Committee meeting Colombo, 2/10/2009

Kalu Nana, Ranjini Thevarapperuma, Sarath Kapuwaththe, Durumila Kumara, Ranjan Fernando - Photo Philip Veerasingam. Duru has a soft tissue swelling due to /insect bite.

Hello,

Here is another article on Buddy Reid.

SPORTING BROTHERS.... The Reid brothers made a very significant contribution in the realm of sports in the country before migrating to Australia in the 1970's.

Dr. Buddy Reid - a double international - Cricket and Table Tennis.

Dr. Buddy was outstanding and donned the proud mantle of 'Double International' with his consistent and commendable performances at Cricket and Table Tennis, establishing several records on the road to fame. The Reid brothers Claud, Ronnie, Buddy, Bryan (Barney) and Johann (Tiny) represented S. Thomas' College at cricket and etched their names in the proud annals of their alma-mater.

It was a happy coincidence that Buddy played for S. Thomas' in the 1959 "Battle of the Blues' on the day he received the glad tidings of having been selected to enter the Medical Faculty, University of Ceylon.

Dr. Buddy had the distinction of representing S. Thomas' College, University, BRC and Ceylon at cricket in which domain he left an indelible mark with his superlative performances. In his debut in 'Sara' Trophy Cricket (1959/60), Dr. Buddy was awarded the Macan Markar Trophy for the highest score of the season (177) and in the years (1962/64) headed the batting averages.

Dr. Buddy had the highest aggregate in the 67/68 and 68/69 seasons too, embellishing his victory trail in the country's premier tournament when the best clubs vied for the 'Sara' Trophy.

In the international arena Dr. Buddy represented Ceylon during the period 1964 to 1970 against foreign teams led by Mike Smith, Colin Cowdrey & Tony Lewis (England) Bob Simpson & Bill Lawry (Australia) and Imtiaz Ahmed (Pakistan).

In the '68 encounter versus England led by Colin Cowdrey, Dr. Buddy captained Ceylon and with Ranjit Fernando established a record unbroken opening partnership of 121, the highest against any country, which stood its ground for 10 years.

Cricketing brothers

Claud, Ronnie, Dr. Buddy and Barney played for CCA whilst Ronnie and Dr. Buddy represented Ceylon. It is on record that the duo put on an unbroken partnership of 50 in the fixture versus the England team in 1965. In a fitting finale to his cricketing career in Ceylon Dr. Buddy top scored in both innings in the match against the 1970 England team captained by Tony Lewis. Dr. Buddy had the unique honour of captaining University of Ceylon, BRC and Ceylon.

In the country of domicile Dr. Buddy played for Kahlin CC in a tournament at Darwin and emerged the match winner with an unbeaten 200 and a tally of 7 for 27 in a grand final In reminiscing Dr. Buddy ruefully regretted his team Captain's decision to declare their innings oblivious of the fact that the highest score on record in any grade of cricket at Darwin was 214- it was a missed opportunity for Dr. Buddy to enter the record books, an honour he richly merited.

Dr. Buddy, one of the reputed Table Tennis players in the 50's and 60's, displayed his prowess with a remarkable record in Ceylon and Australia which will be hard to surpass.

He was a member of the National team that participated in the All India Championships in 1956, 57 and 59. In the encounter versus an USA team, Dr. Buddy was the sole winner in the singles event and followed up with a victory in the Men's doubles, partnering Nimo Ramchand. Dr. Buddy won the National men's singles title in 1959, 60 and 62, a record to enthuse about.

Invincible record

Dr. Buddy chalked up an invincible record in the Men's Doubles winning the National title on six occasions, partnering former National Champions Nimo Ramchand (1957, 59, 60, 66) Charlie Daniel ('62) and younger brother Barney ('67). In addition, Dr. Buddy stamped his class in the local circuit annexing the National Mixed Doubles in 1967 with former National Women's title holder Srini Lucas.In 1967, he was the team Captain, player, Secretary of the TT Association whilst also performing duties as a Doctor. Dr. Buddy continued to serve the game as Vice President of the controlling body and National coach in 1968.

