28.5.2008
Dr. Quintus de Zylva
Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria
Pic by - Johann Jayasinha (SNNI) Melbourne

HARSHA DE SILVA – the cricket coach of the all conquering St. Joseph’s College Colombo cricket team – was the guest of honour at several felicitation ceremonies in Melbourne when the cricket team visited Australia recently. Gale de Kauwe – Chairman and Tour Co-ordinator along with Radley de Silva Hon. President of the Old Josephian Club of Australia were hosts to a packed dinner dance on Friday 23rd May.

Rev. Father Sylvester Ranasinghe – Rector of St. Joseph’s thanked the Old Joes and Melbourne gathering which was ably supported by Old Joes Johann Jayasinha from SNNI and many others. Ruwantha Fernandopulle – the cricket captain – spoke with distinction about the team he so ably lead during the season.

Millon, Sandra and Jolly J’s catering provided a sumptous buffet whilst Old Joe Derrick “J” and DJ Keith kept the dance floor toe tapping and singing along to all the old favourites including Frank Sinatra’s hit “I did it my way”.

The auction of a bat signed by the first eleven cricket team saw enthusiasts pay over a thousand dollars for this once in a lifetime collector’s item. The team were much sought after for photographs throughout the night and their freshness and discipline was a sight to behold. Their participtaion on the dance floor will surely make for many happy memories of a well deserved visit down under.

Harsha returns to Sri Lanka with a Level 3 coaching certificate which he was granted at the Centre of Excellence in Cricket in Brisbane where he met such local cricketing legends as Greg Blewett and Darren Lehmann. His wife Dilrukshi and their three gorgeous daughters were the toast of a succesful evening.

The Melbourne Old Joe’s have set a high standard for other clubs to follow.

Courtesy - SNNI