THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Blue Gold & Blue, Blue Black & Blue flags
fluttering all over the SSC. Thousands of spectators with eager
eyes waiting for the great event to commence. As the old coin
goes up, in a flash my thoughts flow back eight years. I can
vividly remember how the little sons walked up to the field to
represent the great School. It was great fun. However, to be
selected to play on this glorious occasion was a long arduous
process. Beginning from the junior ranks one may progress stage
by stage and finally break into the first XI. Right through this
rugged journey we as parents were right there in spirit, it has
been joyous at times, nerve wracking, tension building up,
disappointments were all mingled up in this heavy heart praying
for the sons. It is only a parent who will know how much your
heart cries for your young son who is battling out at the middle
to prove a point. In the midst of all this you could hear "a
great shot, what a lovely ball, superb catch" then come the
daggers from the enthusiastic spectators, "what a stupid shot,
what a cow shot, what is he bowling, surely can he afford to
miss that catch" It's amazing the very same supporters who were
cheering all the way make a right turn around. This could be a
very natural reaction by the supporters who were engrossed in
the game. All this has to be gulped down as a parent, you are
unable to speak out. The warmth that springs out from the bottom
of your heart cannot be put into words. The boundless enthusiasm
and faith we have in our sons, brings a lump to the throat.
On a more serious note, It is the dream of any
young cricketer of Royal & S. Thomas' to play in the annual Royal-Thomian
encounter. Certainly the most cherished dream. The great feeling of
joy and honour of being chosen to represent Royal. Cricket is a
glorious game not of uncertainty but of certainty. Life after
leaving School is not a bed of roses. The boys are taught to play a
straight bat and also the great philosophy behind it.
This glorious game will no doubt tell the young
sons who will step into society tomorrow how to face the bouncers
and crooked stuff that awaits them in this wide world. At the end of
this long journey one other memorable aspect is friendship,
closeness caring feelings that parents develop under the "Tamarind
Tree" while watching their young sons playing which has now
blossomed into a great bond. It so happens that some parents do make
their way to the Royal pavilion to boost the morale and to cheer for
their friend's sons who are still battling in the middle. What a
great thought and sweet memories. We made a heap of true friends
from all parts of the country. It's now; like one little family,
food shared, thoughts shared, joy and sorrows are shared
...................oh: what not......... how great!!
As parents the only prayer is; let this game make
our sons have the true spirit of a gentleman and not break or
destroy them, as they are the future of our country.....
