Sports

Sports

Big match fever
Low key, that is the term being used to describe the big matches this year. The effect of the tsunami is still lingering on and the ministry of education has directed the school heads to follow certain restrictions.

About ten of the big matches which count over a half-century of existence holds a very special place in the year's calendar. The hustle and bustle of everyday life has taken away a lot of the excitement and glamour of most of these games. Undoubtedly the 1960's, 70's and 80's were the glorious years of school cricket (big matches).

In terms of results, the early years produced more wins/losses. It almost did not seem to matter. "How you played the game" as this gentlemen's sport is supposed to, was what mattered. Sporting declarations, opting to play on wet pitches, calling an opponent back had he been mistakenly given out, walking when you know that you are out, not appealing unless reasonable, were the old fashioned methods of the game.

As the years rolled by "not to loose" became important. So, a spate of draws resulted. The Royal-Thomian match broke barriers when in its centenary year - 1979, the game was increased to a 3 day affair. This initiative was broken on a couple of occasions, but it is now well and truly settled to play that additional day.

In the 25 years since, this encounter has produced many results and some close drawn encounters. Hardly does a 2 day game bring about a result. Some schools have opted for restrictions. Naturally, that has to be in the first innings. Although the games spark interest as a result of these restrictions, it becomes an artificial or manufactured game.

With most schools unable to cope with the 3rd day, due to various reasons, the only option seems to be these restrictions. No coach, no captain, no team, wants to be tagged as loosers these days. The restrictions imposed by the authorities is the way and the means of achieving a result.

The Thurstun-Isipathana game opens the parade. They play extended time in a day, at 2 hours and 20 minutes per session, thus increasing the number of overs per day. Sure, the game is one of glorious uncertainties, but a result does not seem a possibility in this encounter. Many of the other big matches will also most likely follow in the same pattern.

This takes me on to the Royal-Thomian match, which as mentioned is the only 3 day encounter. Too much on the cricketing aspect cannot be mentioned as I happen to coach the Thomian Team! They had injury problems earlier in the term and after a good start in the third term ran into a few difficulties in January and early February. That is behind the team and all round they are shaping-up well, with the big event less than 2 weeks ahead.

Royal have had one of their less productive seasons of recent times. They lost as many as 7 of their best players at the end of last season and the replacements have not been up to expectations. Their batting revolves around their captain - Dimithri Siriwardane. He is a fine right hand batsman. Even as I write news has filtered through that Siriwardane has scored a century against Trinity College and saved his team from embarrassment. Get him out twice (cheaply) will be the Thomian cry!

This encounter survived 2 world wars and although it will be played on a "low key", the Battle of the Blues goes on after the recent disaster too. Not so for the Richmond-Mahinda game.

They were poised to celebrate a century, but the Tsunami decided to be a spoilsport! Lets hope they revive the game next year and then go on un-interrupted.

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