The inaugural Table Tennis Encounter between S. Thomas’ College (STC) Mount Lavinia and Gateway College took place on October 18th at the STC Sports Complex. This highly anticipated event showcased remarkable talent, perseverance, and balanced performance, with each school winning in two age categories. Organized and hosted by STC, the encounter highlighted a spirit of friendly rivalry and sportsmanship, setting a positive precedent for future tournaments.

A Close Contest: Wins for Both STC and Gateway

Gateway College triumphed in the Under 10 and Under 16 categories, while STC clinched victories in the Under 12 and Under 20 divisions. The Encounter Trophy was awarded to the Under 20 champions, following a pre-agreed rule that the outcome of this age category would determine the overall winner.

The Under 20 finals became the highlight of the day, with STC’s L.D.M. De Silva and Gateway’s Ishaan Faleel delivering an intense performance. After both players claimed two games each, the deciding game kept spectators on edge, tied at 10-10. A brief ten-minute pause due to De Silva’s severe cramping only heightened the intensity. Demonstrating resilience, De Silva returned to clinch the game 12-10, securing both the Under 20 title and the coveted Encounter Trophy for STC.

Match Results Breakdown

• Under 20: STC emerged victorious by winning three out of four matches. L.D.M. De Silva defeated Sasen Amaratunga and Ishaan Faleel, while N. Rupalavanyan won against Joshua Dharmadasa. Ishaan Faleel of Gateway claimed one win over T.R. Seneviratne.
• Under 16: Gateway College dominated by winning three out of four matches, with victories from Sasen Amaratunga and two wins from Ishaan Faleel, while Santhieesh from STC secured one win over NethunMandilu.
• Under 12: STC dominated with a complete sweep, as A.B. Senarath defeated Pavara Bandara, C.H. Obeyasekara won against Aman Pasha, and S. Hasmithan overcame Ishrath Ahamed.
• Under 10: Gateway College achieved a clean sweep, with ViheinSenaratna, Gaius Jayasinghe, and Thidas Ratnayake winning over their STC opponents.

Celebrating Achievement and Camaraderie

After the intense matches, awards were presented by distinguished guests, including Gateway Chairman Dr. Harsha Alles, STC Sub Warden Asanka Perera, STC Chaplain Ven. Samuel J. Ponniah, Gateway’s Team Leader of Sports Development Mr. Wipula Chandrasiri, and Deputy Principal of GCC Rohana Perera. The event concluded with high spirits, celebrating the hard work and dedication of both schools. The thrilling encounters set a positive precedent for future tournaments, with each school demonstrating skill, tenacity, and respect for the game.