{"id":131146,"date":"2024-03-02T09:36:17","date_gmt":"2024-03-02T09:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=131146"},"modified":"2024-03-04T02:41:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T02:41:35","slug":"michael-tissera-85-the-finest-gentleman-cricketer-by-ravi-rudra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/michael-tissera-85-the-finest-gentleman-cricketer-by-ravi-rudra\/","title":{"rendered":"MICHAEL TISSERA 85* – THE FINEST GENTLEMAN CRICKETER – By Ravi Rudra\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

MICHAEL TISSERA 85* – THE FINEST GENTLEMAN CRICKETER – By Ravi Rudra\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Download the PDF file .<\/a><\/p><\/object><\/p>\n

The above is a PDF within this web page. Please scroll the pdf using the right side vertical scroll bar.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I am extremely honoured and grateful to my life-long hero Michael Tissera for having so very kindly invited me to his beautiful home (last December) to select some precious and rare photos from his old collections.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

To my further delight, Michael graciously consented to an impromptu interview.\u00a0 A day, so memorable, that I shall never ever forget.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Michael\u2019s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of cricketers, reminding us that the spirit of the game transcends boundaries and time itself.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The interview appears on pages 67-77 in the above PDF. (also refer here to the seperate articleof the interview – ” <\/b><\/span>The Michael Tissera Interview \u2013 with Ravi Rudra (19.12.2023)<\/a>)”.<\/strong><\/p>\n

During this compilation I have taken the liberty to pay brief tributes to some of Michael\u2019s illustrious former teammates.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Also note the link for a rare film footage of the 1965 historical win by Ceylon over India (kindly shared by Stephan Anthonisz) :\u00a0Sri Lanka’s FIRST win against India. 1965 Ahmadabad. Pataudi, Micheal Tissera. (youtube.com)<\/a><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you Michael for making a dream come true & Very Best Wishes for your 85th<\/sup>\u00a0Birthday coming up on 23rd<\/sup>\u00a0March.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

God Bless<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Ravi Rudra\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

(Auckland, NZ)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

MICHAEL TISSERA 85*<\/span><\/p>\n

THE FINEST GENTLEMAN CRICKETER<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(Compiled by Ravi Rudra – March 2024)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Michael Tissera \u2013 A Name Engraved In Pure Gold! \u201cNational Sportsman of the Year 1961 & 69.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Born on 23rd of March 1939, Michael Tissera could have been an All-time great had he been born a couple of decades late\u2026As an elegant batsman Tissera captured the imagination of players, spectators and writers\u2026 he is fondly remembered as an inspirational leader and one of the finest captains produced by the country\u2026The dignified and exemplary manner in which Tissera carried himself both on and off the field was exceptional.\u2026.Michael Tissera, is undoubtedly The Finest Gentleman of Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) Cricket!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

\n

CONTENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Michael Hugh Tissera 4-6<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Early Promise 6-8<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. STC Cricket 1954-56\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8-16<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. STC Cricket 1957-58 (Michael\u2019s Captaincy Years) 17-33<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Representing other Sports at STC 34-36<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. 1958 – Debut for Ceylon 37-38<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. 1961 \u2013 Memorable Century against Daily Mirror XI 40-41<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. 1961 \u2013 Australian Team to Ceylon & 1961 Gopalan Trophy 42<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. 1962 \u2013 Gopalan Trophy 43<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. 1962 \u2013 Ted Dexter\u2019s MCC 44<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. 1964 \u2013 Bob Simpson\u2019s Australian Team 45<\/span><\/li>\n
  12. 1964 \u2013 First International Victory – Beating Pakistan 46-47<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. 1965 \u2013 Historic Win against Pataudi\u2019s Indian side & the Video Link 48-53<\/span><\/li>\n
  14. 1967 \u2013 Playing the Mighty West Indies 54-55<\/span><\/li>\n
  15. 1969 \u2013 Historic Win against Colin Cowdrey\u2019s MCC 55<\/span><\/li>\n
  16. 1969 \u2013 Keen Contest against Bill Lawrey\u2019s Australia 56<\/span><\/li>\n
  17. 1969 \u2013 Sportsman of the Year 57<\/span><\/li>\n
  18. 1975 \u2013 Cricket World Cup 58-59<\/span><\/li>\n
  19. Past Cricket Captains 60<\/span><\/li>\n
  20. 1996 – Brainstorming Session with Sri Lanka Cricket Board 61<\/span><\/li>\n
  21. 2005 \u2013 2007 Highly Successful Sri Lanka Cricket Manager & Coach 62<\/span><\/li>\n
  22. 2009 & 2011 Prestigious MCC World Cricket Committees at Lord’s 63<\/span><\/li>\n
  23. 2015 – The Sobers-Tissera Trophy 64-65<\/span><\/li>\n
  24. Thomian Cricket Legends (Over 65) \u2013 Fellowship at SSC 65<\/span><\/li>\n
  25. The True Legends 66<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    26.\u00a0\u00a0 The Michael Tissera Interview\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 67-77<\/span><\/h4>\n

