March is the month of college cricket matches, eagerly awaited by the teams and fans. It is a time of healthy rivalry between the top boys’ schools in the Western and other Provinces island wide. The Big Match is the initial platform where raw talent is displayed and picked up by discerning selectors. In fact, every cricketer in the national team began his career at the school big match. Sri Lanka is a nation deeply captivated by cricket. However, over the decades a certain ‘culture’ has permeated the schoolboys, a segment of the old boys and even a few ardent fans. This culture has brought upon a trend where college big matches are now sadly affiliated with unhealthy levels of consuming alcohol, use of certain narcotic substances, stag nights where call girls are involved in indecent exposure and other acts of unruly behaviour which has caused both, condemnation and concern.
 Our photographer Thilak Perera was at the P. Sara Oval grounds to capture some interesting moments of the Joe Pete Big Match on Friday. |
Troublesome students
I witnessed my first big match at the Oval grounds two decades ago, waving the blue-black and blue flag. It was a time of clean fun. Even our female friends from the girls’ schools along Galle Road, used to talk to us in the school bus about the upcoming matches. But, even during that era I clearly remember the enterprising citizens of the neighbourhood, selling all kinds of booze in secluded spots around the outer perimeter of the Oval. Just last year, my classmates (a dozen came down from overseas) had an awesome reunion loaded with succulent food, and then visited our retired teachers. My point is, you must have fun at the big match and support your school team. In the past few years the glorious image of the best boys’ schools has been tarnished by some undesirable incidents.
While every schoolboy has an essence of mischief in him, some cross the accepted boundary. A wise teacher will be able to understand the deeper dilemma within that boy. Many of the bullies in a class (even at girl’s schools) are really weak victims of some form of neglect or abuse at their own home. Some of these emotional needs are expressed by painting graffiti on the walls of girls’ schools, lighting fire crackers and throwing them into the grounds to direct attention to themselves (such boys were not able to play any sport and don’t respect other sportsmen). Another dead giveaway is those wearing excessive stuff like chains and bracelets. They are trying to outwardly enhance their weak personality (I have observed this behaviour at inter nation matches, when adult men also act in immature ways wielding the lion flag). Many men now say, they had their first drink of beer or alcohol at the school big match. This isn’t the fault of the school or the teachers. It is one’s own personal choice. There is no such thing as peer pressure. I have friends who booze, and I don’t- a reflection of personal discipline.
Public nuisance
Today, the big match season is a time for increased liquor sales. Every school organizes reunions. It is perfectly alright to have them and meet up with old batch mates and seniors and be updated on corporate and business trends, while still having a jolly laugh and talking about developing one’s Alma mater. Though vehemently denied by many, some stag nights are enriched by perverse entertainment- this is reality.
Now, do we really need a Russian woman to make gyrating movements of her semi nude body?? Wet and Wild parties at secluded swimming pools are a new trend. The big match season is a frustrating time for the Traffic Police, especially, in Colombo. They have to be alert and look primarily for drunk drivers returning from the above mentioned parties. Such drivers are a threat to public safety. Another danger is school boys carrying flags and displaying them out of moving vehicles. I have personally witnessed a motorcyclist being covered by a drifting flag and subsequently crashing his bike, as the school van made a rapid exit some years ago. This is not supporting cricket. Organizers of college walks must avoid having them on busy routes, again especially, in crowded Colombo. All boys’ schools in Colombo are financially blessed, their old boys are at the topmost echelons of the business society and in Government. OBU branches around the world make substantial monetary support annually. Thus, the time, manpower and resources of these parades and walks can be channeled into much better use. A family oriented college carnival is a better way to unite and enjoy. Senior DIG Western Province Nandana Munasinghe said, he had informed the Principals and Wardens of the schools to maintain discipline at the grounds, and if requested, Police security will be provided. City Traffic Police under SP Sumith Nissanka, will enhance existing traffic plans to curtail drunk driving. I contacted a senior representative of the OBA of S. Thomas’ College, who will take on the Royalists in a few days. The Royal- Thomian is the pioneer big match in the nation. The spokesman said, discipline and safety is a top priority, and that the school OBA has coordinated with the authorities to ensure a smooth cricket encounter.
In conclusion, the boys of every Colombo school must strive to uphold the rich heritage and traditions of their schools, not only at cricket matches but other sporting encounters, such as, rugger. Ultimately, the behaviour of each student is primarily a direct reflection of their home- their parents’ upbringing, alongside the general aura of discipline in their schools. Cricket must be enjoyed decently; after all it is a gentleman’s game.