Wesley beat S. Thomas’ to life Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Memorial Shield

In memory of a great personality – Sir Oliver Goonetilleke – the old boys associations of both Wesley College and S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia initiated the rugby encounter between the two schools in 2013. The inaugural encounter took place during May 2015.

Sir Oliver Goonetilleke made Wesley College proud by being recognised as an outstanding public servant. He was one of the main individuals responsible for Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. The match was played for the Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Memorial Shield. He was a distinguished old boy of Wesley who reached the pinnacle and was no doubt one of greats to be produced by Wesley. Sir Oliver had the distinction of being appointed the first Governor of Ceylon, as the country was then known succeeding Lord Soulbury in the year 1954. As an unsung hero, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke was responsible, and was a part along with the late Rt. D. S. Senanayake in achieving the island’s independence in 1948.

The Wesley College Rugby first XV brought an end to S. Thomas’ unbeaten record this season when the two teams clashed in a vital Singer Under-20 Inter-Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament match played at CR&FC Grounds.

Wesley College defeated the much fancied Thomian outfit by 23 points (4T, 1P) to 19 (3T, 2C) on 12 March at Longdon Place. At half time it was the Thomians who led 19 points to 13 but a remarkable second half by the double blues ensured that they regained the Sir Oliver Goonetilleke shield.

The two leading schools in Sri Lanka portrayed great rugby until the final whistle. It was a tough match, and Wesley, missing some of their senior players, did well to defend and attack when the time was right, to win the match.

The match was played maintaining the highest levels of discipline and sportsmanship and was witnessed by a large crowd comprising old boys of both schools, rugby enthusiasts and well wishers.

This game was even more important for Wesley, considering the fact that they are also targeting a top four finish in Segment 1A and this was one of their hurdles before the completion of the first round fixtures in the tournament.

Wesley proved that they have the potential to surprise even the best of teams on their day and they will be determined to put up another good display in their next outing.

The Wesley Team is coached by a professional team consisting of New Zealander Paul Toiya who has represented rugby in New Zealand and also provincial rugby in France as the head coach, Dulanjaja Wijeysinghe, Sri Lankan national player and Navi hooker and Mohamed Sherif, former national player who has also represented various A Division rugby clubs such as CR&FC, Havelock and Kandy SC. The caching panel and the other activities related to the sport are guided by the Wesley College Rugby Committee appointed by the school.

The Chief Guest for the event was Executive Chairman of the Siloam Hospital Group and CEO of Pun Hlaing Hospital Dr. Gershu Paul who is an old boy of Wesley.