RoyTho Sydney 2026: Thomian Whitewash in a Festival of Cricket, Family, and Community31 Years of Tradition • Brotherhood Renewed • Esto PerpetuaThirty-One Years On…
Thirty-one years on, the Sydney chapter of the Royal–Thomian story continues to write itself with quiet pride and unmistakable purpose. What began as a simple gathering of old boys and borrowed bats has, over time, evolved into a treasured Australia Day tradition one that blends competitive cricket with memory, meaning, and mateship.
On 26 January 2026, the familiar setting of Kareela Reserve, Doonside once again became a meeting place of generations. As in years past, the day began not with the toss of a coin, but with handshakes, school songs, and the shared comfort of a Sri Lankan breakfast gentle reminders that RoyTho Sydney is as much about belonging as it is about competition.
Much like the milestone reflection of “Thirty Years On” in 2025, this year’s festival invited those present to pause and reflect. Reflect on traditions carried far from Reid Avenue and Mount Lavinia, yet kept alive with care. Reflect on friendships renewed each January. And reflect on how a school rivalry, when rooted in respect, can mature into something far greater than the game itself.
As the sun climbed higher and the ground filled with families, friends, and familiar faces, RoyTho Sydney 2026 revealed its enduring truth once more: this is not merely a cricket fixture, but a living tradition fiercely contested on the field, warmly celebrated beyond the boundary, and sustained by a community that returns year after year.
Australia Day 2026 therefore marked more than just another contest; it marked the 31st renewal of a shared legacy. Under clear summer skies, Thomians and Royalists gathered in fellowship and friendly rivalry, reaffirming that RoyTho in Sydney has become a cricket carnival that is equally a family reunion and a community festival.
Cricket on Centre Stage
Three matches, Opens, Classics, and Vintage, were contested with intensity and discipline, showcasing skill, experience, and enduring competitive spirit. In a remarkable outcome,
S. Thomas’ College OBA (STC) emerged victorious in all three encounters, claiming every Challenge Shield and all individual awards, a clean sweep that will be long remembered in RoyTho Sydney history.
Opens, E.C. Gunasekara Memorial Challenge Shield
Royal College, opting to bat first, were immediately tested by disciplined Thomian bowling and sharp fielding. Early breakthroughs set the tone, and sustained pressure through the middle overs ensured that partnerships never flourished. Royal were eventually dismissed for 174.
STC’s reply was calm and assured. Solid opening partnerships laid a firm foundation before the middle order completed the chase efficiently, reaching 178 for 3 with overs to spare. The controlled pursuit underlined STC’s dominance in the premier fixture and secured a fifth consecutive Opens victory.
Result: STC won the E.C. Gunasekara Memorial Challenge Shield
Awards:
Best Batsman: Amila Wijedasa (STC)
Best Bowler: Harry Gunathilake (STC)
Man of the Match: Anuk Palihawadana (STC)
Classics, Felix Dias Abeyesinghe Memorial Challenge Shield (Inaugural)
The Over-50s encounter carried special significance with the inaugural presentation of the Felix Dias Abeyesinghe Memorial Challenge Shield, honouring a distinguished Thomian, public servant, former High Commissioner and sportsman.
Batting first, STC produced a composed and methodical innings, with multiple batsmen contributing measured scores to post a commanding 206 in their allotted overs. The total reflected experience, game awareness, and intelligent rotation of strike.
Royal College’s response was met with disciplined bowling and athletic fielding. Wickets at regular intervals curtailed momentum, and despite resistance from the middle order, Royal were restricted to 146, sealing a comprehensive Thomian victory.
Result: STC won the Felix Dias Abeyesinghe Memorial Challenge Shield
Awards:
Best Batsman: Jeeva Paski (STC)
Best Bowler: Chaminda Thirimana (STC)
Man of the Match: Ruwan Seneviratne (STC)
Vintage – Sunil de Silva Memorial Challenge Shield
The Over-60s match once again demonstrated that cricketing intelligence, control, and teamwork endure long after pace has faded. Royal College were invited to bat and progressed cautiously against tight bowling and alert fielding. Restricted scoring opportunities and regular wickets limited Royal to 132.
STC’s chase was assured and unhurried. A stable opening partnership set the platform, and the target was reached comfortably with minimal loss of wickets, reflecting experience and composure under pressure.
Result: STC won the Sunil de Silva Memorial Challenge Shield
Awards:
Best Batsman: Chitral Perera (STC)
Best Bowler: Eksath Perera (STC)
Man of the Match: Priyan Wickremaratne (STC)
Honouring Legacy and Leadership
The Awards Ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Suren Salgado, Founder President of the Royal College OBA. In his address, he reflected on the formation of the RCOBA in 1995, the growth of alumni associations in Australia, and the importance of preserving school traditions while fostering unity and friendship across communities. He warmly congratulated both organising committees for sustaining an event that exemplifies sporting rivalry conducted in mutual respect.
A highlight of the ceremony was the inaugural presentation of the Felix Dias Abeyesinghe Memorial Challenge Shield, accompanied by a moving citation celebrating a life of distinguished public service, unwavering integrity, and deep commitment to S. Thomas’ College, sport, and community.
The formal proceedings concluded with brief acceptance remarks from the winning captains and a symbolic cake-cutting by past presidents of both OBAs a fitting gesture marking continuity, friendship, and shared history.
More Than a Match
Beyond the boundary, RoyTho Sydney 2026 thrived as a true community festival. Families gathered under marquees, friendships were renewed, and multiple generations shared stories, laughter, and school songs. Live music, Sri Lankan cuisine, and the relaxed warmth of Australia Day created an atmosphere that reminded all present why this event continues to grow in significance each year.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on another memorable Australia Day, RoyTho Sydney once again proved that while trophies matter, the enduring value lies in fellowship, tradition, and shared identity. With the 31st chapter now written and written decisively in Thomian blue & black, anticipation already builds for the next encounter of this remarkable contest.
Disce aut Discede
Esto Perpetua
Link to photo gallery: Click here
Link to ‘Felix Dias Abeyesinghe’ citation: Click here
