As the 2nd oldest Boat race and the most eyed regatta of the Sri Lankan Rowing Calendar draws closer, both crews; Royal and S. Thomas’ will look to reap their 6 month long preparation as they go head to head at the Beire on Saturday.
For the Royal Rowing crew it has been 3 long and disappointing years where their counter parts from the school by the sea have dominated the waters of the Beire at the Annual Royal – Thomian Regatta which is to take row off for the 46th occasion this year.
“It’s harder to retain something than to earn it”, a popular phrase used by many sportsmen and successful individuals alike. With ample pressure on the Thomians, the Crew from Cinnamon Gardens led by Bilal Hassan will “row our hearts out, not giving up and we will row our best till the race is over, without quitting even if we are significantly ahead or behind” said the captain.
With a good run up to the blue ribboned event, the Royal crew has grown in strength making notable victories at the;
The opening regatta
Won Gordon Armstrong scull
Won vanlanganburg pair
Head of the Beire
Won double scull
Southwest monsoon regatta
Won Wardrop scull
Won Stubbsquaich pair
Won Centenary oar fours
Won open double sculls
The Royal vs. University of Moratuwa regatta
Won the Regatta
The Royal vs. University of Colombo regatta
Won the Regatta
Won Ranfer sprints
At the ARASL nationals
Won the under 18 catergory
With a healthy stock of seniors in the likes of Captain Hassan, previous year’s captain and current deputy Keshan Ranasinghe, Secretary Pramod Rajaguru, Lahiru Herath, Kaveen Rajapaksha, Amrith Fernando, Sajid Ajmal, Praveen Hapugalle, Hashen Hettigoda, Avishka Jayaweeera, Prathap Perera and Lasaru Kudaligama, the Blue and Gold crew seem to have an edge in terms of experience.
In terms of other strengths of the crew, a handful of rather experienced freshers too make this crew a very interesting one.
The crew seems very confident and strong which evidently shows that this year’s annual clash will go down to the Final boat race. The races are going to be very close and the trophy will not be handed to the winner on a silver platter.
Master Hassan wished the Thomian crew Good luck and added “hope we have a great regatta on Saturday” and most likely so, everyone present will witness a great one.
Good Luck to both crews from ThePapare.com for a nail biting regatta
Royal Crews for the 42nd Annual Royal Thomian encounter
A scull – Hashen Hettigoda
B scull – Hashen Weerakkody
A pair – Sajid Ajmal/Praveen Hapugalle
B pair – Kavinda Mathew/Dehan Atapattu
A doublescull – Promod Rajaguuru/Hashen Hettigoda
B doublescull – Lasaru Kudaligama/Kaveen Rajapaksha
C four – Lasindu Gamage (bow)
Hashen weerakody (two)
Dehan atapattu (three)
Ishira Rambukwella (stroke)
Revata Karunasundara (cox)
B four– Lasaru kudaligama (bow)
Kaveen Rajapaksha (two)
Praveen Weerakody (three)
Thimesha amaresena (stroke)
Avishka jayaweera (cox)
A four- Praveen hapugalle (bow)
Prathap perera (two)
Amrith Fernando (three)
Sajid ajmal (stroke)
Kaveen rajapaksha (cox)
