The month of March had great significance during the time I was a school boy. Nearing March boys would be intoxicated with a fever that grows in steady progression, and by the first week of March, there is likely to be an epidemic, which fortunately has no known cure. The phenomenon is what we school boys call “big match”, slang used referring to an annual cricket encounter between two rival schools. Each cricket encounter has its own unique name and for a Royalist it’s the ‘Battle of the Blues.’ Otherwise, it is also known as the Royal-Thomian, which is coined by taking both the names of the rival schools. This is the second oldest cricket match in the world played continuously for 130 years, without interruption even during both world wars. Highlight of this match is its transformation into a social event in Colombo, while many past Royalists residing in foreign lands fly into Sri Lanka just to watch the match.
The match is played for three days -most schools play only two days- in the second week of March. During those three days school is officially closed, and classes are done in the cricket ground. Atmosphere is electrifying with supporters of both schools displaying their flags, tying it to their vehicles, or holding it through the vehicle window as it speeds by. Flags can be seen fluttering from many vehicles, which is a sign of ones loyalty. One of the most interesting things is to see a girl waving a flag of a boys’ school. It is quite common for boys’ schools to have links with girls’ schools arising due to religious denomination or by administration. I simply love the fact that Royal is nestled in the middle of all the popular girls’ schools in Colombo. We are only a hop, skip and a jump away from all the pretty ladies. Gosh, I do miss those time....I really do!!
Royal-Thomian requires certain rituals and traditions that must be adhered to. These two schools are all about tradition, pomp, and pageantry. When you are part of an event that dates back one and quarter century, many aspects are taken seriously. One of the pre-match traditions is the ‘cycle parade’ that sends shivers to all the principals in charge of girls’ schools. During the 20th century, a day before the match boys’ from both schools would take their bicycles and go on a parade covering a considerable distance. It was always the objective to make sure the route intended would cover most of the girls’ schools within immediate range. Even the girls would anticipate the boys to come around to their school and give a cheer. The girls pretend that they don’t like it, but through time that perception has been proven contrary.
There have been many incidents worthy of mention that occurred in many ‘cycle parades.’ In recent times, the bicycle is no longer in use, and replaced by open trucks. Open trucks enhance visibility, while accommodating a large crowd. In my final year as a prefect, the principal of Ladies’ College (with a distance less than 100 metres to Royal) requested help of the prefects to control students jumping in over the walls. Jumping over the walls of girls’ schools is a common phenomenon during the “big match” season because it’s tolerated. I took a few boys over there to handle the situation, and this time we entered the school “legally.” During our stay, which was indeed enjoyable, we received food, drink, and a ‘glimpse’ of the schools’ beauty all free of charge. Beauty of the school seemed to overflow when the bell rang for the interval break; this actually hindered our very purpose for being inside the school. We were torn between watching all the lovely girls and having to chase away boys who kept on jumping over the wall. Ahhhh, good times indeed!!
My friends’ father narrated a daredevil story that sent me into fits of laughter. He has a good way of putting things into perspective. As the story goes, he and a few mates during their school days (most likely in the 60’s or 70’s) wore gowns resembling a girl school. Every girl school has a uniform that is unique, and thank God it is so because identification becomes a whole lot easier. So, they wore the gown and stood in front of this girls’ school before it closes for the day. As school closed these guys climbed on the wall, which is very short even to this day. After climbing the wall and standing on it, the boys waited until all the girls’ started filing out through the gates. With a huge roar they shouted out the motto of the girls’ school- “we scatter light”.....and as a curtain closer raised their gowns. The aftermath of that little adventure is unknown.
When mentioning about the match, one cannot take the impact of music lightly. ‘Big match’ music is very unique because of its upbeat tempo, mostly baila. Music keeps all the people watching the match entertained and swaying to the beat. Then the fairer sex doesn’t want to be second to none in terms of attraction. Females are very avid fans of cricket and sport their loyalties by wearing hats, gollies, and bands in colours belonging to the school. Ladies’ do add a lot of colour to the event. Then you find a small minority piss drunk and have to be carried back home by their buddies. I’ve had jovial times in resuscitating friends who went on a spree of binge drinking at the match. Due to inexperience most are hammered after a short while, but the good part always comes after between post-drunk and becoming sober. Beyond some point, guys who are drunk start saying some of the most quirky and amusing things imaginable. Some are like
“machan.....I love you and thanks for being here.”
“I love you too machan.....you’re welcome!”
“I know......but I love you three!!!” *followed by hugs*
“hey machan....why do I feel like shit right now??”
Guy looking at a girl and saying to me “oooy..... doesn’t she look really nice?”
“yeah machan....she does look nice”
He then yells to the girl walking in the distance “hey.....you’re looking really AWESOME!! Can I come with you??”
Since 2005, I’ve not been to the Royal-Thomian and a part of me feels partially paralysed. It just doesn’t feel the same.
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