Gate charges too hot says Israel

“Rugby, a manly sport is played and enjoyed by a lot of. Sri Lankans. Unlike in the past it's not confined to the elite schools and is played far and wide even among the emerging schools even producing some of the best at national level” said former Sri Lanka Havelock’s SC player, referee, coach and administrator Quentin Israel.

He is of the view that the gate charged at some of the school games is morally wrong, he said. “How could a parent with two children afford to watch their son in the scrum? Take the Thomian-Trinity match at Longdon Place. Tickets were priced at Rs. 400/-. Of course I didn’t pay. I am driving home a point in general in the interest of the spectator and the parents and their families (players), who come to witness a match”.

The host team’s excuse was that they have to pay almost a ransom to hire a club venue. In that case the club concerned too should be reasonable with their charges. It should be part of their rugby promotional drive to assist the schools in their hour of need. Even their diehard old boys and supporters will find it doubly difficult (financially) to buy a ticket, put aside their family. It never happened in the past. In the match between Royal and Isipatana last year at the Royal Sports Complex the old boys of the respective schools themselves found it difficult to pay an enhanced payment for a ticket. The old Royalists themselves were apparently complaining. The less affluent parents of players apparently were made to watch from the open stands in scorching heat.

“At least the host team should do well to give a ticket free to the visiting 20-member squad” quipped, Israel. He commended St. Peter’s College for charging only Rs. 100/- for a ticket for their home games. They are promoting and playing the game
Quentin had a long partnership with Trinity, in the classroom and on the playing field. Coached the ‘lions’ from 1995-2000, winning the Bradby Shield on five occasions. He does not even agree on the pricing of the ticket for the Bradby Shield, beyond the reach of their ardent fans.

“The SLRFU must help the emerging schools. They lack the facilities and funds especially a common playing field. The present president of the Rugby Union, Nimal Lewke is striving to make it a reality. To get a permanent venue at the old Race Course before long. It will help the needy schools and clubs to forge ahead, a crying need”, said Israel. - BW