48th Royal-Thomian regatta: Battle for the T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy  

The 48th Royal-Thomian Regatta, which will see the battle for the T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy, will take place at the Colombo Rowing Club on 28 October from 1.00 p.m. 

The regatta is the oldest school regatta and the second oldest regatta in the country. It carries a total of 52 points spread across eight races that are rowed across a traditional distance of 1,000 yards. 

The Boat Race is considered the most prestigious race and it is rowed for the coveted Cross Oars Trophy while the overall winner of the regatta is awarded the T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy. 

This year marks the 48th edition of the regatta and the 48th Boat Race, which promises to deliver a spectacular display of both rivalry and sportsmanship in a test to own the waters of the Beira Lake.  Royal achieved a resounding victory at the last edition of the regatta, improving their record of 48 points under the leadership of Kaveen Rajapakse with a 50-point win. A confident looking Royal outfit took to the waters next Saturday to retain the championship with another outstanding display of rowing. 

Royal, under the leadership of Hashen Hettigoda, enjoyed a good 2017 season, winning the Ranfar Regatta defeating the Colombo Rowing Club, emerging winners of the Overall Over-18 category at the Nationals, competing with the armed forces and winning several club trophies such as the Gordon Armstrong, Vanlangenburg, RCYC and Herman Sirimanne and V.A. Julis trophies. 

The Thomians on the other hand, led by Arjun Wickremanayake, are all out to win the Noel Fernando Trophy. S. Thomas’ are pinning their hopes on their senior oarsmen to make amends for the huge defeat they suffered last year. They are sure to use their talent and experience to write a new chapter in rowing for their alma mater. 

S. Thomas’ College Crew: Arjun Wikramanayake (Captain), Meschach Peiris, Shailindra Jayasekara , Dharaka Peiris, Ashan Walpola, Avinash Rajaguru, Lakshan Sri Pragash, Uvidu Premaratne, Joel Rajendran, Dhaharath Senanayake, Shenara Senaratne, Bhanuka Ratnayake, Chahel Samarasinghe, Kavinda Mediwaka, Daniel Bartholemeuz, Aritha Raddalgoda, Randev Wannakuwatte, Hasith Subasinghe, Jonathan Cruse, Davanka de Silva, Minuka Trikawalagoda, Abishek Nanayakkara, Caleb Fernando and Shawin Ananth,Coach: Mark Maurice,Assistant Coaches: Anuradha Nadaraja and Peter Christie

Royal College Crew: Hashen Hettigoda (Captain), Prathap Perera (Vice Captain), Avishka Jayaweera (Secretary), Charin Wijetilleka, Revata Karunasundera, Lasindu Gamage, Jatu Rockwood, Waruna Hewamanna, Ishira Rambukwella, Jehan Happugalle, Sajaad Ajmal, Chaniru Hewamanna, Deelaka Mahale, Vibhawa Premarathna, Mayukha Gamage, Gavik Kuruppu, Yumin Perera, Chamika Perera, Dinal Aluthgama and Abdullah Hassan, Coach: Mohamed Rifath, Assistant Coach: Lahiru Herath

The events at the regatta will be as follows with points awarded for the winners: 

The main event – Boat Race: winners will receive the Royal-Thomian Boat Race Trophy (12 points) 

Senior Coxless Pairs: winners to receive the Freddie Ryan Trophy (8 points) 

Senior Double Sculls: Sirisena-Sirimanne Trophy (8 points) 

Senior Single Sculls: Senior Sculls Trophy (6 points) 

Junior Coxed Fours: Eraj Wijesinghe Trophy (8 points) 

Junior Coxless Pairs: Chula Semasinghe Challenge Trophy (4 points) 

Junior Double Sculls: Revival Trophy (Phillips Mohideen Trophy) (4 points) 

Junior Single Sculls: Ajit Gunawardene Trophy (2 points)