As the lockdown has marked its presence for over a month and sport is lost in an unprecedented silence, the Sunday Observer caught up with the cricket captains of some renowned schools of Colombo, finding out as to how they are coping with this abnormal situation.
For Johanne de Zilva, from St. Joseph’s College, cruising on a purple-patch, the coronavirus landed in the worst of times. The Darley Road lads had registered a pre-quarter final berth and more or less entirely dominated their Joe- Pete big match, only days before sporting activities disappeared into thin air.
Understandably, the absence of sports, particularly for a school that was performing consistently and fantastically well, has sent the team into a worrisome mood.
“The team is quite worried about the game not resuming any time soon, but are also eager to continue the good form once cricket restarts,” De Zilva said.
“The boys are looking forward to retain the title and make it three-in-a-row. The team remains to be in good spirits even in lockdown via social platforms.”
The Joes, who will be up against Mahanama College, Colombo, in their two-day pre-quarter final, rue not making the maximum in their big match. However, though, in true sportsmanship have credited his opponents for applying the brakes from the jaws of defeat.
“Yes, you look back at certain things in regret, but it was an outstanding effort from the Peterites to retain the trophy,” said De Zilva as he heaped praise on their traditional rivals.
To the question of how the players are tackling the stay-home mode, De Zilva said: “I’ve been able to spend time with my family and I also have been working on my fitness to proceed once it’s time for cricket again. Watching movies and playing games.”
The 19-year-old, having to play against St. Anthony’s, Wattala, for their pre-quarter one-day match, disclosed that cricket aside, courtesy his mother, a music teacher, he is having a hands-on experience playing the piano.
“Everything was provided with God’s grace. And finally I’d like to appreciate the efforts of all the front liners fighting the battle and urge everyone to stay home and support the country at this hour of need,” he appealed.
St. Peters’ College may have mustered a forgetful season, in the ongoing forgetful dream (Covid-19). They were a bit off-colour, and failed to make the cut in the knockouts stages of the two-day tournament.
Shannon Fernando, the skipper, speaking said: “Yes, unluckily, we didn’t get qualified for the knockouts. But we want to end the season on a high note.
“I think it is pretty important to maintain your fitness level in this period of time, and I have been working out day-in and out while taking in some healthy food to maintain fitness. And also, I’m always in touch with the boys and coaches too. We take group calls and our fitness coach has given us a schedule, so we are working on it,” he said on the remaining matches, the Bambalapitiya boys have.
But how does young Fernando look at the season that was disrupted and his captaincy. “Of course, I had a plan, which was to build the team spirit. If you want to win you need to help each other and support your team mates and build up the team spirit. Not only talent can win, but if you play as a team nothing is impossible.
“Since the first day I got the captaincy I have been working on that. I have told the boys to respect the College and play with passion and show your love to the school. Be a proud Peterite, because one day, when you look back you will be remembering this school cricket life at that moment you should be proud of it. I wish I had performed, but nevertheless, I’m happy for what I did."
He said, though all and sundry were confined to their barracks, the Peterites are still working hard, following their fitness coach’s to-do list and uploading their fitness videos.
“Playing some shots and taking some wall catches, so we are ready anytime. Boys are really hungry to win the 50-over game,” Fernando said while adding that, apart from killing time he was learning and exploring the world by diving into reading. In the meantime, Thevin Eriyagama, the leader of the pack of S. Thomas' College, despite the dead and dull situation was finding ways and means to keep his system running.
“I’ve been doing my workouts, studying and spending time with family,” said Eriyagama.
Interestingly, the Royal- Thomian, was the last big sporting event played in the country before sports came to a grinding halt.
“We played exceptionally well in the first innings and our target was to put 350 plus on the scoreboard and as a team we achieved it and the plan was to get them all out before the follow-on.
"We were quite unlucky, but anyway ended up retaining the Shield at Mount and all the players contributed. We played as a team and happy with the end result,” recalled Eriyagama.
Right now it is a serious challenge for anyone to break the boredom shackles and remain active.
The skipper of the school by the sea along with the other activities, is having an extra eye in not allowing the body to settle into the comfort zone.
“I’m doing good actually finding ways to stay occupied and staying active to feel better and maintain my fitness levels. It’s also a great way to help combat the sense of malaise and boredom that can come from being stuck inside day after day,” Eriyagama said of his current routine.
“We’ve been doing the daily fitness routine through online classes and we’ve been in touch and will be fit enough to play after this is over,”
But Eriyama opined, he doesn’t see the situation going back to square one anytime soon.
“With the current situation I don’t think it is going to happen anytime soon,” said a doubting Thomian Eriyagama.
Asked about their road ahead, Eriyagama said: “I highly doubt that we’ll play. Because depending on the current situation I don’t think that the tournaments will continue. We’re doing fine, have all the things that matter during this period,” he said in response about having access to essentials.
Rival school Royal College declined to be featured for reasons best known to them.