The Royal Thomian is the longest uninterrupted cricket series in the world
Source:Dailynews
The Battle of the Blues is a spending cricket encounter. Over the decades this big match has transcended cricket and become a celebration of humanity. To me the Royal-Thomian is a sterling manifestation of brotherhood. Through brotherhood individuals find strength, comfort, and understanding in each other, fostering an environment of camaraderie.The bonds from our college days have been beautifully sustained decades later.I have heard many past cricketers, from both schools say “Cricket was our life. Cricket is always in our blood”.
Cricket history tells us about an old match in England. In 1837, the only two universities of that time, Oxford and Cambridge played each other for the first time to be labeled as England’s Battle of the Blues.The Eton-Harrow encounter, which is the only schools event somewhat comparable in England, was interrupted during World War I.
From vintage Ceylon the Royal-Thomian has a wonderful history which gives both schools a radiant distinction. Old records show us the original match was played between the Colombo Academy and S. Thomas’ College, Mutwal in 1879, with schoolmasters and schoolboys participating. Ashley Walker captained the Colombo Academy (founded by Rev. Joseph Marsh) while Rev. S. J. Meyrick, a member of the staff played for S. Thomas’ College, Mutwal. This encounter is not considered the first match as masters played for both schools.
History records S. Thomas’ College as the first school to play cricket in Ceylon. In 1864 it is said S. Thomas’ College played the first match against the Small Pass Cricket Club in Colombo, the result is recorded was an eight run victory for the college. More importantly this 1864 match has gone down in history as the first recorded Ceylonese cricket match played in the country. As the Thomian fraternity we take due pride in this fact.
Ashley Walker – a Cambridge ‘Blue’ arrived in Ceylon in January 1877 to take up duties at the Colombo Academy in Pettah (later renamed Royal College and shifted to Reid Avenue). Walker started coaching the Academy boys and organized the first Academy cricket team in 1878.
In 1880, the students took part and this first official encounter between the Colombo Academy and S. Thomas’ College, Mutwal (before shifting to Mount Lavinia) was played at Galle Face Grounds. It is recorded J. W. de Silva was the Colombo Academy captain and F. W. McDonnell the Thomian captain. In this first encounter Colombo Academy won by 62 runs.In 1881 Colombo Academy changed its name to Royal College.During early times the school principals stood as umpires.The principals ceased to be umpires in 1912, and gave way to past cricketers.
The Battle of the Blues match is played for the prestigious D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield. Incidentally, D. S. Senanayake, who became the first Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon, donned the Thomian cap in 1901 and 1902. This shield was first presented in 1928. In 1879 the big match celebrated 100 years, and there was a carnival. During this year the match was extended for 3 days. Since then that tradition has been maintained. Two Thomians Mahinda Halangoda and C.P. Richards were the heroes of this match.
Arguably the most important quality for a batsman to have is the ability to pick up line and length early. It basically means that once the ball leaves the bowler’s hand, the batsman is able to quickly determine where the ball is going to land and how high and wide the delivery is going to be by the time it reaches them.The most elite batsmen will also have great decision-making skills, making them less prone to get out in ill-advised ways.If a batsman is adept at playing a huge range of cricket shots, they will be able to hit the ball into more areas of the field.Over the years both teams have produced some amazing batsmen, whose style entertained the crowds.
Galaxy of Stars
The “blue & black” legion created some cricketing legends. They are Hon. D.S. Senanayake (Prime Minister of Ceylon), Hon. Dudley Senanayake (Prime Minister of Ceylon),Michael Tissera (played his first match for STC aged 14 years and captained the team in 1957/58). Michael captained the Ceylon team subsequently. Other stars were AnuraTennakkoon (Captain Sri Lanka), Bradman Weerakoon, Lieutenant Colonel S. Saravanamuttu, Duleep Mendis (Captain Sri Lanka), Guy de Alwis, P. Saravanamuttu, Ranil Abeynaike, Shantha Kottegoda (Army Commander) and Jeewan Mendis.
Vernon Prins was a Sri Lankan cricketer who captained the Ceylon team in first-class matches. Prins attended S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, where he played for the First XI for several years, captaining the team in 1942–1943. He was our family friend, having worked with my late grandfather in the Sri Lanka Police.
Royal College can boast of great men who wielded the willow. They are J.R. Jayawardene (President of Sri Lanka).Jayewardene excelled in sports, playing for the college cricket team, debuting in the Royal-Thomian series in 1925. Sir John Kotelawala (Prime Minister of Ceylon). Young Kotelawala attended Royal College, Colombo, representing the school in the Royal–Thomian.
Bertram. R. Heyn (Army Commander) was another famous cricketer. He played for the cricket team at Royal College, debuting in 1930 and played in the Royal-Thomian. He played for the Ceylon cricket team and his most famous feat was getting Sir Donald Bradman out on his last appearance in Colombo, in a one-day match between Australia and All-Ceylon (1948). I had the privilege of meeting him on a few occasions, during the sunset years of his life.
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Some of the other Royalist are Major Benjamin. W. Bawa (Solicitor General of Ceylon), M.A. Macan Markar – the first Professor of Medicine at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. Colonel Fredrick de Saram also played for Royal College. He later entered Oxford and made 1000 runs in the English county season. Another Royalist who excelled was Conroy. I. Gunasekera who made his appearance in 1938. C.I. Gunasekera can be considered as a versatile all-rounder.Eran Wickremeratne (Member of Parliament), Ranjan Madugalle- Sri Lankan cricketer and Chief of the panel of ICC match referees, Asantha de Mel (Sri Lankan cricketer) and Jehan Mubarak kept up the Royal cricket tradition.
Beyond the pitch
School cricket not only nurtures talent but also promotes inclusivity and diversity in Sri Lankan society. With a rich history and an enduring passion for the game, cricket has left an indelible mark on Royal College and S.Thomas College. Cricket serves as a unifying force, transcending cultural differences. Today it’s a national obsession that brings together people from all walks of life.