Dr. Buddy led the Ceylon team in the Peking International Tournament, Asian Games in Bangkok in 1966 and the Asian TT Championships hosted by Singapore in 1967.

In Australia Dr. Buddy, continuing his winning spree outclassed the Country Victoria Champion in 1975 and annexed an inter-club championship teaming up with former National champions Dick Schoorman, Nimo Ramchand and Tennis ace Rupert Ferdinands. In a late comeback during 2006 Dr. Buddy represented Australia in the test match against New Zealand in the over 60's group and continued his success saga as evidenced in winning the championships chronicled herein:

l Australian Nationals: singles and doubles (over 65) and doubles (over 60).

l State of Victoria Championships: singles and doubles (over 60 & 65)

l New Zealand doubles and mixed doubles (over 65) and twice runner-up in the singles.

In a fitting finale to a glittering career Dr. Buddy won the Silver Medal in the World Veterans (over 65) tournament held in Germany in 2006 where over 200 pairs competed.

Achievements

phenomenal

In retrospect, Dr. Buddy's achievements at Cricket and Table Tennis could aptly be described as phenomenal.

l In a year of special significance (1960) Dr. Buddy entered Medical College, scored the highest runs in Sara Trophy cricket and won the National Table Tennis Championship.

l Captained Ceylon at Cricket and Table Tennis

l Represented Ceylon and Australia at Table Tennis

l The mantle of Double International was the crowning glory of this brilliant sportsman.

In the pursuit of his Medical career, Dr. Buddy was also the Medical Officer to the Sri Lankan teams in Sri Lanka and Australia and the World Cup played in 1992 in Australia. He was also the first to medically examine and pass spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan's bowling action as legal.

It would be of interest to mention that despite his busy life style Dr. Buddy is also a talented Singer/Song Writer whose CD rendition of Muralitharan's encounter with Umpire Darrel Hair sold copies and the proceeds were channelled to the Sri Lanka Eye Foundation.

Dr. Buddy and his wife Peace were blessed with a daughter Sonali who holds a Ph.D in molecular biology and son Shawn - a Forensic Psychiatrist in Melbourne, who is currently ranked 396th in the world for the Eppa event in Fencing.

Retired - helps

Medical students

Dr. Buddy who has retired from active practice as a Surgeon, is currently a part time tutor of Medical students at Monash University and a medical examiner for the Workers Compensation Board. However, the Medical Doctor derives immense pleasure in spending his leisure hours with their four grand sons who may well continue the proud legacy of the Reids in the years to unfold.

In a moment of quietude and brief sentimental journey, Dr. Buddy paid a glowing tribute to Peace who died in 2002. - quote "My greatest privilege in life is to be married to such a wonderful person and have such a wonderful family." The sporting Doctor is emphatic on the bonds of family and in the context of her appearing in visions with meaningful messages after her demise, reiterates that Peace whilst enjoying eternal bliss in Heaven is journeying with him in life.

In a CD titled "The Story of Peace" Dr. Buddy in prose and verse pays a musical tribute to the spirit of Faith and indomitable courage evinced by his wife during the final stages of her earthly sojourn battling with cancer.

Dr. Buddy Reid, an unassuming personality whose simple demeanour, sense of camaraderie and exemplary sportsmanship on and off the field has endeared him to a wide coterie of colleagues in the Medical profession friends and sports fans in Sri Lanka, Australia and countries around the world.

Eric Motha

Hope you enjoyed reading it .

Extract of a letter from Buddy to Karals.

Hello Karals,

I am delighted that I have finally caught up with you. I tried to make contact but had only your previous Email address. Fortunately Philip sent me your address a few days ago. You may have left out the g between buddy and reid in my address.

I had no idea I was held in high esteem and wondered whether you were writing about somebody else but I knew it was me when you mentioned my hiking to strengthen my left leg for Cricket and Table Tennis. Guess what I am doing now. I am strengthening my left leg for Table Tennis !