    \u201cI am extremely honoured and grateful to my life-long hero Michael Tissera for having so very kindly invited me to his beautiful home to select some precious, rare photos from his old collections. To my further delight, Michael graciously consented to an impromptu interview. A day, so memorable, that I shall never ever forget. Michael\u2019s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of cricketers, reminding us that the spirit of the game transcends boundaries and <\/em>time itself. Thank you Michael for making a dream come true.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    – Ravi Rudra (01.03.2024)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    Michael Hugh Tissera<\/strong>, a name synonymous with S. Thomas\u2019 College, Mount Lavinia (STC) and Sri Lanka Cricket, captained Ceylon in 15 unofficial test matches in the pre-test era, recording notable victories against Imtiaz Ahmed\u2019s Pakistan (1964), Nawab of Pataudi\u2019s India (1965<\/span><\/h3>\n

    *see rare video link on page 52<\/em>), Colin Cowdrey\u2019s MCC (1969), and creditable draws against the mighty West Indies led by Garfield Sobers (1967) and Bill Lawry\u2019s Australian Team (1969), both teams having dominant series wins on their India tours.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Michael Tissera represented STC in Cricket, Tennis, Athletics, Hockey and Rugby. Having made his remarkable 1st<\/sup> XI cricket debut as a 14 year old, he would go on to represent his School team for five years (1954-58), which he captained in 1957 and 58.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Michael fondly recalls, \u201cI really enjoyed 1950\u2019s and for that matter 60\u2019s and 70\u2019s too. In 50\u2019s, schools cricket unlike today was played while upholding the highest values, we enjoyed it. We went out with positive minds and took risks to win <\/em>matches and in the process we lost games too. Today, Tournaments and Competitions have killed the spirit and the game. I treasure those times, as life back in those days was fantastic.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    In 1959 Tissera could have played a record equalling sixth year for his School. However, he opted to leave College in 1958 and propelled his career by scoring a fluent century for NCC in his debut in first-class club cricket. Later that same year (1958), 20-year-old Michael would be picked to represent Ceylon (Sri Lanka) against MCC.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    A momentous occasion unfolded during an exciting match at the Colombo Oval in 1961 when Tissera, in front of a capacity crowd, scored a magnificent century off the last ball against a Daily Mirror XI that comprised six super star West Indians who were returning from their epic tour to Australia.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In a prestigious International career that lasted over 17 years, culminating at the end of the first Cricket World Cup in 1975, Tissera scored 1,394 runs with two centuries and 8 half centuries. As a leg spinner he also took 27 wickets including a 5-wicket haul.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Tissera\u2019s first century was against India in the second unofficial Test in India in 1964\u201365, when he made a classy 122 in the second innings, adding 224 for the fourth wicket with Stanley Jayasinghe (135). The second was in the third unofficial Test in Pakistan in 1966-67, when he made an elegant 120 not out, an innings admired by even captain Hanif Mohammed.<\/span><\/p>\n

    After hanging up his boots from first-class cricket Michael served Sri Lanka Cricket with great distinction as a National Manager and Chief Selector.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Subsequently he was invited by the former England Captain and MCC<\/span><\/p>\n

    Chairman, Tony Lewis, to serve on the prestigious MCC World Cricket Committee.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Fittingly, Test matches between West Indies and Sri Lanka are now played for the Sobers-Tissera Trophy, in honour of Tissera and the greatest cricketer of all time, Sir Garfield Sobers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In 1987 Tissera was awarded the Sri Lankan honour \u2018Deshabandu<\/em><\/strong>\u2019 for his meritorious service to cricket and in September 2018, he was one of 49 former Sri Lankan cricketers felicitated by Sri Lanka Cricket, to honour them for their services before Sri Lanka became a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Recognitions so richly deserved.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    EARLY PROMISE<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cricket came naturally to Michael Tissera and he was fond of reading cricket books, playing book cricket and collecting pictures of famous cricketers of the day. He was boarded at S. Thomas\u2019 College and as was the case he got involved in many sports that were available at the school by the sea.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Michael Tissera (seated 3rd from right) was a boarder in Claughton House till part 1956.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As a Junior he was a promising cricketer and tennis player. Michael took a particular liking to tennis and was good at tweaking the tennis ball and bowled leg spin and googlies, which was spotted readily by one of the masters in charge of the first eleven team. As a result he was invited to bowl for the 1st<\/sup> XI boys for two days and in next to no time he was summoned to play against St Benedict\u2019s in the first eleven team at the raw age of 14.<\/span><\/p>\n

    THE JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM – 1953<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Winners of the De Saram Shield for Juniors – Public Schools Tennis (1953)<\/span><\/p>\n

    Standing (L-R): <\/strong>The Warden (Rev. Canon de Saram), A. Sinnatamby, A.K. Fernando, Mr. C.H. Davidson.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Seated (L-R): <\/strong>P.S. Kumara, M. Sproule, S. Wijewardene (Capt.), M.H. Tissera<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC – 1953 Under 16 (Term 3) Cricket Team<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Standing (L-R): <\/strong>Mr. L.W. Abeywardene (Coach), U.R.P. Goonetilleke, A. Sinnatamby, P. Scharenguivel, N.S. Gurusinghe, S.R. de Silva, S. Pieris, A.E. de Silva.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Seated (L-R): <\/strong>J.K.C. Gunasekera, A. Davoodbhoy, M.H. Tissera (Capt.)<\/strong>, The Warden (Rev. Canon de Saram), L.R. Amarasekera (V. Capt.), E.J.P. de Silva (wk.)<\/span><\/p>\n

