Casiechetty passes away

Elmo Rodrigopulle

The death occurred of former Benedictine captain and Tamil Union cricketer Francis Casiechetty on Thursday night.

Casiechetty was a stylish and elegant right hand batsman. He had many big scores for the college in inter-school cricket and on leaving school sported Tamil Union colours with distinction playing in the club team that won the Sara trophy which was on offer for the first time.

At the Tamil Union he played in the illustrious company of Mahadevan Sathasivam, Sathi Coomaraswamy, Jeff Felix. T. Nagendra, T.Murugesar, C.T.A.Schaffter and Talus Fernandopulle to name a few. It was just one of those things that he failed to earn national representative honours in first season with the Tamil Union where he scored prolifically.

In addition to cricket Casiechetty was also a competent billiards and snooker player and at the height of his career won the Lanka Plate Championships

His two brothers Freddie and Neville too were wonderful cricketers and represented St.Benedict's College.

Casiechetty coached the 1958 St.Benedict's College cricket team that was captained by his younger brother Neville.

He coached the writer too in that team and was instrumenal in making me a member of the Tamil Union while still a schoolboy.

His funeral will take place today at the General Cemetery, Kanatte with the cortege leaving his residence 83, Bonjean Road, Colombo 13 at 3 pm.