Eric Motha Replies...

It was a pleasure perusing your column “SPORTSCOPE” in the Sunday Observer of August 25 coincidence with the 46th Quadrangular Festival hosted by the Old Anthonians, Kandy.

It was a journey down memory lane recalling the commencement of the Quadrangular in the 1960’s and its successful continuation to the present day which is eloquent testimony to the dedication and unabated commitment of the old boys of the respective schools. The initiative of the Old Bens SC led by P.D.A. Livera with you in a pivotal role deserves special mention in the annals of the Quadrangular.

In addition to the names referred to I wish to add J.F. Benedict, M.E. Fonseka & Kingsley Fonseka to the list of organizers.

For the benefit of the past students of St.Benedict’s, it may be useful to go back in time briefly to the late 70’s when the OBSC was in a state of inertia. In this backdrop a group of Old Bens cmprising Basil Noyahr, Leslie Hewage, Victor Fernando, Eric Motha, Felix Dias, Stanley Rodrigo, JF Assissi, Ranjan Nadesapillai, Malsiri Perera, Vitalis Fernando & Patrick Perera assumed the task of revamping the club.

This was the foreunner to a very successful decade for the OBSC in the 80’s. Basil Noyahr, Victor Fernando, Eric Motha, Stanley Rodrigo & Felix Dias represented the Old Bens at the meetings and in the annual cricket encounter of the Quadrangular Schools during these years, hosting the prestigious event in Kotahena on two occasions.

The spirit of camaraderie witnessed during the Quadrangular week-ends at Kandy, Kotahena, Darley Road and Wellawatte was something to enthuse about as it generated an abundance of goodwill and sportsmanship amongst the participants and the alumni of the four institions.

The week-end at Katugastota had an aura of its own with all schools gathering there for two days of great fun, socialising and above all displaying the spirit of sportmanship on and off the field, devoid of who the ultimate winners were.

Rector of St.Anthony’s Rev.Fr. Stephen Abraham OSB was a keen patron of the Quadrangular in Kandy and ensured all had a memorable week-end. In the mid 80’s whilst at Kandy star batsman Quintus Perera received a phone call alluding to a burglary in his home in Colombo; he was adamant in rushing back but was restrained since he was a prospective match winner. In the end it transpired that all was well and we returned to the metropolis with Quintus much at ease.For the record the following alumni were the mainstay of the schools during the 80’s adding that some still carry on their good work.