    1954 – Michael Tissera\u2019s Remarkable Debut as a 14 Year Old<\/span><\/h2>\n

    \u201cI played U14, U16 and 1<\/em>st <\/em>XI. In cricket or for that matter in any sport, to be successful you need a little bit of luck! Funnily, I was in the boarding those days and I was playing tennis on the Warden\u2019s court in a pair of shorts and tennis shoes when I got a message to say, \u2018come and bowl at the Small Clubs to the 1<\/em>st <\/em>XI <\/em>team\u2019 because they were playing St. Benedict\u2019s in a couple of days\u2019 time at Kotahena (on a matting wicket). This must have been on the Wednesday. So I went and bowled and at the end of the session they said come tomorrow and be prepared to bat. I went the following day and batted a little bit and on Friday I was playing in the side! I didn\u2019t even have a pair of longs but fortunately was able to borrow a pair of longs from one of the dorm mates to wear for the game.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    That\u2019s how I played my first 1<\/em>st <\/em>XI game for College.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2013 Michael Tissera (in conversation with Ravi Rudra, 19 Dec. 2023)<\/span><\/p>\n

    Royal-Thomian 75th<\/sup> Encounter<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Date: 12th<\/sup> & 13th<\/sup> March 1954\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Result: Drawn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    STC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 131 <\/strong>(R.A. Weerasinghe 40, J.D. Piachaud 29*, Z.A. Cader 23; F.B. Crozier 10.3-02-30-04, U. de Silva 12-03-30-03, T. Nirmalingam 10-<\/span><\/h3>\n

    04-24-02)<\/span><\/p>\n

    RC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 290 <\/strong>(T. Nirmalingam 69, T. Jothilingam 47*, R. Rabindran 37, R. de Silva 37, U. de Silva 27; D. Pieris 17-04-55-02, A.T.L. Gauder 17.5-<\/span><\/h3>\n

    02-56-03, J.D. Piachaud 12-02-41-02, D. de Silva 07-03-25-02)<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC 2nd<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 191 for 4 wickets dec. <\/strong>(A.T.L. Gauder 61, M.H. Tissera 48<\/strong>, G.L.W. Wijesinghe 42*, R.A. Weerasinghe 21; F.B. Crozier 24- 10-49-04)<\/span><\/p>\n

    1954 STC 1st<\/sup> XI<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Standing (L-R)<\/strong>: Mr. L.W. Abeywardena, P.D. Bulankulame, G.D. de Silva, J.D. Piachaud, D.P. Pieris, M. Samarasinghe, M.H. Tissera<\/strong>, Mr. L.S. Gauder.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Seated (L-R)<\/strong>: G.L.W. Wijesinghe, Z.A. Cader (Vice Capt.), R.A. Weerasinghe (Capt.), Warden (Rev. Canon R.S. de Saram), A.T.L. Gauder, A.E. Witham. On Ground<\/strong>: W.M. Seneviratne, C.E. Reid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Michael Tissera\u2019s Best Innings for College<\/span><\/h2>\n

    1954 RT <\/strong>\u2013 GLW Wijesinghe (no: 4) and young Michael Tissera (no: 5) returning to the pavilion for the Tea Interval on the 2nd<\/sup> day. They put on 73 vital runs for the 4th<\/sup> wicket in the 2nd<\/sup> innings after Royal took a first innings lead of 159. Wijesinghe was unbeaten with 42 while Tissera, in his debut RT innings showcased his talent scoring 48 in the 2nd<\/sup> innings total of 191 for 4 wkts.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    When GLW & Michael came together STC were only 32 runs ahead of Royal who totalled 290 in reply to STC\u2019s first innings low score of 131. Michael Tissera considers this innings of 48 to be his best ever innings for College, given the precarious situation of the game and the tremendous pressure the team was under.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cIn 1954, at the age of 8 years, I watched the Royal-Thomian encounter for the first time, played at the Colombo Oval, and I was seated next to my two sisters and father. Suddenly the tent erupted in a chorus of cheers with girls screaming, \u201ccome on Michael, come on little Michael;\u201d and my little eyes picked a small Burgher boy walking out to bat. I asked my sister why, all of a sudden, the girls in the tent had gone crazy, and was told that the little chap who was walking out to bat was their former classmate whom they loved very much. The little Michael warmed the hearts of all with a polished display of batting, missing a half century in his debut by just two runs.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>\u2013 Mevan Pieris, Thomian Cricketers Fellowship, 17.12.2023<\/span><\/p>\n

    1955 STC 1st<\/sup> XI<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Standing (L-R): <\/strong>Mr. L.S. Gauder (Coach), S.B.L. Perera, G.A. Wikramanayake, D. Ferdinands, E.D.C. Van Houten, R.J. Reid, T.J.M. Jayasinghe, A. Perera.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Seated (L-R): M.H. Tissera, <\/strong>P.B. Bulankulame, Z.A. Cader (Capt.), Warden de Saram, J.D. Piachaud, C.E. Reid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    On Ground (L-R): <\/strong>W. Seneviratne, L.R. Amarasekera<\/span><\/p>\n

