Rugby and the schools 1st XV championship in the island nation of Sri Lanka is set to resume and it will be more than just a game or league for titles. In a country where daily life was sent into a tailspin of chaos, engulfed with pandemonium, the sport said to be played in heaven is set to resuscitate and be symbolic of life– as you have known it, to be given back its normalcy.
This, quite literally.
That’s right, after much discussion both the Ministry of Defence and Education have given a green light, for a tightly-trunk allocated program to restart.
Sugathadasa Stadium and Bogambara, with the exception of the Bradby shield double header, will host all games in a rapid-fire 5 weeks. On that note, let’s look at 5 things we can look forward to starting 31st of May.
- Neutral on the home straight
There were a number of teams and front runners who would have eagerly looked forward to the second round. Namely, St Peter’s and S Thomas’. Luck and probability would have it that all their respective games based on their opponents drawn for the final round, were to be at home. Remarkable.
Bambalapitiya and Mount Lavinia to be specific. It would have been a dream run, especially for the Pete’s who would have been bullish after upstaging a predictable and inefficient Royal, you guessed it– at Bambalapitiya, to lead their respective group.
The horrific events which transpired on Easter Sunday meant that they now would play their games along with all other Colombo schools (in the Cup segment) at Sugathadasa stadium. This was one pre-requisite for the leagues resumption.
It is a neutral venue but looking at its history and the rapid fire nature of this next five weeks, it will be in overdrive and almost all schools will make this and Bogambara (Kandy schools) their own.
It could very well become a five-horse race as they swing the corner for the home straight in a photo finish to decide who wins– at the shadows of the winning post.
- Beneficiaries
Last year’s defending champs and almost Bradby favorite Royal are clearly the biggest beneficiary of the enforced break. A dip in form and predictability in playing patterns meant every extra day would have been like more oxygen to rest and recover. Knowing them and their coach, this is exactly what they would have been up to. Remodel and re strategize.
Bradby rivals Trinity, who played themselves into form along with the two saints and Isipathana, will rue the down time as they seemed to be stepping up their performance and on field numbers. They were clear progressive types.
It is what it is and what happened was out of all rugby playing schools control. What this means, is that no school would hopefully, based on this lengthy spell, use it as an excuse if they come short. Keep an eye on the after match and their reactions.
Read more: https://www.thepapare.com/2nd-round-fixtures/
In a league such as this, someone has to win and someone has to lose. Tough. You play the hand you’re dealt.
- Creativity and innovation
As violence and rioting forced curfews and lockdowns, day to day life let alone rugby training took a back seat. This caused almost all schools to suspend their practice and training.
Given that I keep very close tabs with almost all schools across both divisions, largely thanks to my dedicated network of “field informants” or “track spies”, a number of coaches, from lesser profiled schools outside of Colombo have used some novel methods to train and keep their players “in shape”.
This is truly admirable and thinking outside the box. Low budgets and facilities have been replaced by innovative thinking and pure determination to be in the hunt. It might be running on the one spot or training at a local market car park, I have heard it all. They have my respect.
You the fans will soon know who they are as week one rolls on and performances unravel. Those who look fit and sharp will tell you the story. Simple, really.
ICYMI: https://www.thepapare.com/plate-fixtures-cup-fixtures-revised/
- Evening the odds
Prior to witnessing this two month long break, looking at exposed form and run on form, I had four lines of closely “knit” favoritism to vie for the title.
St Joseph’s, Isipathana, St Peter’s and Royal in that order with Trinity being my long shot at moderate or value-odds. All this now, given that the run on form has been reset to almost 0.1 on my #stats_pert model, forcing a rethink and see who can turn up and on with their best, fresh up, in what is an almost new campaign.
Joes who were sitting pretty with their unbeaten label of safety, still, in my view are the top selection but the other three have a real chance to reel them in, including Trinity.
It’s a hard life being a sports handicapper and analyst but this is the intrigue you live for. We are all set for a tight race and odds clustered into four even money (2 to 1) chances.
Incredible!. Bring it on.
- Bradby in a box
Read more: https://www.thepapare.com/dates-released-75th-bradby/
Originally scheduled for the 11th of May for its first leg, given the country’s situation the “Melbourne cup” of local rugby has been pushed back to the 1st of June and the 15th, June, respectively.
Amongst several changes and adjustments, none more so than the organizing of it and changing flights, accommodation and blah blah for several thousands of followers who will converge from both home and overseas, this year’s Diamond anniversary will be played under tight security. Extremely tight and unprecedented for a school sporting event.
I for one am so excited for this 75th edition and to be calling it from the commentary box which will draw a record audience.
For those attending in person, get there early and follow protocol set out by the authorities. Make every effort to be part of that process so the outcome will be sensational. There will be long queues at the venues and at times, you may feel as if it’s Bradby in a box. When you do, think of that song, Whiskey in a jar.
It just means that getting in may take a bit longer. Patience is a virtue and the best things in life take time. Be ready and enjoy every second of it.
I– will see you soon!
