Record-breaking victory at 46th Royal-Thomian Regatta

From left: Sajid Ajmal, Amrith Fernando, Prathap Perera and Praveen Hapugalle

Royal team in a jubilant mood with the TN Trophy

It was an evening of excitement at the Colombo Rowing Club last Saturday, as the most awaited school’s rowing encounter for the year kicked off. The cloudy skies forecasting some rainy weather had no impact on the enthusiastic cheering by fans of both schools.

Royal College dominated the water throughout, with the first race securing a clear win at the Senior Scull.  The Junior Scull rowed and won by Hashen Weerakkody brought the score to 8-0 in their favour.

Thomians made their first breakthrough in the ensuing race, with the junior pair securing a close win.  With the tables beginning to turn around, the weather too made an unfavourable twist, pausing the day’s activities. 

With no signs of rain or heavy winds, the next race began. The Royalists were quick to strike back with the senior pair Sajid Ajmal and Praveen Hapugalle securing another victory which brought the score to 16:4.

Next in line was the Senior Double Scull with oarsmen, Hashen Hettigoda and Pramod Rajaguru taking control of the race from the off to end with a comfortable win of a few lengths. Royalists on the banks of the Beira were ecstatic in their loudest cheers. Next up and another victory for Royal was the Junior double scull; thus collecting 28 points against the Thomians’ 4. Royal on a winning streak was sure of their victory at the Regatta after a lapse of three years.

The Junior B-Four set off soon after, amidst much cheer and darkening skies to secure yet another victory for Royal. Soon it was time for the coveted A-Four, more famously known as the Boat Race.

Amidst a roar of cheer and yells from the over-joyous crowds, the team made their way to the water for the evening’s final race. With the last rays of evening sunshine having departed, the race set off with the crowds struggling to locate their team in the dark waters. The boats neared the finishing line, with Royal in the lead with a timing of two minutes and 56 seconds

The Royal College team for the coveted Boat Race – Sajid Ajmal, Amrith Fernando, Prathap Perera, Praveen Hapugalle maintained a fabulous stroke rate, expertly steered by cox Kavin Rajapaksha, right to the finish.

Thus the 46th annual Royal Thomian Regatta concluded with Royal College regaining the prestigious T N Fernando Trophy.

Senior Scull – Hashen Hettigoda

Junior Scull – Hashen Weerakkody

Senior Pair – Sajid Ajmal, Praveen Hapugalle

Junior Pair – Kavinda Mathew, Dehan Atapattu

Senior Double Scull – Promod Rajaguuru, Hashen Hettigoda

Junior Double Scull – Lasaru Kudaligama, Kaveen Rajapaksha

Junior Four – Lasaru kudaligama, Kaveen Rajapaksha, Praveen Weerakody, Thimesha Amaresena, Avishka Jayaweera

Senior Four – Praveen Hapugalle, Prathap Perera, Amrith Fernando, Sajid Ajmal, Kaveen Rajapaksha