{"id":131412,"date":"2024-03-15T09:10:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T09:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=131412"},"modified":"2024-03-17T17:10:34","modified_gmt":"2024-03-17T17:10:34","slug":"flashback-60-years-ago-to-1964-to-that-thrilling-victory-marking-the-60th-anniversary-of-the-famous-1964-thomian-victory-at-the-85th-battle-of-the-blues-under-the-inspirational-captaincy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/flashback-60-years-ago-to-1964-to-that-thrilling-victory-marking-the-60th-anniversary-of-the-famous-1964-thomian-victory-at-the-85th-battle-of-the-blues-under-the-inspirational-captaincy\/","title":{"rendered":"Flashback 60 years ago to 1964 \u2013 to that thrilling victory – marking the 60th Anniversary of the famous 1964 Thomian Victory at the 85th Battle of the Blues, under the inspirational captaincy of late Premalal Goonesekere- by Ravi Rudra (Auckland, NZ)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flashback 60 years ago to 1964 \u2013 to that thrilling victory – marking the 60th Anniversary of the famous 1964 Thomian Victory at the 85th Battle of the Blues, under the inspirational captaincy of late Premalal Goonesekere- by Ravi Rudra (Auckland, NZ)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Flashback 60 years ago to 1964 \u2013 to that thrilling victory<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Flashback<\/p>\n

Delighted to share a report to mark the 60th<\/sup>\u00a0Anniversary of the famous 1964 Thomian Victory at the 85th<\/sup>\u00a0Battle of the Blues, under the inspirational captaincy of late Premalal Goonesekere.<\/span><\/p>\n

1964 was a very special year for STC as we won both the Big Match and regained the Senior Tarbat for Public Schools Athletics after 11 years \u2013 both previously won in 1953.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the same year (1964) we also won the Stubbs Shield Boxing Title, the Rugby encounter against Royal to win the Gooneratne Trophy and swept the board winning almost every single championship titles and trophies. (see photo below<\/strong>).<\/span><\/p>\n

While compiling this cricket report, wonderful memories came flooding back – a thrilling game that I watched with great excitement while seated in the pavilion in front of the Thomian dressing room, just prior to my 10th<\/sup>\u00a0birthday.<\/span><\/p>\n

The article also includes brief report on the 1964 Cricket Season for both 1st<\/sup>\u00a0XI and 2nd<\/sup>\u00a0XI.<\/span><\/p>\n

I wish to express my deep gratitude to all those former players who contributed to this article at very short notice, especially Sarath Seneviratne, Kumar Boralessa, Barney Reid, Sriantha Rajapakse and Nihal Dias Abeysinghe.<\/span><\/p>\n

This particular compilation will not be complete without acknowledging \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • The one and only Premalal Goonesekere, who not only led the victorious team superbly, but for the fine article he penned in recalling the game.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Anura Tennekoon who shared his thoughts of the \u20181964 Big Match\u2019 in his book, \u2018Passionately Cricket\u2019.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Eddie Appathurai and his son Dr Shamil Appathurai for scanning the 1964 Thomian Souvenir and important RT paper cuttings that were carefully preserved and kindly handed over by the late LS (Lasantha) Perera\u2019s dear wife Mrs. Varuna Rohini Perera.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    While we bask in the glory of what was achieved back all those 60 years ago, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the players who are no more with us physically.<\/span><\/p>\n

    From the Royal Team \u2013 Kevin Sockanathan, Sugi Rajaratnam, L Thalayasingham and N.T. Kurukulasuriya and the Thomian Side \u2013 skipper Premalal Goonesekere, vice-captain Lasantha Perera, Ganendran Balasingham and reserve Ranil de Soysa.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May their souls Rest in Eternal Peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Last but not least – a very special mention to the 1964 Royal captain Shaw Wilson who led his team and played in the highest tradition of the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He exemplified utmost dignity, character and the very best of sportsmanship at all times \u2013 imparting valuable life lessons for all of us.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Thank you for the Memories & Very Best Wishes<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ravi Rudra<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Ravi Rudra (Auckland, NZ)<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Flashback 60 years ago to 1964 \u2013 to that thrilling victory<\/p>\n

    MARCH 14, 1964. Deep Purple Shadows gently pushed its way through across the Colombo Oval. On the fringe, they jostled and edged ahead inch by inch, this mass of humanity eager to unbridle its emotions.<\/h4>\n

    This was no time to shout and scream, for the drama that was enacted in the middle held them in speechless suspense. For eleven long years they waited for this \u2013 and here were they soaking each minute of this experience.<\/p>\n

    Eager, like a man impatient to collect his first pay packet, Thomian skipper Premalal Goonesekere stood their stamping his feet, waiting for the bowler to toss it down. It came, somewhat rising. Goonesekere pushed by his enthusiasm, crouched, feet slightly askew, whipped it to square leg.<\/p>\n

    If the ball went to the boundary, no one could see, it was drowned in this surging mass of people.<\/p>\n

