S. Thomas’ beat Royal after seven years

 Standing (From left): Robert Anthony (Coach), Sankha Atukorala (Head Coach), Wenuka Kithnula, Zaidh Zihar, Meneshka Ratnasingham (Captain), Rev. Marc Billimoria (Warden, S. Thomas’), Sean Dwight (Chief Guest), Riyaz Aluher (Royal Assistant Principal), Asanga Perera (Sub-Warden, S. Thomas’), Sethika Athalugamage, Sanija Kulathilaka, Sunil Shantha (MIC) and Thilan Mohamed. Squatting (From left): Shaveen Nanayakkara, Shavin Samaranayake, Chanakya Perera, Aahil Kaleel and Kavinda Wijemanne    

By Susil Premalal   

S. Thomas’ College regained the E. F. C. Pereira Memorial Trophy after a lapse of seven years when they defeated the traditional rivals Royal College 3-1 in their 18th annual Inter-School Under-20 tennis encounter played at Mount Lavinia.   

In the first Singles match, Aahil Kaleel of S. Thomas’ beat Kavish Maddumage of Royal 9-6 and in the first Doubles match, Methvan Wijemanne and Sasen Premaratne of Royal beat Chanakya Perera and Sethika Athalugamage 9-1.   

In the second Singles match Zaidh Zihar of S. Thomas’ beat Chenul Wickramasinghe 9-2 and in the second Doubles match, Thomian Captain Meneshka Ratnasingham and Venuka Kithnula beat Nethwin Dharmaratne and Jemal Sabry of Royal in a thrilling tie-break, ultimately winning 9-8 (7-3).   

Meanwhile, in the Under-12 match, S. Thomas’ beat Royal 3-0 while Royal won the Under-15 match 3-2.