Charles Robinson Hockey Sevens on June 24

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

HOCKEY: The CH and FC grounds, Colombo will be the venue for the Charles Robinson Memorial inter club seven a side hockey championship which is scheduled to be staged on June 24 at commencing at 8.00 a.m onwards.

The tournament is being organised for the eleventh time by the Matale Old Thomians' Association Colombo branch.

Over twenty hockey playing clubs from five districts in the island namely Matale, Kandy, Badulla, Colombo and Wennappuwa have confirmed their participation while Police Hockey Club, Army HC, Navy HC and Air Force HC also vying for honours at this event.

Even though Galle district are also in the fray none of the team's have confirmed their participation. The defending champions of this event are Army HC while host CH and FC were runner up and Air Force are the third.

Attractive cash awards, valuable challenge trophies and replicas are on offer for the teams who finish in first three places.

There will be another special trophy for the most talented sticker of the tournament and the prize distribution ceremony will be held after the conclusion of the tournament.

The clubs who wish to take part in this tournament are requested to contact M. Ratnaharen, President, Matale Old Thomians' Association- Colombo branch, 11, Sri Saranankara Road, Dehiwala or call on 2732627 or 0777-515735.

The teams taking part- Matale district: Malwatte Sports Club, Park SC, Old Zahirians SC, Old Vijaya SC and Old Christ Church SC.

Kandy: Old Sylvestrians SC, Old Kingswoodians SC.

Badulla: Uwa Sports Club.

Colombo: Host CH and FC, Matale Old Thomians SC, CR and FC, Old Peterites SC, Royal HC, Malay SC, Colts Cricket Club, Old Anandians HC, Old Nalandians HC and Cambrians SC.

Wennappuwa: Wennappuwa Sports Club, Maris Stella HC.

The cream of the hockey players in the country will take part in this tournament which will also serve as a trial to select players for hockey tournaments which will be held abroad.

Most of the players who are taking part are from leading hockey playing clubs in Colombo. A high standard of hockey can be witnessed at this seven a side tournament.