Tribute to Thamba

In respect and retrospect - Sunday Times Apr 13 2008

Moses Thirugnanasingham Thambapillai

Tribute to Royal's revered Rugby Master 1947-1970, on his 10th death anniversary, which falls on April 19

He strode the Royal Touch-line like a mighty Colossus,
In Regal Dignity,
From 47 to '70,
And thereafter……..!
Cheering, urging, and, at times, fuming with rage,
Cracking his brolly on his knee,
In utter anguish, at the dropped pass, the missed tackle,
The referee's Faux Pas, all in vain, that caused him such pain.
"You, Son of a Sea Cook ", he would say,
"You play with your brain and not brawn alone"
In a voice so stern, but for us to learn.…
All in the cause of Royal Rugby…..
To urge his charges, how to play,
No matter, come what may,
And perform with Regal Dignity and Integrity,
Both off the field and on, like to the manner born.
For him the Game and the School far Supreme, than Potty Avarice to scream,
That befouled the Pristine Focus! With Sidney, Summa, Geoff and Mahes,
The Game he flavoured with such Grace.
And with Stanley, too, all Royal Blue,
The Aggregate Epitome, of Royal Integrity.
So onward he strode, straining every sinew, in a Royal Milieu:
To give her rugby its pride of place,
Her sons to play with finesse.
From Nihal K to Jagath 'CJ',
Her rugby to hold a Royal sway.
And his brow so wet, with honest sweat,
Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing, onward he went……
Oh ! Mighty Moses,The lessons thou hast taught,
Our fortunes to be wrought,
Have stood the test of Time,
From a Game so Sublime!

By ULK