    Royal-Thomian 76th<\/sup> Encounter<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Date: 11th<\/sup> & 12th<\/sup> March 1955\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Result: Drawn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    RC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 201 <\/strong>(M.J. Wille 32, F.B. Crozier 47, B.W.M. Gooneratne 48; Z.A. Cader 23-07-55-04, M.H. Tissera 12.5-03-27-03<\/strong>)<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 145 <\/strong>(S.B.L. Perera 47, J.D. Piachaud 45; B.W.M. Gooneratne 14.5-08-15-04, R.M. Wickremasinghe 16-08-27-04, T.<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Jothilingam 10-03-39-02)<\/span><\/p>\n

    RC 2<\/strong>nd <\/strong>Innings<\/strong>: 127 for 6 wickets dec. <\/strong>(S. Perinpanayagam 31, M.J. Wille 42, L. Weerasinghe 22; M.H. Tissera 05-00-17-02<\/strong>)<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC 2nd<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 126 for 7 wickets <\/strong>(S.B.L. Perera 27, R.J. Reid 37, J.D. Piachaud 18; R.M. Wickremasinghe 07-01-22-02, T. Jothilingam 07-03-16-<\/span><\/p>\n

    02, R. de Silva 03-01-14-02)<\/span><\/h3>\n

    1955<\/strong>: Superb All Round Sportsman, Zackroff Cader <\/strong>(top left) who scored 175* against Kingswood earlier in the season led the 1955 Thomian side; 15-year old Michael Tissera <\/strong>(top right) batted number 4; Ronald Reid <\/strong>(bottom) who came good in the 2nd<\/sup> innings in his debut RT with a solid 37 in an opening stand of 64 with SBL Perera (27), who also top scored with 47 in the 1st<\/sup> innings.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Tissera had the Best Bowling Average (8.8) at the 1955 Royal-Thomian with fine figures of 3 for 27 and 2 for 17.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1956 – 1ST<\/sup> XI CRICKET<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Buck House – Winners of the Inter-House Senior Cricket Trophy (1956)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Seated: Asoka Wikramanayake (1st<\/sup> left), Michael Tissera (2nd<\/sup> left), Ronald Reid (centre).<\/span><\/p>\n

    1956 \u2013 STC 1ST<\/sup> XI<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Standing (L-R): <\/strong>D.D. Abeysekera, L.R. Amarasekera, G.A. Wikramanayake, N.S. Gurusinghe, D.A.J. Ferdinands, T. Kandiah, W.M. Ekanayake, Mr. L.S. Gauder (Coach).<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Seated (L-R): <\/strong>S.B.L. Perera, M.H. Tissera<\/strong>, J.D. Piachaud (Capt.), Warden de Saram, P.B. Bulankulame (V. Capt.), R. J. Reid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    On Ground (L-R): <\/strong>E.L. Lisk, A.E. de Silva<\/span><\/p>\n

    Royal-Thomian 77th<\/sup> Encounter<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Date: 16th<\/sup> & 17th<\/sup> March 1956\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Result: Drawn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    RC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 283 <\/strong>(T. Jothilingam 121; D. Ferdinands 16-04-31-03, J.D. Piachaud 23-03-66-03, W. Ekanayake 21-06-61-02)<\/span><\/h3>\n

    STC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 288 for 9 wickets <\/strong>(R.J. Reid 158*<\/strong>, P.B. Bulankulame 33, J.D. Piachaud 37, L.R. Amarasekera 20, D.D. Abeysekera 21; R. de Silva<\/span><\/p>\n

    21-05-55-05)<\/span><\/h3>\n

    RC 2nd<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 145 for 6 wickets <\/strong>(M.J. Wille 33, S. Perinpanayagam 17,<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. de Silva 26, B.W.M. Gooneratne 30, T. Jothilingam 25*; W. Ekanayake 10-01-46-05)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      1956 Royal-Thomian<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Michael Tissera <\/strong>having a knock before the 1956 Royal- Thomian.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cIn 1954 – 1956 a Len<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      Hutton or a Don Bradman bat cost me Rs 75.\u201d <\/em>\u2013 Michael<\/span><\/p>\n

      1956 RT (R-L)<\/strong>: Skipper J.D. Piachaud leads the Thomians out to field. Behind him are P.D. Bulankulame, M.H. Tissera, D.A.J. Ferdinands, L.R. Amarasekera & N.S. Gurusinghe.<\/span><\/p>\n

      (Top): Ronald Reid <\/strong>(1956 RT) \u2013 set a New Record of 158* <\/strong>for the highest individual score at a Royal-Thomian (when<\/span><\/p>\n

      he broke Thomian Norman Siebel\u2019s 20-year old record of 151 n.o set in 1936) to carry the Thomians to a fist innings score of 288 for 9 dec in response to Royal\u2019s 283. (Below): PB Bulankulame <\/strong>\u2013 opened the batting with Ronal Reid at the 1956 RT and scored 33 in an opening stand of 66.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 \u2013 STC 1st<\/sup> XI Team (Michael\u2019s first year of Captaincy)<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Standing (L-R): <\/strong>U.R.P. Goonetilleke, D.D. Abeysekera, J.K.C. Gunasekera,<\/span><\/p>\n