    S. Thomas\u2019 won this \u2018Battle of the Blues\u2019 breaking a long,<\/h3>\n

    long spell of barrenness.<\/p>\n

    (Compiled by Ravi Rudra \u2013 March 2024)<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    1964 STC Cricket Season<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Victorious Thomian Team<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \"1964<\/p>\n

    Seated <\/strong>(L-R): K. Boralessa, A.P.B. Tennekoon, L.S. Perera, P.N.W. Goonesekere (Captain), S.B. de A. Seneviratne, B.D. Reid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Standing<\/strong> (L-R): R.P. Samarasinghe, H.R.J. de Soysa, L. Chelliah,<\/span><\/p>\n

    H.S.M. Pieris, G. Balasingham, R.F. Mendis, N.G. Dias Abeysinghe,<\/span><\/p>\n

    S.J. Rajapakse.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mater-in-Charge & Coach: Mr. O.A. Abeynaike Captain: P.N.W. Goonesekere<\/span><\/p>\n

    Vice-Captain: L.S. Perera Secretary: S.B. de A. Seneviratne<\/span><\/p>\n

    1963\/64 Season \u2013 by Sarath Seneviratne (College Magazine, 1964)<\/span><\/p>\n

    During the period under review we played eleven school matches, of which we won four, drew six and lost one. Although we did not win as many matches as was expected, this team was still one of the best we have had for many years. From the forgoing results it is quite evident that our performance in every school match was quite creditable.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We had a very strong batting side \u2013 one of the best among schools this season. On almost every occasion that we played we were able to pile up over 250 runs well ahead of the clock. A.P.B. Tennekoon and P.N.W. Goonesekere were the most outstanding batsmen during the season. The former was at the head of the table for the Best Schoolboy Batsman.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Our bowling was quite steady and we did not concede many runs throughout the season. Very often we were able to dismiss a side for less than 150 runs. The most successful bowler was B.D. Reid who captured 46 wickets during the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Our fielding on the whole was quite good although at times we had reason to be disappointed. H.S.M. Pieris and S.J. Rajapakse deserve special mention and also wicket keeper K. Boralessa who claimed several victims behind the stumps. L.S. Perera was the best all-rounder.<\/span><\/p>\n

    So much has been spoken of and written about the most important event of our season \u2013 the Royal-Thomian match \u2013 that it is quite unnecessary to describe it in detail here. However, it is a great joy to us to have been able to bring about the much-desired and long-awaited result. This I think was due to good team spirit and team work, intelligent leadership, and a determined and purposeful attitude towards the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

    At the end of the season A.P.B. Tennekoon was selected to represent \u201cThe Rest\u201d in the Quadrangular Tournament organised by the C.C.A. (Ceylon Cricket Association). The Stephen\u2019s Memorial Prizes for batting and bowling in the Royal-Thomian match were to S.B. de A. Seneviratne and<\/span><\/p>\n

    B.D. Reid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The following were re-awarded Cricket Colours: P.N.W. Goonesekere (Cop-Cl), L.S. Perera (B), S.B. de A. Seneviratne (B), A.P.B. Tennekoon (W),<\/span><\/p>\n

    B.D. Reid (S) and K. Boralessa (S).<\/span><\/p>\n

    And Colours were awarded to: G. Balasingham (W), H.S.M. Pieris (S), S.J. Rajapakse (S), R.P. Samarasinghe (B) and L. Chelliah (de S).<\/span><\/p>\n

    1963-64 Season The results of the school matches were as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Drew with Prince of Wales College<\/span><\/p>\n

    POW: 93 <\/strong>(H.S.M. Pieris 5 for 40) & 97 for 4<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC: 256 for 6 dec. <\/strong>(A.P.B. Tennekoon 60, P.N.W. Goonesekere 67, S.J.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Rajapakse 66).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Won against Dharmarajah College<\/span><\/p>\n

    Dharmarajah: 115 & 60<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC: 316 for 4 dec<\/strong>. (A.P.B. Tennekoon 78, P.N.W. Goonesekere 71, S.J.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Rajapakse 66).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Drew with Thurstan College<\/span><\/p>\n

    Thurstan: 57 & 68 for 9<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC: 140 for 9<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Lost by 4 wickets against St. Benedict\u2019s College <\/strong>(10th<\/sup> & 11th<\/sup> Jan 1964 at Kotahena)<\/span><\/p>\n

    STC: 261 for 7 dec<\/strong>. (P.N.W. Goonesekere 53, K. Boralessa 51, L.S. Perera<\/span><\/p>\n

    44, A. Tennekoon 35) & 75 for 3 dec<\/strong>. (L.S. Perera 36).<\/span><\/p>\n

    SBC: 182 <\/strong>(F. Dias 52, S. Fernando 33, M. Anandappa 31; B.D. Reid 6 for 32,<\/span><\/p>\n

    L.S. Perera 3 for 71) & 156 for 6 <\/strong>(M. Anandappa 47*, S. Fernando 36; B.D. Reid 4 for 48* <\/strong>including hat trick).<\/span><\/p>\n