Since I last saw you in 2003, I have had an amazing run in Table Tennis ( to which I returned because my wife Peace told me to do so). I have won the Victorian State over 60 singles and doubles, the Australian National over 65 singles and doubles, represented Australia in a Table Tennis Test match against New Zealand and won a silver medal in the over 65 doubles in the World Championships. There were 196 doubles pairs from all over the world in the over 65's. I would not have believed in my wildest dreams that all this could happen. No doubt Peace would have played a few crucial shots for me from heaven.

At present I play Table Tennis at least 5 nights a week, write and play music and sing mainly for my church, do a little medical reporting for the Workers Compensation Board and teach 1st and 2nd year medical students the basics of history taking and physical examination.

Our daughter, Sonali whom you met at your home in England in 2003, now has four boys, aged 8,6,4 and 1 year. I spend as much time as possible with them. We all live in the same home at 195 Barkers Road, Kew 3101, Victoria. She does a little part time work at Melbourne University teaching 1st year medical and dental students biochemistry practicals.

Our son is a specialist in Forensic Psychiatry ( one of only about 10 in Australia). He works in Melbourne. His girl friend is also a psychiatrist but he has not tied the knot yet.

I am looking forward to hearing of your publications and hoping that I will not need either my son's speciality or yours.
Cheers,
Buddy

Member of the batch of 1960 in her younger days.

The young Viji with her father, mother and brother. The father was then the Minister of Fisheries in the government of the Rt.Hon.D.S.Senanayake. Note the adoring look which the sister is casting on her brother.

Picture taken at Wineetha Fernando's home in the 1960s.

I am sure that you would be able to identify the young medical students of the early 1960s. White shirts with long sleeves, ties in place, dark trousers and polished dark shoes seem to be the trade mark of the medicos then.

Buddy Reid - Referance in the Ceylon Observer.

Hello Batch-mates, Here is a write up on Buddy Reid in the Sunday Observer, brought to my notice by Chandra Pitigala. You could respond to Buddy. His email address is buddygreid@hotmail.com Philip Sunday, 14 March 2004

The widest coverage in Sri Lanka.