      N.S. Gurusinghe, T.C.T. Edward, E.L. Lisk, M.L. Idroos, Mr. L.S. Gauder (Coach).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Seated (L-R): <\/strong>L.R. Amarasekera, G.A. Wikramanayake, M.H. Tissera (Capt.)<\/strong>, Warden de Saram, R. J. Reid (V. Capt.), D.A.J. Ferdinands.<\/span><\/p>\n

      On Ground (L-R): <\/strong>Ana Sinnatamby, A.E. de Silva, T.R.P. de Alwis (Scorer).<\/span><\/p>\n

      *Thomians under Michael Tissera in 1957 played 10 games and won seven lost one, with two draws. However, they made amends the following year (1958) by remaining unbeaten and becoming unofficial schools cricket champions.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      1957 <\/strong>Season: (Top) Tissera <\/strong>returns to the pavilion vs St. Anthony\u2019s Kandy and (Below) Denis Ferdinands<\/strong>, the quickest and most hostile bowler in school cricket. \u201cWe played 10 matches during that season of 1957 and won 7 but we lost to St. Benedict\u2019s. We would\u2019ve been \u2018Unofficial Schools Cricket Champions\u2019 if not for that loss. Instead, St. Benedict\u2019s became Champions.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 – Michael<\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 Royal-Thomian Toss<\/span><\/h2>\n

      The Two Michaels! Tissera tosses while Willie makes his call.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cMichael Tissera, my opposite number, won the toss. I said: \u201cLucky bastard.\u201d He laughed, picked up the coin and said: \u201cWe\u2019ll bat.\u201d We shook hands and wished each other good luck.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>\u2013<\/em> Michael<\/em> Willie<\/em> (Royal<\/em> Captain)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 RT<\/strong>: (L) Michael Tissera <\/strong>walks back to the pavilion, touch disappointed having missed out on a well-deserved fifty, Tissera (48) and DD \u2018Corky\u2019 Abeysekera <\/strong>(R) added 70 runs for the 4th<\/sup> wicket.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 (RT)<\/strong>: (L) – Asoka Wikramanayake <\/strong>and Lareef Idroos <\/strong>return for the Tea Break. They added 50 runs for the 7th<\/sup> wicket. (R) Asoka Wikramanayake <\/strong>walks back after scoring an entertaining 42.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 RT<\/strong>: Michael Tissera leads the Thomians after they posted 259.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      Royal-Thomian 78th<\/sup> Encounter (Colombo Oval)<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Date: 22nd<\/sup> & 23rd<\/sup> March 1957\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Result: Drawn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      STC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 259 <\/strong>(R.J. Reid 65, M.H. Tissera 48, G.A. Wikramanayake 42; N.S. Gurusinghe 38, D.D. Abeysekera 23, U.R.P. Goonetilleke 21, M.L. Idroos 15*; E.L. Pereira 35-06-83-05; Mahinda Wijesinghe 34.4-09-94-04)<\/span><\/h3>\n

      RC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 249 <\/strong>(M.J. Wille 121, E.L. Pereira 57; D. Ferdinands 18-07-<\/span><\/p>\n

      43-03, M.L. Idroos 12.3-01-56-02, R.J. Reid 17-06-39-02, G.A.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Wikramanayake 06-02-27-02)<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC 2nd<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 113 for 2 wickets <\/strong>(R.J. Reid 65*, N.S. Gurusinghe 31)<\/span><\/p>\n

      RC 2nd<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 51 for 1 wicket <\/strong>(R.K. Samarasinghe 29*)<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cI saw Denis Ferdinands, who was very fast, as the main threat. If he got a couple of early wickets and got his tail up, he could go right through us. I tried to keep him away from the \u201cfreshers\u201d. In \u201956 I tried to hook him and he nearly broke my forearm so I had decided that I would duck under the many bouncers that he bowled. Anyway, we held him off and when Lorenz and I put on 115 for the fifth wicket the chance of a Thomian victory disappeared. From the point of view of concentration, my century was the best innings I played. I watched every ball and <\/em>did not look at the scoreboard until I reached my century.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      Ronnie got another 65 in their second dig. He was the outstanding batsman in the competition that year and rightfully won the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award. The match also produced another future star in M.L Idroos, a very good <\/em>young leg-spinner.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      – Mike Wille, Royal Captain (1957)<\/span><\/h3>\n

      \u201cThe Thomians, led by Michael Tissera had a very strong team. To counter that situation, our Michael Wille said: \u201cI will get a 100 and I want each of you to try and score at least 20 runs which would make things difficult for the Thomians.\u201d As promised, Wille scored a brilliant century and saved us from possible defeat. I remember the Thomian paceman Denis Ferdinands obtaining Michael Wille\u2019s <\/em>autograph on the ball to keep as a souvenir!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      – Mahinda Wijesinghe, Royal (1957)<\/span><\/h3>\n

