Few institutions can boast of a rivalry as old and traditional as Royal and S. Thomas’.
From the array of trophies, shields and cups that these two institutions battle for annually, across a spectrum of sporting events, there are perhaps four encounters that stand out for the importance, passion and honour associated with them. Cricket and Rugby have already been spoken for this year, and Rowing will be decided at the end of this month, but come Saturday, the spotlight will be on the Sugathadasa indoor stadium swimming pool complex, with the battle taken to the water in the 22nd Royal Thomian Water Polo Encounter for the Dr. R. L. Hayman Memorial Trophy.
For S. Thomas’ this year is about rising up above the devastation of 2012. Having won the first leg, they succumbed in the second, to hand Royal the victory, and possession of the trophy. This year, they will be looking to avenge that loss. Few things serve as a better source of motivation than the memory of a loss however, and within the Thomian ranks, that memory remains a strong driving factor. Led by Captain Devshan De Mel, the Thomian unit consists of no less than six coloursmen, lending a great deal of experience to the team. The vacancies that were created have been filled by youngsters that show a great deal of potential, and on paper, the S. Thomas’ College Water Polo team looks a very formidable one.
The quality of the Thomian side is highlighted by their participation in the national squad: Captain Devshan De Mel and Vice Captain Dineth Francis were both members of the Sri Lanka national team that toured Singapore for the Asia Cup. A further eight players were members of the under 18 team that took part in the same tour. Talent is not something that they lack for; however, even with so many national team representatives, Thomian skipper De Mel insists that the individual stars are not the best thing about their team. “Our strongest aspect is our team play. There are no superstars that we depend on. Just thirteen people playing well as a team. Our coordination and teamwork is one of the main advantages we have this year over Royal. “
Both sides will have an idea of their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, but this season is unique in the sense that neither team will get to see the other play until the First leg itself. Unlike in the past, the Hayman will kick-start the season this year instead of ending it. The Thomians believe that this will also be favourable for them as it will counter the strong rhythm that the Royalists generally get into by the time Hayman comes around.
S. Thomas’ also have had changes made in their coaching staff this year. Former fourth year coloursman for S. Thomas’, and National coach for 2011/2012, Mr Zafir Zainudeen took over the reins this year, with National team captain and three year coloursman for College, Mr Danushka Saram acting as his deputy. According to De Mel, the training schedule was completely changed around from the previous years: “We have less sessions now, but it’s a lot more strenuous than last year.” For Mr Zainudeen, its about keeping things simple. “We’ve been focussing a lot on getting the basics right. Thats what I want to see from them once they get into the pool on Saturday”
Come Saturday, we will find out whether all of this can be translated into something that matters the most to this team: winning the Hayman. Sports always brings about the unexpected, Royal Thomians especially so. Yet the Thomians will be quietly confident that they dive into the pool on the 12th as the favourites. They will also know however, that the team that lifts the trophy isn’t the one that looks better on paper; it’s the team that delivers on that day. Whether the Thomians can do so will be seen on the 12th and 19th of October. For now, their supporters will rest easy with the knowledge that they certainly have the capability to.
S. Thomas’ College Team
Devshan De Mel (C)
Dineth Francis (V.C)
Pruthvi Peiris
Mindika Silva
Deelaka Weerarathne
Keshan Munasinghe
Kosala Wijewardene
Ashane Francis
Sachitha Jayathileke
Javindu Peiris
Thithira Dela
Deshitha Hennayake
Naveen Goonawardene
