Beyond Victory: sportsmanship thrives at Moratuwa Big Match

The 75th annual Prince of Wales vs. St. Sebastian’s College Big Match, Moratuwa’s most significant social event, took place at De Soysa Park from February 28 to March 2. This marked the first time the Big Match was played over three days, with both teams thoroughly prepared for the grand occasion. The host, Prince of Wales College, did an excellent job organizing the event. Schoolboys, alumni, and well-wishers from both sides eagerly anticipated the start of the match and traditional pre-match gatherings and parties were held with many choosing to prioritize the sporting spirit over excessive revelry.

Unfortunately, the weather gods had other plans. Showers disrupted play on all three days with a particularly heavy thunderstorm on the evening of the second day forcing a delayed start on the third day. The match concluded at 4:00 PM due to bad light, resulting in a tame draw. But as the saying goes, “For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he writes not if you won or lost, but how you played the game.” Both teams upheld the values of cricket and played with commendable sportsmanship.

While the details of the 75th Big Match may fade from memory, the closing ceremony speech by Prince of Wales Principal, Mr. Hasitha Kesara Weththimuni, will undoubtedly be remembered, especially by those present at the venue. Thanks to social media, courtesy of Sebastianite alumni, this speech is now widely shared. Traditionally, the Big Match is perceived as rivalry between schools. However, Mr. Weththimuni introduced a new culture, emphasizing brotherhood and the true spirit of cricket, setting a positive example for students, alumni, and supporters alike. It is hoped that future Big Matches will reflect this spirit.

Beyond the Big Match, Principal Weththimuni also acknowledged the ongoing Schools League One cricket tournament. Despite Prince of Wales not qualifying for the finals, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the St. Sebastian’s College cricket team for reaching the finals against Royal College, Colombo. He sincerely wished St. Sebestian’s good luck, expressing his hope that they would bring the cup back to Moratuwa, promising that victory celebrations would commence at Prince of Wales College.

Principal Weththimuni, your leadership is commendable. We are proud of your vision, and I am confident that the community of Moratuwa will greatly benefit from your guidance from Prince of Wales College.

Ralph Gunawardena
A former St. Sebastian’s cricketer