      1957 RT: Michael Willie <\/strong>(L) and Lorensz Pereira <\/strong>(R) were outstanding for Royal. Willie (121) & Lorensz (57) combined to score 115 for the 5th<\/sup> wicket when Royal were 68\/4 and looked to be in trouble. Lorensz also took 5\/83 in the Thomian\u2019s first innings score of 259.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      1957 RT: Asoka Wikramanayake <\/strong>(L) scored a vital 42 & took 2\/27 in Royal\u2019s first innings.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cI got Five Colours at College. My idol was Zackroff Cader. He was great in Athletics, Soccer, Fives, Hockey & Cricket. I too followed in his footsteps, and got Colours in Athletics (Captain), Cricket, Rugby, Football, Hockey, and Swimming.\u201d – Asoka<\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 RT: Ronald Reid <\/strong>(L) followed his record-breaking unbeaten 158 not out at the 1956 Royal-Thomian with scores of 65 & 65 n.o at the 1957 Big Match. He batted splendidly in both innings and in doing so he also broke records for both the highest aggregate (325 runs in five innings with two not outs) and the batting average \u2013 a staggering 108.33! He was awarded the Stephen Memorial Batting Awards in 1956 and 1957 for top-scoring at the Royal-Thomian.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Reid also won the F. L Goonewardene Batting Shield awarded to the Best STC Batsman of the Season for the third consecutive year in 1957. He scored 1,566 runs over three seasons with an average of 53.66 and was voted Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 1957.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      *Ronnie Reid & Asoka Wikramanayake were outstanding athletes. In 1955, they were part of a superb 4×440 winning relay team that set a New Pubs Record (3m 35.9s) and shared the Jefferson Trophy with Royal.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 RT<\/strong>: Post Match Awards \u2013 Michael Tissera carries the D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield retained by STC.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      1957 RT<\/strong>: Post Match Awards – Three Cheers to STC! Sporting Gesture by the Royal team led by Michael Willie.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1958 \u2013 STC 1st XI Team (Michael\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> year of Captaincy) UNOFFICIAL SCHOOLS CRICKET CHAMPIONS<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Standing (L-R): <\/strong>M.L. Idroos, U.R.P. Goonetilleke, J.K.C. Gunasekera, M. Sproule. N. Chanmugam, T.C.T. Edward, Mr. L.S. Gauder (Coach).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Seated (L-R): <\/strong>E.L. Lisk, L.R. Amarasekera, M.H. Tissera (Capt.)<\/strong>, Warden de Saram, D.A.J. Ferdinands (V. Capt.), N.S. Gurusinghe.<\/span><\/p>\n

      On Ground (L-R): <\/strong>A.E. de Silva, Ana Sinnatamby, T.R.P. de Alwis (Scorer).<\/span><\/p>\n

      CRICKET 1958<\/span><\/h2>\n

      STC vs. Kingswood<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC: 425 (MH Tissera 75, A. Sinnatamby 108, AE de Silva 47, N. Chanmugam 60; CM Fernando 6\/108)<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Kingswood: 132 (CM Fernando 54: ML Idroos 6\/26) & 169 (Harvie 46; ML Idroos 3\/38, MH Tissera 4\/54).<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC won by an innings and 124 runs.<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC vs. Prince of Wales:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      POW: 51 (LT Fernando 5\/12) & 82.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      STC: 180 (MH Tissera 35, ML Idroos 32).<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC won by an innings and 37 runs.<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC vs. Richmond:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Richmond: 62 (ML Idroos 4\/11) & 120 (AE de Silva 6\/33). STC: 168\/8 (A. Sinnatamby 62) & 20 for 2.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      STC won by 08 wickets.<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC vs. St. Peter\u2019s:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      STC: 126 (TCT Edward 28, MH Tissera 32, Duckworth 4\/25) & 173 for 4 dec. (NS Gurusinghe 88, NO Goonetilleke 32).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      SPC: 118 (Duckworth 50: ML Idroos 3\/43) & 93 (ML Idroos 5\/17).<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC won by 88 runs.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      STC vs. St. Benedict\u2019s:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      STC: 157 (TCT Edward 62, Elmo Rodrigopulle 6\/45) & 202 for 4 dec. (NS Gurusinghe 50, M. Sproule 47, MH Tissera 33).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      SBC: 97 (ML Idroos 6\/39) AND 109 (ML Idroos 5\/34).<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC won by 153 runs.<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC vs. Wesley:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Wesley: 123 (ML Idroos 7\/23) & 185 (ML Idroos 6\/81).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      STC: 268 (MH Tissera 121, EL Lisk 49, D Ferdinands 25; Abeysuriya 5\/65)<\/span><\/p>\n

      AND 25 for 2.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      STC won by 08 wickets.<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC vs. Ananda:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Ananda: 128 (D. Ferdinands 3\/31, JKC Gunasekera 3\/27, ML Idroos 3\/34) & 85\/4 (Ekanayake 44).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      STC: 243\/8 dec (TCT Edward 95, URP Goonetilleke 29, NS Gurusinghe 47, EL Lisk 30*) & 25 for 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Match Drawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

