Sports

Sports

Going down in the cold and doing things differently
By Vimal Perera
The Sri Lankan Rugby team retuned from Alamaty having gone down to Kazakhstan by a small margin of six points. The defeat in this first of two games of the RWC qualifying round game was by a score of 25 to 19. Sri Lanka should be happy of getting this close, playing in weather conditions where the temperature was close to zero. A cold that is very much more than what is experienced at home. The boys have played well in conditions that do not suit them. The hope is there that in the return game to be played in Colombom we will be able to win by a margin of more of than seven points, thus leading us to the next round. The scores were a goal and four penalties by Sri Lanka.
Despite the early chaotic situation the rugby played at the school level was of a standard that proved to be entertaining to the lovers of the game.

While good things are happening on the rugby field there are a few areas of concern, particularly during the latter part of the schools season. One shameless happening in the schools rugby scene is the continuance of unacceptable convergence on the grounds by spectators. This was most seen during the semi final stage matches played for the president’s trophy. Sadly the culprits are adults consisting those who have left the school in the past. The school boys have played the game in the most acceptable manner. The problem if any has been the result of the behaviour of the spectators.

At a recent press conference held by the SLRFU questions were raised on the ugly spectacle that is being enacted after school matches. It was also noted that players too have been at the receiving end.

There were many views opined. The most valuable comment was made by George Simpkins the National Coach. He was of the view that most incidents arise due to actions of players, administrators and coaches. They are not necessarily right. It is their actions that convey a wrong message which finally end up in a brawl.

There are also the well meaning individuals who group together to help the school in the game. However due to be blind loyalty they see only one side of the story. Their actions sometimes lead to the causing of irreparable damage. They are more often the benefactors to the school by way of finding funds. They then expect the school to win. If not their anger goes beyond normal behaviour and are directed at the opposition. It may be the players as well as the supporters of the other team.

Another victim of their desperation is the referee. Whatever it may be there is always a issue to blame the referee. The principals of schools and often the masters in charge believe the word of such individuals and join in the protest. They forget that this is a game which in the first instance should teach to be humble in victory and accept defeat in the spirit of the game.

Often the wrong impression created reaches the schoolboys and sections of the spectators. A defeat then leads to a situation of conflict as the minds has been already conditioned.

This unsatisfactory trend if continued will not serve rugby or in the release of responsible citizens to society. The persons who form the advisory of emerging schools of rugby seem to be young and with lesser maturity and or exposure to the traditions of the game. Is it this that causes this behaviour it may be correctable but if this is the result of the mentality created by the environment they associate with then the problem seems greater.

It seems periodically there is a need to provide this type of amusement so that the mind is kept off the more important aspects of failure. It certainly forges the old boys and not so old boys who share common emotions to action as this gives something to talk about.

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