By Shamseer Jaleel

The old boys of Royal College will go out fully determined to defend the G. C. Wickremesinghe Challenge Trophy on April 3 when they tee off with their traditional rivals Old Trinitians at the picturesque Victoria Golf and Resorts.

The Royalists under Gamini Jayaweera won the event in 2019 doubling up on their title win in 2018.

The old boys from Trinity College won the inaugural events in 2016 and 2017.

The annual encounter has evolved and its fifth anniversary is expected to feature over 20 renowned golfers from each school who will play the new match play format being introduced and will tee off at 12 noon at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort, the official host club for the event.

The Trinity old boys will be led by Tharanga Gunasekera.

The old Royalists meanwhile, will be led by Samitha Perera.

Both are incidentally left-handed golfers and were the highest gross individual winners in 2019 edition for their respective alma-maters.

Tharanga Gunasekera, captain of the Old Trinitians squad speaking to Daily Mirror said, “We are fortunate to continue the much anticipated event which brings great camaraderie amongst the schools. I am overwhelmed to see so much of great enthusiasm by golfers to take part in the much looked forward to event. We will miss especially our overseas players who fly down to play, however we hope to field a competitive contingent of players with some new faces joining the team for Trinity teeing off for the coveted title this year. It is always a pleasure to host the Royalists in Kandy."

Samitha Perera, Captain of the old Royalists squad speaking to Daily Mirror said, “Historically the event is held on the same weekend of the Kandy leg and it is truly inspiring to see the spirit of old Royalist and Trinitians wanting to continue the legacy that was started despite the Bradby not taking place. We are very grateful to the Trinity team and Tharanga on taking the leadership on continuing the event despite the many challenges. To many this weekend is more than about the game of golf. It’s a time reminisce the golden days and have great laughs in the picturesque Victoria Golf Club in Digana."

Aptly termed “Bradby Golf”, the old boys will compete for the coveted “G.C.Wickremesinghe” Trophy, in honor of renowned Royal rugby legend, G. C. Wickremesinghe who appeared as a crack second row forward of the all-conquering 1951 Royal Rugby team which is regarded as the “invincible."

He is an avid Golfer and has several Golf board events at Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) under his belt and still tees off at the age of 85 years.