      STC vs. St. Joseph\u2019s:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      STC: 204 (MH Tissera 64, LR Amarasekera 47; P Perera 5\/40) & 202 for 4 dec. (NS Gurusinghe 50, M. Sproule 47, MH Tissera 33).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      SJC: 123 (ML Idroos 5\/37) & 154\/8 (I de Soysa 51*, P. Perera 40, MH Tissera 3\/28, ML Idroos 3\/55).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Match Drawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      STC vs. Trinity:<\/span><\/h2>\n

      STC: 120 (MH Tissera 37, M. Sproule 34*; Eric Roles 7\/49) & 184 for 9 dec. (TCT Edward 50, MH Tissera 32, ML Idroos 30, EL Lisk 28* ).<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Trinity: 137\/9 dec (N. Chanmugam 4\/25) & 147\/6 (M. Kurukulasuriya 61, ML Idroos 4\/56).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Match Drawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

      (L) Lareef Idroos <\/strong>(1958) – Mastro Leg Spin & Googly Bowler.<\/span><\/p>\n

      During the 1958 season, Idroos <\/strong>took 49 wickets in six games. In 1959 he took a record \u2018all ten wickets\u2019 in an innings (10\/38) against Prince of Wales and went on to lead a strong Combined Schools XI. He captained STC in 1960.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cMichael Tissera was a highly knowledgeable cricketer. As captain he knew the game well <\/em>and<\/em> also<\/em> about<\/em> each<\/em> player.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      \u2013 Lareef Idroos (STC 1<\/em>st <\/em>XI 1957-60, Captain 1960)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      (L) Opening Bat Trevelyan<\/strong> C.T.<\/strong> Edward.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      He went on to play nine matches of first- class cricket for Ceylon between 1961 and 1965. Edward made his debut for Ceylon in the Gopalan Trophy match in 1960\u201361, opening with A. C. M. Lafir. In the 1961-62 Gopalan Trophy match he made his highest first-class score, 73, in an innings victory for Ceylon. He toured India with the Ceylon team in 1964-65, playing in all three matches against India. Edward, who played domestic cricket for NCC, sadly passed away in 1995, aged 57.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Denis Ferdinands (1958): <\/strong>perhaps the fastest opening bowler to play for STC, was also a superb Javelin thrower – including a magnificent throw of 196\u2019 8\u201d as a 16-year-old that shattered the Colombo South Group Meet record in 1955\u2026 a throw better than the Pubs record, held by Josephine H. Jayawardena, by over 22 feet \u2013 a staggering performance!<\/span><\/h3>\n

      (Below) Denis in action at the 1955 Pubs. He had the distinction of captaining his College in both Athletics (1957) and Cricket (1959). Denis sadly passed away in Melbourne on 30 Jan 2024 \u2013 during the compilation of this article. (RR)<\/span><\/p>\n

      THE 79th<\/sup> BATTLE OF THE BLUES (1958)<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Michael Tissera (R) waits for Royal Skipper Lorensz Pereira to flip the coin.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Tissera wins the toss for the 2nd<\/sup> consecutive year and elects to bat first.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Tissera <\/strong>Captain\u2019s knock of 50 in the 1st innings as wickets fell around him.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Lorensz Pereira <\/strong>(Royal Captain) scored a handy 35 in Royal\u2019s first innings and had match figures of 5 for 64 with the ball.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Royal-Thomian 79th<\/sup> Encounter (Colombo Oval)<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Date: 14<\/strong>th & 15<\/strong>th March 1958\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Result: Drawn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      STC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 192 <\/strong>(M.H. Tissera 50, N.S. Gurusinghe 32, D. Ferdinands 30*, E.L. Lisk 22, J.K.C. Gunasekera 21; D. Sahabandu 26-12-59-03, E.L. Pereira 14-03-37-03)<\/span><\/h3>\n

      RC 1st<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 245 <\/strong>(L. Senanayake 56, M. Dias 62, E.L. Pereira 35, N. Kodituwakku 34, N.J.S. de Mel 31; D. Ferdinands 14-04-20-03, J.K.C. Gunasekera 22.2-08-43-03, N. Chanmugam 26-12-43-03)<\/span><\/p>\n

      *Lalith Senanayake & Michael Dias added 100 runs for the 3rd<\/sup> wicket.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      STC 2nd<\/sup> Innings<\/strong>: 104 for 4 wickets <\/strong>(T.C.T. Edwards 20, U.R.P. Goonetilleke 37; D. Sahabandu 14-04-19-02, E.L. Pereira 13-04-27-02)<\/span><\/p>\n