Sports

News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries Archives

Reid brothers pleased with improvement of Sri Lanka cricket by A. C. DE SILVA The name of Reid to the Thomians is a household one as the Reids' have played their hearts out for the Thomians in the 125 years that the Royal-Thomian cricket match has been played. Five brothers - Claude, Ronald, Dr. Buddy, Bryan (Barney) and 'Tiny' have donned the Thomian blazer over the years and when anyone talks of S. Thomas' cricket, the Reids would figure prominently. The Reid brothers are known cricketers, but two of them - Dr. Buddy and Barney have also excelled in Table Tennis, not only in Sri Lanka but overseas as well. The Reids are also humane to a great extent and on this trip to witness the historic 125th Royal-Thomian, they kept a date with one of their old friends who is unfortunately held indoors with an illness that has stopped him from watching cricket matches. Abu Fuard - a former star cricketer in the Sri Lanka team is fast losing his sight and has to be wheeled even to answer a telephone call. Claude Reid is the eldest of the Reid clan and he was the wicketkeeper of S. Thomas' in 1955. He was a recognised batsman too and with Dan Piachaud averted the follow-on for S. Thomas' in the 'Big Match'. Then on the second day with contributions by Dennis Ferdinands and Asoka Perera, S. Thomas' were able to force a draw. He then played for BRC from 1956 to 1967 and then went over to Australia. Before going to Australia in 1960 he played under late Vernon Prins and he also played for Sri Lanka under C. I. Gunasekera and Michael Tissera. He scored a century for Sri Lanka Board XI against Indian State Bank team that included Milkha Singh. He also captained the Mercantile team in the quadrangular tournament in the team that included P. I. Pieris and Stanley Jayasinghe. Having had his early lessons at S. Thomas' under late Lassie Abeywardena and Orville Abeynaike, Claude came under late Shelton Gauder in the first eleven and that where he had to concentrate in wicketkeeping and go lower down the order in batting. He has been associated with cricket for 52 years and headed the batting averages in the 1967-68 Australian League season. Speaking of cricket in general in Sri Lanka, Claude said that it is much easier these days as the Royal-Thomian is a three-day affair quite in contrast to the two-day affair those days. There was a sense of urgency then as declarations had to be made to make it interesting. Claude Reid was of the opinion that Sri Lanka should have got international status in 1967 or so. Though late, we have done well in fits and starts on the International scene. Then Dr. Buddy Reid started his cricket in the under 12 age group at S. Thomas' and cricket continued till he left Sri Lanka. He retired from cricket in 1971 and left Sri Lanka in 1973. Because of his studies in Australia, he didn't play cricket for sometime, but in 1984, he played suburban cricket which is a step lower than district cricket. This was solely for the purpose of getting some sort of exercise. He played for Sri Lanka from 1964 to 1971. He captained one match and played under C. I. Gunasekera (1963 vs Australia) and again in 1964 under Michael Tissera against Pakistan. He has two memorable fifties against England. With Ranjit Fernando made a record partnership of 121 in 1968 against England that included David Brown, Derek Underwood and Pat Pocock. Both scored half centuries. Then in the unofficial Test also against England, the pair had a record partnership. The record there was 119 in the second innings in the three-day match. The first one was 50-over match. That second record stood for 15 years. Dr. Buddy captained the University for one year, was vice-captain in 1962-1963 where the University won by .02 against Colts (that'd just 4 runs). Then in 1964, University were runners-up to Bloomfield and though they didn't lose any matches. They lost on bonus points. Speaking of cricket here, Buddy Reid said that technique-wise, it is the same. 'I think overall, the fielding is better, but speaking of the Royal-Thomian, it is played at a much slower pace as it is a three-day game. It may be a good thing as it can be a move to nurture players for the future for Test cricket. The attraction had, I think lost a little, but it may be towards the development of better standards. The bowling was steady and the spinners didn't bowl many loose balls but flighted the ball a little more than usual. In general, the cricket is on a higher level than when he played, Dr. Buddy Reid said. The fielding is somewhat brilliant now compared to what it was those days. The Sri Lankans should study every opposing player because it takes only a tiny detail between victory and defeat. The fourth of the clan is Bryan Reid (Barney) who played for S. Thomas' from 1963 to 1965. He had the outstanding figures of 8 wickets for 2 runs against St. Sebastian's in 1962 at Mount Lavinia. After leaving school, he played for the Board against Hyderabad Blues XI that included players like M. L. Jaisimha, Abbas Ali Baig, Eknath Solkar. Barney Reid left Sri Lanka at the age of 21 years in 1968. He played Premier Grade cricket as player, captain and then as coach for around 15 years. He is also an umpire in Premier cricket first eleven in Melbourne. Barney Reid felt that cricket in the country is going on smoothly. Going back to 1982 when he saw Aravinda de Silva perform in Australia in Premier cricket where Aravinda got around 15 runs. However, there was talent in the boy and I picked him as a player of the future and he has fulfilled my expectations," said Barney Reid. He feels that the fielding standards in Sri Lanka has improved, but was wondering whether the bowling has improved. This comment he made at the end of the first day's play in the 125th Royal-Thomian cricket match at the SSC grounds. The Thomians had a great opportunity on the first day as the wicket helped movement, but the Thomians tended to bowl a little too far outside the off-stump in the early overs. They also should have attacked a little more once the wicket died down. He advised the young cricketers: Basically cricket is a disciplined game, ones got to discipline oneself as a batsman or a bowler. Play within your limitations. Especially, the youngsters should play the longer game, it is the only way that one can develop one's batting," he said. At junior level, its participating and giving a chance to all, otherwise a team will have good players and they will dominate with bat and ball and everyone else will have to just stand around fielding and not doing much. Besides being a cricketer, he was also a known table tennis player of class. With Feoze Nilam, he was the Indian TT doubles champion. The pair were runners-up in the Junior Nationals in Bombay. Two other brothers Ronald Reid No. 2 among the clan made the historic score of 158 not out in 1956 to hold the Royal-Thomian record until it was broken in 1972 by Duleep Mendis - 184. There was also "Tiny" Reid, the youngest of the clan who played for S. Thomas'.