JPAA Canada presented its "Fellowship Nite" at J & J Swagat Convention Centre in Toronto last Friday (June 26) that attracted a large cross-section of Josephians, Peterites and well wishers from the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Toronto. Guest of Honour was Tyrone Le Mercier, Peterite Cricket Captain of 1963 and his wife Jean who flew in from Melbourne, Australia for the event. Music was provided by DJ-ROHAN and a sumptuous dinner was prepared courtesy of J&J management. The newly refurbished Convention Centre was all lit up and the capacity crowd simply had a great time. As one guest remarked, "We had a terrific time – good company, excellent music, super dinner and reasonably priced premium liquor. What more could we ask for $25?"
Tyrone Le Mercier was Guest of Honour and was accompanied by his wife Jean. Tyrone played 5 years for St. Peter's College captaining in 1963. He then played club cricket for SSC and for his employer Mackwoods Limited who won the Mercantile Championships at the time. Tyrone is best remembered for his devastating doube-century (235 n.o.) against St. Anthony's College at Katugastota.
JPAA President Upali Obeyesekere personally invited Tyrone Le Mercier to grace the occasion. A nostalgic moment when Antonian Trevor Brown was called to the podium to reflect on his impressions of Tryone Le Mercier's 235 not out against St. Anthony's College Kandy in 1962. Trevor and his two sisters Druscilla and Sabrina had witnessed the match as their father Cyril Brown, was on the staff of St. Anthony's College. Trevor recalled Le Mercier's innings and said the Antonians were concerned he would pass the immortal Jack Anderson's score of 291 runs against S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia in 1918.
The Fellowship Nite organized by JPAA Canada (Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada) is a big draw every year with well known past cricketers flying into Toronto from all over the world. Last year Ceylon Cap David Heyn and legendary sports star Dr. Adiel Anghie (since departed) graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. David has made London, England his home while Dr. Adiel Anghie lived in West Virginia, USA. The event attracted past students from St. Joseph's College, St. Peter's College, Trinity College, St. Anthony's College Kandy, Royal College and S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia. A live band was in attendance and all had a good time.
