Big Match moments
View(s):The air will soon be thick with the sound of papare music and feverish chanting as the annual Big Match season unfolds this month. To set the mood for its arrival, the Mirror Magazine spoke to former players from a few schools with a rich history of engaging in the traditional battle to discover their best on-field and off-field Big Match moments.
Rajeewa Weerasinghe
(St. Joseph’s College)
My most memorable Big Match game came in 2007, the last year I played, when I captained our team to a win in the limited overs encounter. It’s my best memory because it was a really good game, and we won after two years. Off the field there are many memories and events during Big Match season that make it special for me. I had fun with a lot of friends and players. One of the guys I remember hanging out with was Angie (Angelo Matthews). We had a good time and later went on to play Under 19 national cricket together.
Javed Bongso
(S. Thomas’ College)
My innings of 97, which I scored in 2012, is probably my best on-field Big Match moment. It was my highest score and an important innings. Being selected to play in the Royal-Thomian for the first time was the biggest achievement in my life. I never thought I would eventually be captain. It is something really great. Wherever in the world I go everyone knows that I captained the team. Off the field, a moment which stands out is when we stood in front of the mirror and pretended to be like our coach to get rid of our nerves the day before the Big Match in 2011.
Milan Abeysekera
(Royal College)
My best on-field memory at a Big Match came when I scored the winning runs at last year’s game. My best off-field memory came in the same game, when, after winning the match, we were carried off the field and then started dancing and celebrating.
Niroshan Dickwella
(Trinity College)
My best on-field moment came in 2012, when we won the Big Match. It was the year I captained so it is very special for me. In terms of off-field moments, I have a lot of good memories from the Big Match so it’s hard to pick one. It’s is a really amazing time.
Malinda Warnapura
(St. Peter’s College)
The on-field moment that I remember best is when I scored 169. Away from the field there are a lot of things that stand out, things like the hat collection and the way we had fun together. The Big Match atmosphere is unique and you really enjoy those two days, it’s not like anything else in life. That’s why all schoolboys should go for it and be a part of what happens.
Angelo Perera
(St. Peter’s College)
My best moment came during my first year at the Big Match when we batted for one and a half sessions, I think it was in 2005. Away from the field, my best memory at a Big Match came in 2009. I didn’t play but I joined the celebration after the game. The atmosphere was great, full of excitement and happiness.