22 teams to take part in Ritzbury-Thomian 7s

By L D Chandrasiri in Matale

Twenty two boys teams representing leading hockey playing schools across the island will vie for honours at the Ritzbury-Thomian 7s 2023 invitation schools seven-a-side Under 20 hockey tournament to be held at the Peradeniya University ground on April 9.

It is being held for the fifth time, and is organized by the Matale Old Thomians Hockey Association with CBL Foods International (Pvt.) Limited, the makers of Ritzbury chocolate, as the main sponsor.

Teams will compete for the A. J. Wijesinghe Memorial Challenge Trophy.

According to Eric Hulangamuwa, the Secretary of the Matale Old Thomians Hockey Association, the tournament is targeting an increased participation of hockey playing schools, and hopes to lift the profile of hockey among the general public.

The Kandy branch of the Matale Old Thomians Association is assisting with conducting the tournament.
In addition to the coveted A. J. Wijesinghe Trophy, presented to the champions in memory of the late A.J Wijesinghe, former Principal of St. Thomas’ College Matale (1966-1985), the first runner-up will receive the A. P. B. Harasgama Memorial Trophy. The C. K. Hulangamuwa Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the second runner-up while the best player will take away the Ranjith Wijekoon Challenge Trophy.

The 22 teams that are participating in the tournament are (from Colombo) Ananda College, Nalanda College, Royal College, S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, D. S. Senanayake College and St. Benedict’s Collge Kotahena, (from Matale) St. Thomas’ College Matale, Vijaya College, Zahira College, Christ Church College and Hindu National College, (from Kandy) Dharmaraja College, Trinity College, Vidyartha College and Kingswood College, (from Negombo) Maris Stella and Joseph Vas Wennappuwa, (from Galle and Matara) St.Aloysius’ College, Richmond College and St. Thomas’ College Matara, (from Badulla) Dharmadutha College, (from Jaffna) St. John’s College.

St. Thomas’ College Matale and Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa emerged joint champions at the fourth edition in 2018.