Royal break 3 minute barrier at t-sips Royal-Thomian regatta

Royal College rowing team won the overall championship (48-4) at the 38th Royal-Thomian Regatta at the Beira Lake watched by wildly cheering enthusiastic crowd.

It was a rousing affair at the Colombo Rowing Club waters. The races commenced in strong winds and cloudy weather, it remained this way for most part of the races posing a challenge to the rowers; however spirits maintained high.

The Royal team was led by Chirath Karunanyake while S. Thomas’ was led by Shelan De Livera. The first event a scull began with Royal winning the toss and choosing to row on the inside.

It was a ‘Royal’ show from the beginning as the stronger side won the event one by one. Chandrishan Perera added spice to the event with his interesting commentary, keeping the spectators entertained with not only what was happening on the water but also with sports updates from around the world.

Sponsors of Royal rowing squad, t-sips which is the flagship brand of Expolanka Teas sponsored the event for the third consecutive year. A t-sips sponsored LED screen not only gave live coverage of entire events but also showed inspirational sports footage from glory moments of other sports to clips showing what rowing was all about.

The light faded as the time for the 42nd boat race, AX4 approached. The two rival teams rowed under lights for the first time in the history of the Regatta. Royal not only won the event in a record breaking under-3 minute win but also became the overall winner 48 to 4. The T. Noel Fernando Trophy was presented to a beaming skipper, Chirath Karunanayake a 5th year coloursman by chief guest Sanjeewa Perera, 83’ captain of the Royal rowing team.

The winning captain thanked t-sips for ‘sponsoring the Regatta after it was abandoned in 2009’. This year’s event saw more spirit and buzz than ever in the recent history of the Regatta. The t-sips Royal-Thomian has become a very popular and anticipated event in the calendar of many sports enthusiasts.