Old Xavierites take Rev. Bro. Stanislaus Cup

The inaugural Twenty-20 Cricket encounter between the old boys of St Xavier's College and Gamini College, Nuwara Eliya was played on September 11 at the Race course grounds, Nuwara Eliya amidst a large gathering with the patronage of Capt. A. K. D. N. Darshana of the 3rd Singha Regiment.

The event was organized to commemorate the services of Rev. Bro. Anslem who left Ceylon in 1961 after the take over of St. Xavier's College by the Government.

Born on the 2nd August 1917 he left Ceylon in 1961 after the take over of St. Xavier. Rev. Bro. Anslem Stanislaus entered the Holy Habit on the 7th Oct 1934 . After he arrived in Colombo on the 10th February 1936 he served De Mazenod College and St. Benedict's College, Colombo and was installed as the Director of St. Xavier's College in 1957. He has done yeomen service to the College and the Nuwara Eliya district, especially in the fields of sports and education. He imparted and practiced the Twelve Virtues of A Good Teacher as listed by the founder St.De La Salle: Gravity, (Seriousness), Silence, Humility, Prudence, Wisdom, Patience, Reserve, Gentleness, Zeal, Vigilance, Piety, and Generosity.

He had the vision to realize the need of higher education in the district and his initiative to set up modern Physical Science and Bio Science laboratories at St Xavier's College in 1959 was only a dream for many at that time and continue to be a dream for many present day scholars and educationists.

The Advanced Level science stream at St Xavier's College became popular in the entire country. Even today students from all parts of the Island enjoy this privilege at St Xavier's College.

This endeavour itself proves the prudence and the good will of the Brother Director towards the people of Nuwara Eliya. Being a sports enthusiast he introduced Basketball, Hocky and enhanced the standard of Football in the Nuwara Eliya district. He is deeply cherished by generations in Nuwara Eliya who have been his followers irrespective of differences. His services are always remembers by many old boys of St Xavier's College.

After the take over of the College in 1961 he left for West Pakistan to institute a new school named St Peter's High School in 1962 and served it with zest until 1981. He spent his last days in Jerusalem and passed away in 1994 in Jerusalem and was buried in France.

The Twenty-20 encounter Cricket dedicated to the memory of Rev. Bro. Anslem was a real success as it is one of the first matches of this nature played in Nuwara eliya though the history of Cricket in Nuwra Eliya goes back to 1860's

Old Xaverians lined up with skipper Sunanda Ratnasiri and Ajith Wickramasinghe Captained the Old Gaminians team.

Having won the toss Ratnasiri elected to bat first.Shantha De Silva -11,Peter Paul 32(not out), Gobonath 36 and Ratnasiri 20 were the main scores for the Xaverians who made a stunning display with a total of 149/6 in 20 overs.

In reply to the Xavierians score the Gaminians were able to score only 129 runs in 19.3 overs. Asanka 37, Chandimal 29 were the chief scorers while Shakiy of SXC took 4 wickets for 8 runs.

Shakir of SXC OBA was adjudged the Best Bowler, Gobinath of SXC OBA -the Man of the Match and Asanka Silva of GPPA won the Best Batsman's award.

The joint organizing committee comprised Kenneth Matinstine, Benjamin Jeganatham, Ujitha Samarawickrama, V.Balendran, R.M.Nawaz, Paul Perera, Srinath Wickramasinghe, Nilan De Zoysa, V.Vadivel and, Russel Jacobs that steered the event well deserves credit for organizing this memorable event.

The Rev. Bro. Anslem Challenge Cup was awarded to Skipper Ratnasiri.