It was sad to hear about the passing away of former Thomian left handed batsman RM Fernando who played for the school from 1959 to 1961 and later for Moratuwa Sports Club in Sara Trophy cricket.
According to Eddie AppathuraiI who is known as the ‘Walking Wisden’ of Thomian cricket, RM had gone to church for morning service and was later bathing his dogs when he suffered a stroke.Appathurai said that RM was a “very popular and friendly guy” and recollected his fighting knock of 42 runs at the Royal-Thomian in 1960 with his captain Lareef Idroos to save the match.
Interestingly Appathurai had witnessed a match against St. Joseph's at Mount Lavinia when RM was batting and received a full toss from the off spinner Priya Perera as the ball had slipped out of the bowler's hands and went high up.
The bowler knelt down with his hands on his head looking at the umpire. RM positioned himself for a big hit only to miss it and also surprisingly get bowled.RM later told Appathurai that the coach FC de Saram thereafter at all practices had someone bowl full tosses for him to hit so he will not miss.
(ER)