Rituals a spoilsport to scheduled starts
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Spectators and even shutterbugs, some times, are kept waiting until 'formalities' are done - File pic
People wait expectantly for a match to start, having, sometimes, paid a princely Rs 1,000. They wait impatiently, looking at their watches, wondering where the teams are and where the referee is. “Wait”, is the answer, as the rituals of unfolding flags, singing anthems and introducing a chief guest has to take place. The game starts at least 15 minutes late and the impatient, even if they want to, cannot leave, as some car is blocking their exit. The man next to me is impatient, so is the girl behind. They have come to the match with another appointment to follow. Could be a girlfriend, boyfriend, doctor or lawyer? I wonder as to what is most important. Is it the match or the pre-match formalities which include the introductions? At most times and on most occasions, the match does not start at the correct time- currently 16.30 hrs. This is because, the circus starts around 16.25 hrs, and then goes through a whole rigmarole. Why is it that, elementary courtesy is not shown to the tournament requirement and finish the rituals by 16.25 hrs., so that, players can be on the field and stretch once again. What happens is that, the rituals are over and past time, and the referee gets to the middle and blows the whistle. This not only shows disregard to many who pay a high price to watch a match, as well as the players who may lose their warmup. What are we teaching the children, when we show scant disregard for ethical practice that will lead to moral behaviour?
While this goes on, an inconsistent, unpredictable St. Peter’s created pain where it matters most. They turned the Schools Rugby League on its head. Were the Lions shocked or, surprised, as the Petes took them on. First beating Isipathana in Round one, and now, gunning down Trinity. Trinity who have had an easy passage in Round one, looked at sea, when they stood challenged. Overall, it was a poor performance. One cannot understand the removal of the kicking boots, after missing a possible kick. Tactically, it was a bad move, as they did not have another who could kick. The gamble contributed to the loss. Trinity is gracious in accepting defeat and acknowledging they played badly.
To St. Peter’s, the win is a booster and a comeback, having lost to minions Dharmaraja in their last Round one fixture. The win by Peters opens the League, with Pathana, Trinity Royal and Wesley in front.
The other match last week, though of no consequence to winning the League or, vying to be among the top three, was the one between Wesley College and St. Joseph’s College. Wesley was well and truly beaten in their first match, by Trinity. It was a match that left the school shattered, as their behaviour was not in keeping with the spirit of the game. Thereafter, they pulled up their socks and have been screaming for recognition. It is with this mindset that Wesley took on the Joes, who boast a lot on paper. Had close calls, losing to Royal and Pathana, while beating St. Anthony’s Kandy. The highpoint of their success was beating traditional rivals and giant killers Peters. They then pulverised a hapless DS side. But then, everybody did so. Beating Wesley was important, but they could not, as they played badly. But then, can we accept that the boys played badly, when they are looked after to play well.
The hype and partying after beating Peters was like having the honeymoon before the wedding. The League was not over, and did the celebrations make the schoolboys think the League is over. Where living together is not uncommon, what difference does the honeymoon make? Probably, that is the way they thought?
The last four are making a case to be heard and seen, but more important, is to get a place high among the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. The only team that can be proud, even if they become eight is Zahira, who have done well to have come thus far, being a ‘B’ side till last year. Peters can still be happy they are giant killers, even if they were to lose a match. To Joes and Thomas’, even a decimal of a bonus point is worth a million, if that helps them to get a better place. Now the fun of straight average has begun. The difference being that of one set having played ten matches, while the other played nine matches, when the League ends.
The focus in the coming weeks, which is more important to the clan, will be the “Bradby.” Before that, there is the important clash between Trinity and Pathana, where post-match ‘camaraderie’ is a cherished phenomenon.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB