EMPIRE OF THE SUN In a school calendar, the much awaited days are – well, the weekends. Last Saturday was no exception. It turned out to be a beautiful day, full of sunshine and warmth. The North Point staff had been invited to St. Paul’s School for a friendly cricket match. The interested players finally reached the venue an hour after the promised time. The setting was magnificent. The field was set, the umpires ready and the opponents in full gear. It was like a meeting of old friends. Friendly banter flowed freely. After an official welcome by the Rector and the group photographs, the match was underway. The host school was put to bat. The excitement was palpable but more than that the intermittent wise-cracks from the team members dissipated the tension. I settled down to watch and enjoy the match – ring side spectator and chief supporter of the NP team. Our bowling was shaky at first with a lot of extras being given. At one point a colleague who asked me if a “free hit” would be given. I was amused and also reminded that this game was being played as it had been meant to play. Over a leisurely weekend, with the women watching from the sidelines, the children cheering for their elders- an unhurried exercise for gentlemen who ruled the Empire. The St. Paul’s field looked so picturesque – a school designed by the Europeans and a ground meant to enjoy their favourite game – cricket. There were no television crews, no cheerleaders, no commentators, While the game was on, it was wonderful to catch up with my old friends at St. Paul’s and the conversation just flowed. As the heat turned up, our bowling improved and we were able to get some wickets. The absence of gadgetry and new fangled rules ensured that we enjoyed the game as it was meant to be – with our God given senses. The twenty-five overs for St. Paul’s came to an end with the legendry Mr. Alva’s wicket being taken by Parag- our pace bowler. The target for North Point was 135. Lunch was a grand affair with the ladies joining the players. I prayed aloud that the St. Paul’s team would eat with a good appetite – because I hoped they would be sluggish in fielding. Our opening batsmen descended on the pitch with vengeance. Unfortunately our openers Warwick and Tashi lost their wickets quickly. So, it was up to Yusuf and Parag to chase the target. Since Yusuf had pulled a muscle – Tashi stepped in as the runner. As the runs piled up, someone commented the Tashi was “ a better runner than a batsman!”. The jokes kept coming and the target was reached in the 16th over. More than the match, it was the joy on the faces of the players. Each one relived his childhood by playing that match. Some still had the touch. Tea was again a sumptuous spread. There was a promise of a return fixture at North Point. Mementos were presented by the host team. We left St. Paul’s with a warm feeling. Our traditional rivals had lost the match but bowled us over with their charm and hospitality. What an innings! - Sajid Ahmed Thanks to the NP Staff cricketers – especially Pravesh and Evan who enthused me to be there. Yusuf, Parag and Tashi for being the heroes of the day. Fr. John, Fr. David, Gyalpo, Saurav, Pranesh, Warwick, Dipu, Jose for keeping up the NP spirit. To both the Rectors – this CBM – Confidence Building Measure which worked like a charm.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:42:47 +0000
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