PREFECTS,
STEWARDS AND THE BATTLE OF THE BLUES
MARCH is the month which all Royalists are
eagerly awaiting. It's the month of the Royal-Thomian, the most important
event in the College sports calendar. Not only the students but the student
leaders, old Royalists, the staff and all those involved with the College
will be keen to be a part of this event which attracts the attention of the
whole nation.
Those who are involved with the
"BATTLE OF THE BLUES will be working to make this event a roaring success.
More than just another cricket encounter it would be more appropriate to
call it an occasion of fun coupled with a long-standing tradition.
The Boys' Tent is an attraction
that catches the eye. For a young Royalist there is no better place than
this tent to enjoy and experience the real spirit of the Royal - Thomian.
The Papara Band adds spice to the applause and support led by the stewards
and Prefects and brings a carnival atmosphere to the grounds. The
decorations of the tent will be a subject of general discussion but the
efforts of the student leaders to decorate the tent, are often ignored. The
fact is, that the planning process took many months since each fresh batch
strives to outdo their predecessors and set standards for others to follow..
It's not only the Boys' Tent but
there are many other areas that are looked after by the Prefects and
Stewards during the Battle of the Blues. Throughout the first term the
Prefects will gradually create an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the hearts of
every Royalist. They will speak to each class spreading the message of the
big match spirit.
Raising funds for the Papara Band
is a common practice and even a donation of fifty cents is acceptable. Some
students are so keen at they are ready to contribute the ten rupees, which
was given by the parents for their food. It s not the amount of the
contribution that matters but it is the fact that students are willing to
make contributions in whatever manner possible to make the event a success.
Eventhough the Match Organizing
Committee allocates funds for the Boys' Tent it is the Prefects and the
Stewards who raise the greater part of it. It is their sheer dedication and
hard work that contributes towards a successful Royal Thomian. A four what's
hardly appreciated.
The hardships suffered by the
Stewards are two-fold. Firstly, they have to prepare themselves for their
forthcoming A Level Examinations and secondly, for the preparation and
organization for the match. Parents and Teachers are more concerned with
their academic future and so the boys have to establish a compromise to
achieve both goals.
As a Steward one has a
responsibility to help the Prefects to lead the young Royalists to a place
where they can enjoy and experience this traditional event. However, the
love for the College and the commitment towards the event will ensure that
each and every Steward contributes his share to making the match a memorable
experience.
I can remember the days when we
were preparing the decorations of the Boys' Tent for the 118th Battle of the
Blues. We had to spend more than a week on pre-preparations that included
purchasing the relevant items and setting up the structure. Most of us were
out of the classrooms throughout the week while some had to run around
looking for advertising banners to meet the additional costs. While some
were really busy with the work others were entertaining us by singing and
drumming. No matter how hectic it was we enjoyed every second of it.
On the day of the Cylcle' Parade
all Stewards and Prefects led the parade escorting the students and ensuring
the safety of all participants. However we never forgot to either walk in or
jump in to Ladies College to please our dear SISTERS!!!
After the Parade the Stewards and
Perfects would walk to the grounds to complete their tasks. The final
touches to the preparations would be done well into the night and by the
time we left the grounds everybody would be discussing the next three days
ahead.
Its only when you heard the
appreciations of the decorations and the conduct of the Boys' Tent, that the
Student Leaders would breathe a sigh of relief. The feeling was as if you've
won the Royal-Thomian. Over the next three days everybody was cheering
R-0-Y-A-L and other slogans to encourage the players.
By Saturday evening most of the
student leaders would have lost their voices but still the fun went on. It
was one of the saddest days for the Steward as his Stewardship came to an
end and he would now have to concentrate on his studies. For a Prefect, well
it is the last Royal - Thomian you would attend as a Student! Most of us
walk out in tears chatting about the memories we enjoyed together.
Going down memory lane I still can
recall the golden moments that we had during the much-awaited Battle of the
Blues. As a consistent participant of the event for the past twelve years I
personally feel the heat of it when we are approaching the month of March.
I'm quite aware that all the Old Royalists will be dying to meet their old
friends and get back to their days at College;
For all the Stewards and College
Prefects, congratulations on a superb performance! It's a common fact that
you are hardly appreciated but largely criticized. But never be discouraged.
Your silent service to the College will always be appreciated. Besides we do
our best for the College, not for plaudits but to keep up the one hundred
and sixty six year traditions and to see a better ROYAL for the future
generations.
FLOREAT!
Hasitha Premaratne
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