“Razzle dazzle beano from the Bens”, “Bens vanquish Indonesian National Team” - these were some of the banner headlines that hailed the supremacy of Old Bens Hockey in the 50’s and 60’s.
     It was in the late fifties at Kotahena, in an average middle class family that the three brothers took to field hockey, initially playing the game in their back gardens with school mates and friends using broken hockey sticks - this was the humble beginning of the Fernando saga.
     It is relevant to mention that the brothers and the following schoolmates who commenced their hockey tryst together graduated and proceeded to represent Sri Lanka at International level: Joseph Charles, Francis Assissi, Anthony McIntyre and Batcho Selvarajah.
     Stanley, Homer and Subash learnt the fundamentals at St. Benedict's College under the supervision and tutelage of their mentor Rev. Bro. Matthias and Brian Assey an International. In addition the encouragement and support from their parents and paternal uncle Walter Fernando, a founder member of the United Youngsters’ SC, a then B - division club in Colombo, paved the way for their brilliant careers. The brothers represented College at different times but played for the Old Bens together after leaving school, subsequent to the formation of the Hockey team in the early 60's.The characteristic of the star studded Old Bens was that they were ably trained by the same coach Brian Assey and thereby had their basics right and possessed the same style of playing - an asset in team work.
     Stanley the oldest of the trio, represented Government Services HA, with Homer the Mercantile Services HA and Subash the Mercantile Services HA and Nationalised Services HA at the country's Hockey Nationals, each making an invaluable contribution to their respective teams. In December 1965, Stanley & Homer became internationals when selected to play the two test matches against the visiting Indonesian Hockey team and Subash followed the trail being chosen to represent the country against the visiting Indian Olympic team.
     In 1967, history was created in Sri Lanka Hockey when the three brothers were selected to represent the National team against the visiting Indian Olympic team, the reigning World Champions. The cherished dreams of their proud father Joseph Agabit Fernando were triumphantly fulfilled.

The brothers also had the distinction of representing Sri Lanka at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand - certainly another milestone achievement in their brilliant careers.
     Homer, as the extreme - left with his graceful long strides along the flank, Subash with his dazzling stick work in the role of centre - forward and Stanley as centre - half dishing out his passes with skill and the uncanny understanding the trio possessed on the field was something the opponents dreaded and envied -nit was hockey artistry at its best.
     They have represented Sri Lanka with distinction against the National teams of India, Pakistan, West Germany, Spain, Kenya, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and South Korea. It was amazing to watch the three brothers in action. They were team mates when representing either the Old Bens or the National team and contributed immensely with their individual brilliance. However, when pitted against each other at the Nationals it was a different scenario with their team spirit claiming top priority. The hockey fans have witnessed Stanley drag Subash off the field by his shirt collar to prevent him from netting the winning goal while Homer had no qualms in taking a vicious shot at goal though conscious of Stanley trying valiantly to prevent him from scoring. The three brothers played for their teams leaving brotherhood at home. The eldest Stanley, presently lives in Toronto, with Subash in Perth while Homer died some years ago in Colombo, having failed to survive a massive heart attack.
     To quote from a reputed sports journalist in Sri Lanka - “Each in his own way has won much acclaim and honour. The name Fernando has now become synonymous with hockey and their names will no doubt have a special place in the history books of this sport. The fine records and finer traditions of sportsmanship and leadership of these three brothers will be a shining example for others to emulate”

August 2008, www.oldbens.co.uk