoever, the Organizing Committee has the absolute right to re-format the rules and the conduct of the tournament.

Organizing Committee

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INTER THOMIAN INTER BATCH SOFTBALL CRICKET SIXES CARNIVAL

COLOMBO August 15th, 2008

Old boy class groups from S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia, Guruthalawe, Bandarawela & Preparatory School Colpetty will compete in an Inter Batch/Collegiate Soft Ball Cricket Sixes encounter on Saturday the 6 th of September 2008 at the S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia (‘Big Club’) grounds, commencing at 8.30 a.m. The event is being organized by the Class of ’90 to raise funds to renovate the Pavilion and Tuck-Shop Buildings.

The event is rapidly gathering momentum in all social circles and promises to be yet another “Thora Festival” that only these Mt. Lavinia lads somehow seem to seal and deliver time and again! There is already a tremendous response from not just the Thomian fraternity but also from outside. The package for the Old Boys will most certainly include the traditional friendly rivalry, great deeds on the field, memories of the good old days when even the tolling of the bell at the end of recess yet allowed just a few more balls to be bowled, a six to be scored, a wicket to be taken or a match to be won!

Several batch/college teams have already registered but there is still room up to a maximum of 36 teams to make the “league” for the tournament, which will be worked off with 4 matches being played simultaneously. Those interested are urged to confirm their participation ASAP with Eraj on 0712762919 or Vasantha on 0777793632. The deadline for this unfortunately remains at 25 th of August.

For those not actually taking the field but rolling up to enjoy the atmosphere, the 6 th of September at Mt. Lavinia holds plenty of exciting things to do, with lots of fun & entertainment for the whole family, trade and other stalls, games of skill, antique cars, foot rubs, bouncers, pony rides, live DJ & papra bands, pom pom girls and the whole works! Remember that STC knows how to throw AND enjoy a GOOD PARTY!!! It will be one BIG fun-filled day, a fantastic Thomian Carnival of camaraderie and celebration. Ample parking space is available for those turning up at the “small club grounds”.

“Back to STC…happy land…happy land…”… hear the music beckoning you to come in your numbers to S. Thomas’ College on the 6 th of September, for yet another MASSIVE CELEBRATION… delivered in true THOMIAN style, panache and fashion … SEE YOU THERE!

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PRESS RELEASE

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REGISTERED CRICKET TEAMS - 32

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RENOVATION OF TUCK-SHOP & PAVILLION

STC Class 1990 has undertaken to renovate the Tuck-shop & Pavillion of S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.The total cost of the project is 5 Million Rupees, and our batch is committed to complete only the 1 st phase of 3, which will cost around 1.5 Million Rupees.

Murad Ismail (Riyad Ismail’s Brother) has already drawn up the plans and is currently working on finalizing the technical drawings and quantity survey.

PLEDGES AND PAYMENTS AS ON 18TH AUG 2008

PLEDGES AND PAYMENTS AS ON 01st SEP 2008

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BATCH GET TOGETHER

The batch get together for the batch mates of 1990 was a huge success. The event was held at the CR & FC Pavillion, Longdon Place, Colombo 07