      Neil Chanmugam <\/strong>(L) made his mark as a fresher at the 1958 Royal-Thomian. He came on first change and dismissed three of the top four Royal batsmen with his wily off-spin… Neil played for S. Thomas\u2019 College in 1958 & 1959 and went on to become one of Sri Lanka’s leading offspinners of the pre-Test era. As an off- spinner making use of his height he mesmerised most leading batsmen, local and international, with crafty variation in flight and length.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Neil was also an excellent close-in fielder and as a hard- hitting batsman it was a delight<\/span><\/p>\n

      to watch the shots that he played with immense power, dispatching the ball to every corner of the field and many a times over the ropes.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Michael Tissera represented his School in Five Sports – Athletics, Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Tennis. He was also a College Prefect.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1955 \u2013 FIRST EVER STC 1st XV RUGBY TEAM<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Standing (L-R)<\/strong>: Mr. L.W. Abeywardena (Master-in-Charge), Rohantha de Silva, D.M. Seneviratne, Asoka Wikramanayake, Rodney Ingleton, Michael Tissera<\/strong>, T. Gray, R. Kandaiya, Tissa Molligoda.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Seated (L-R)<\/strong>: P.B. Jayasekera, L. Hewawasam, Lester Schokman, KS Ananthan (Captain), Warded R.S. de Saram, S.B.L. Perera, Ifthikar Cader, Errol Jacotine, Dan Piachaud, Sudath Weerasuriya.<\/span><\/p>\n

      On the Ground<\/strong>: Van Cuylenberg, Mack?<\/span><\/p>\n

      Absent<\/strong>: Mr. Mahesh Rodrigo (Coach)<\/span><\/h3>\n

      *Michael played three games at Inside Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Senior Tennis Team – Public Schools Champions – 1956<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Standing (L-R): <\/strong>R.W. Ferdinands (Coach), P.S. Kumara, B. Dharmapala, G.N. Perera, Mr.<\/span><\/p>\n

      C.H. Davidson ( Master in charge). Seated (L-R)<\/strong>: A. Sinnatamby, F.L.N. Senanayake (Capt.), The Warden (Rev. Canon de Saram), M.H. Tissera <\/strong>(Vice Capt.), D.D. Abeysekera.<\/span><\/p>\n

      * Rupert Ferdinands, P.S. Kumara &<\/span><\/h3>\n

      G.N. Perera went on to become National Tennis Champions. PS Kumara <\/strong>(L) \u2013 snapped in action during the South India Tennis Championship in Madras on Feb 18, 1966.<\/span><\/p>\n

      While Tennis was Kumara\u2019s first love, he also excelled in cricket and hockey. He later took to golf and squash becoming national squash champion. In cricket he was a hard hitting right hand batsman using the long handle to smack sixes.<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Batting at No: 5 he scored an unbeaten 41 at the 1959 RT.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Buck House – Winners Inter-House Senior Athletics Shield (1956)<\/span><\/h2>\n

      On leaving the boarding in 1956 Tissera joined Buck House and won his College Athletics Colours that year<\/span><\/p>\n

      for the Discus.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Seated <\/strong>(L-R): Michael Tissera<\/strong>, Mr. S.J. Anandanayagam, R.J. Reid (Captain), Asoka Wickramanayake, Ranjith Dambawinna (then K.D.P.R. Perera). Standing <\/strong>(L-R): Shanti Wijesundera, Ranjit Boralessa, R. Sunil de Mel, F.L. Senanayake, L.P. de Abrew, L.R. Amarasekera, D.W.S. Fernando.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cMichael Tissera, whose prowess on the cricket fields is better known to sports fans, unleased a throw of 120 feet 5 inches to improve on his own discus throw <\/em>record at the 1958 STC Inter-House Track & Field Meet.\u201d <\/em>Ceylon Daily News<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      1957 Hockey Team<\/span><\/h4>\n

      Seated (L-R)<\/strong>: P.S. Kumara, R.T. Molligoda, S. Wijesundara (Capt.), Warden (Rev. Canon<\/span><\/p>\n

      R.S. de Saram), D.D. Abeysekera, J.K.C. Gunasekera, S.R.E. Fernando. Standing (L-R)<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. de Mel, P.H.A.N. Dias, G.S. Marapone, S.R. de Silva, M.H. Tissera<\/strong>, G.A. Abeysekera,<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Samarasinghe, Mr. O.A. Abeynaike (Coach).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Having bid farewell to his schooling days in 1958 at the end of the 2nd<\/sup> term, Tissera embraced the beauty of club cricket by joining NCC.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Seated <\/strong>(L-R): Chandra Schaffter, C.I. Gunasekera, Vernon Prins (Captain), Channa Gunasekera, H.I.K. Fernando.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Standing (L-R): Anton Sethupathy, Malcom Francke, Tony, Buhar, Clive Inman, Michael Tissera, A.C.M. Lafir.<\/span><\/h3>\n

        *Thomian – Vernon Prins <\/strong>captained NCC from 1952 \u2013 1959. Under his astute leadership NCC won the \u201cPlum of Sri Lanka Cricket\u201d, the Sara Trophy five times. He scored 5611 runs at an average of 45.25 and took 322 wickets at 15.60. *Vernon also won the Putt Shot for Seniors at the 1941 Pubs with a throw of 40\u2019 5 \u00bd\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

        \u201cVernon Prins was my first club captain at the NCC and also my first Ceylon captain – both in 1958. What a lovely chap Vernon was; a GENTLEMAN to his finger tips, stylish batsman and a bowler of medium pace and off spin. As an off spinner you could hear the ball hum when he bowled it. I was very sad I could not attend his passing as I was in India at the time.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

        – Michael Tissera<\/span><\/h3>\n