Fourth annual football S. Thomas’ vs Gateway encounter on January 30

The stage is set for the fourth annual football encounter between S. Thomas’ College and Gateway College, with both teams vying for the prestigious Neville De Alwis-Ralph Alles Challenge Trophy. Named after two renowned educators, this trophy is a reminder of everything they stood for; camaraderie, sportsmanship and equal opportunity.

This fourth annual encounter will be played at the Racecourse ground in Torrington on Monday, January 30. The joint organising committee confirmed that arrangements have been made to conduct an Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20 matches between S. Thomas College and Gateway College and a friendly Girls Under-20 game between Gateway College and Colombo International School. S. Thomas College old boys will also take on the Gateway College old boys for the third time.

Gateway College won the last three encounters under the guidance of Coach James Heath. S. Thomas’ is captained by Mahith Perera while Gateway will be led by Samunu Kaggodaarachchi. Both teams are evenly matched with technically correct and skillful players, who promise to provide spectators an interesting game, filled with healthy rivalry.

Both S. Thomas’ and Gateway continuously strive towards the development of sports in this country. What these two schools invest in their sportsmen will not only benefit the individuals themselves, but also the schools they come from and the country they so proudly represent. In its long history, S. Thomas’ has produced several world class sportsmen and despite being a relatively young school Gateway too has shaped a number of athletes, swimmers, basketball, Netball and football players who have represented Sri Lanka.

The main game, the Under-20, will be played as the final match among the five games at 3.00pm. Prior to

that, the matches will begin from 10.15am with the Under-14 game, followed by the Under-16 match at 11.15am. The Girls’ friendly match will kickoff at 12.15pm followed by the Alumni match at 1.20pm before the main attraction of the day. Eranjith Ranasinghe will be the chief guest.