Big Match
fever; A student's point of view
Streaks of blue and
black whiz through the air swishing rapidly, to and fro. Not far
away, streaks of blue and yellow are found flailing in the wind.
Ah yes, its that time
of year again. The season of golliwogs, straw hats, flag
flicking, papares, trespassing and what not. Something about
this season transmutes school children one and all, but not
quite like it changes the boys of the 'school by the sea'. The
feeling of selflessness, almost a strange altruistic spirit is
manifestly visible in the actions of the Thomians. This could be
defined as 'big match fever' and couldn't be named more aptly.
An interesting
observation I have made during my school life, is that the first
time the "THORA" chant, more commonly known as the "THORA PARA"
is yelled is not at the big match, or at any Royal-Thomian
function for that matter. However, it happens to take place at a
very familiar school in Colombo, down that flowery road.
Trucking. The
unofficial tradition that I have been most partial to over the
years. I have walked in and out of the school down that flowery
road many times.... legally. Yet never once did it feel as good
as when I laid foot in the premises illegally. The thrill of
having to escape the long arm of the law while harassing
teachers, negotiating with principals and exciting the girls
(cough) is inexplicable, as all my colleagues would agree.
One moment you're walking down the streets of Colombo
without a care in the world, relating stories of past exploits
and experiences to anyone who's credulous enough to believe
them, and then... someone in the distance shouts the panic word
"KOSSO! KOSSO!" and despite several warnings of 'Don't run when
you see the cops' the very next word that is uttered is... "DUWAPANG!".
Quite ironically it happens to be the very person who warned you
intently not to run who takes to his heels first.
Havoc. Absolute havoc
is wreaked. This works in tandem with the adrenaline rushing
through your blood (God bless it). Your mind is a blur, your
puffing and panting, running as fast e.s your legs will carry
you. When you
see those intimidating
men in green carrying even more intimidating batons, all those
who scorned the saying "Fear gives you wings' become instant
converts.
To all those who never
plucked up the courage to go trucking, or who have simply just
missed out.... my deepest condolences to you, that you wont be
able to relate and stories to your children and grandchildren,
and reminisce among friends when you become an old boy'. However
trucking isn't the only good thing about this season. It is
merely a prelude to the climax of March. The big match itself.
One of the longest running rival matches in the world, second
only to the Eton-Harrow game. The longest running uninterrupted
match in the world. A match that is rich in history.
You enter the SSC. The
atmosphere is electrifying despite the fact that it is quite
early in the A.M. The papare hard at work, you take a whiff of
that big match air, and the moment you exhale.... you find
yourself attacked by a steward, pestering you to buy a souvenir;
all part-parcel of the big match I guess.... after you've
battled your way through a sea of adamant stewards, you finally
meet up with your friends, already a little 'tipsy'. After you
recover from the shock that anyone can drink so early in the
morning, you sit back and watch the entertainment. (Not of the
match but of your friends) Being no stranger to the perils of
alcohol and the effects of intoxication, I've always found it
more entertaining to watch my friends make fools of themselves.
I've found this to be the case among many who value their image
with the fairer sex.
What would a big match
be without a few brawls, fisticuffs and altercations? I find
this almost as entertaining as drunk men attempting to dance...
somewhere along the line you get called to take part in the 'valiya'....
and you readily agree, so as not to tarnish your manly image.
Yet having no intention of getting Involved, you eventually
become a spectator. However, if victorious, you would like to
share the credit, hence..... "api uta gahuwa machang."
The feeling one gets
as a school boy at their own big match is inexplicable, and
cannot be put down in mere words. To attempt this would be to
insult it's sanctity. Irrefutably, school years are the best
years of one's life, especially where the Royal-Thomian cricket
match is concerned. It most certainly is a pity that the big
match occurs only once a year, as many await it more earnestly
than they await Christmas. Yet, too much of a good thing is said
to be a bad thing. The thrill and excitement of it is preserved
by having to wait for it. What is depressing however is that...
with every big match that goes by, its one big match less for me
as a school boy. The big match is an integral part of a Thomians
life and like wise, Thomians are an integral part of the big
match.
Finally I would like
to say to my fellow Thomians... your supply of big
matches are running out. I urge you to make the most of the ones
you have remaining, with good clean fun, and the true "Thora
spirit'.
Esto Perpetua
A Student
