Reviving a bygone memory - the Bradby train

by Yasas RATNAYAKE

RUGBY: The Bradby Shield encounter is one match that is prestigious in the calendars of Royalists, Trinitians and rugby enthusiasts in Sri Lanka.

The longstanding rivalry between the Royalists and Trinitians draw everyone regardless of age, gender, race for religion into decades old pilgrimage from Colombo to Kandy (and vice versa) every year. A corner stone of this timeless tradition, without a doubt, in the Bradby Train, a remarkable ritual that evokes the spirit of camaraderie, friendship and festivity among all Royalists young and old annual pilgrimage to the Bogambara Stadium.

Forced into an unmemorable, unwarranted hibernation for more than 20 years due to the bitter civil war that ravages Sri Lanka, the tradition of the Bradby train was passed down from one Royalist to another as a bygone memory. The peace prevailing in the country after the end of the war offered the ideal opportunity for the passionate minds of the Royal College group of 2007 to revive the long lost tradition last year.

Together with the fresh ideas and keen enthusiasm of the group of 'new old boys' of the group of 2007 and the wholehearted support of the Royal College Union together with the administration of Royal College, the nostalgic memory of the Bradby train was restored to its former glory. A capacity crowd of 70% including eminent old Royalists of repute, teachers, and students filled the seats and aisles of the train to Kandy on the morning of the 25th of June 2010 to create a moment in the history of Royal College that will not be forgotten for many years to come.

All those who wish to be in Kandy for the match should get in touch with Ayesh Rajapkse on 0773109897 for details.