Royal wins UK Festival of Cricket 2022 – Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam

32^nd annual UK festival of cricket was held after a lapse of three years on 10^th of July at Hainault Recreation grounds in East London borough of Redbridge. The event is based on seven-a-side cricket tournament among the constituent old boys associations, which also provides entertainment to the visitors in the form of music from band stand, food stalls dishing out Srilankan foods and trade stalls merchandising Srilankan goods, leading to fun and camaraderie among Sri lankans of varying vintage. Venue has eight pitches to play cricket and the ninth one is used for car park, stalls and amusement. Coincidentally, the chief guest HE High Commissioner was daughter of an old Royalist, and the guest of honour His Worshipful Mayor of Redbridge Council is an old Royalist, to make it one Royal affair. Distinguished guests and invitees were hosted in hospitality marquee to a spread of Srilankan fare.

          This year 32 OBAs participated in the cricket tournament which was won by Royal. Preliminary games were conducted on round robin basis where teams are divided into eight groups of four each. Winner of each group progressed to main tournament and runner up went to the plate tournament, which matches were conducted on a knock out basis. Royal won their group defeating three other teams including Nalanda. In the quarter final Royal defeated Dharmasoka and in the semi final Royal beat Prince of Wales to set up the final against St. Joseph’s the defending champions. However, the final turned out to be one sided, with Josephian side making only 32 runs in their allotted six overs, losing all their wickets in the process. Royal cruised to victory in two overs without losing any wicket, thus right royally being crowned champions. In the consolation plate final, Nalanda beat Maris Stella.