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A SIXTEEN MEMBER Thomian cricket team will leave for England on May 21 to play a series of one-day games against clubs and schools. This is the first time that a first XI Thomian team will be playing in UK.

''The boys really deserve this trip. It is a big reward for them after their great triumph against arch rivals Royal in their 'Big Match','' said Warden, Neville de Alwis who will accompany the team. This tour became reality in the Thomian dressing room at the SSC at the three-day encounter.

S. Thomas' will play seven matches and will also participate in the festival of cricket scheduled to be held on May 25 at Bromley Park London and will play against junior county sides, be present at the annual Thomian Dance etc, during their stay in the UK until June 15, said Warden de Alwis.

''I have received great support from the Thomian Old Boys Association and the Parent Teacher Association from the moment we started our campaign for this tour. The assistance received from all of them was tremendous and I can't believe it. Still cheques are coming in. For the Thomian cricketers it will be great experience playing in England and it will be educational tour as well, said the Warden.

The team's key game will be against Surrey under-25 at the Oval. Combined Old Thomians in UK will also play game against the team. The cricketers will also visit Lord's and witness the first Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston.

Warden paid a rich compliment to British Airways for partly sponsoring the tour, and also for presenting the cricket team with BA cricket sweaters specially designed and manufactured to mark this occasion.

The team will be led by Nilanga Peiris and Amila Perera will be the deputy.

Rohan Ekanayake (master-in-charge) and Dinesh Kumarasinghe (coach) will also accompany the team.