The Royal – Thomian cricket encounter, also known as ‘The Battle of the Blues’, is an event that not only garners the attention of the schools that take part, but also avid cricket fans and old boys from both schools. It has a history of close to a century and a half while also holding the title for the second longest uninterrupted series of cricket matches in the world. With it being such a renowned event in Sri Lankan cricket, it is only fitting that Ashley Walker, who is known as ‘the father of Ceylon cricket’, played a key role in its origin. Having introduced the game of cricket to the Colombo Academy (as the Royal College was then known), he proceeded to organize our first few encounters against St. Thomas’ College in 1877 and 1878. While the records of these matches have been lost to time, it is safe to say that Ashley Walker himself contributed massively to the Academy’s team as in 1879 he was able to lead us to victory at the Galle Face Green, with the Academy scoring a total of 134 and St. Thomas’ College needing 94 runs before being bowled out, 7 wickets of which were taken by Ashley Walker himself. 

The first student only match took place in 1880 where the Academy’s boys were led to victory by their captain J. W. de Silva with a 62 run lead against St. Thomas’ who were captained by F. W. McDonnell. The matches were held in a host of different venues over the years, including Galle Face, the Nomads Cricket Club in Victoria Park, the Colombo Oval, the Nondescript Cricket Club as well as the Sinhalese Sports Club. The Centenary match in 1979 was also a notable moment in Big Match history as from this moment on the match was played for 3 days. 

At the present, approaching the time of the Big Match, an atmosphere dubbed “March Madness” becomes noticeable. It is marked by several significant occasions that take place annually. The Cycle Parade is one such event, where thousands of students form a  procession that travels through the heart of Colombo on foot, mounted on bikes and in vehicles. The school’s General Assembly is another, having every student of the College amassed in the Main Grounds to witness the First XI Cricket Team shake hands with the Principal atop the J.R. Jayawardene Pavilion. Other events that precede the Big Match include the Mini-battle and Big Debate, both hosted alternatingly each year at the Royal College and St. Thomas’ College. These occasions, coupled with the decorations within and without the school that gleam blue and gold, contribute to the sense of anticipation and exhilaration as the Battle of the Blues draws near.

With all the intoxicating energy that comes along with the Big Match, one might think that all that fills a student’s mind during this festive time is how best to have fun. While this may be true for a majority of our boys, a significant number of them have their own responsibilities and duties to attend to, to ensure that everything runs smoothly. 

The Prefects’ Council ensures that all students are able to enjoy the Big Match to the fullest as they are heavily involved in the functioning of the Boys Tent whilst also monitoring the students to ensure their safety and making certain that all attendees adhere to the rules set by College. The Stewards assist in these tasks in addition to leading the crowd in cheers and songs. 

Ensuring that even those who were not able to physically attend the match are able to keep up with its details, the media and technology related clubs of both Colleges are responsible for a wide range of duties ranging from live streaming the match and commentating to managing the official mobile applications released for the event. 

It is no doubt that nearly all Big Match goers have met a member of the Battle of the Blues Souvenir Committee during their time at the match. It is their duty to bring a copy of their publication to the hands of as many spectators and guests as possible, so that they may have a memento of their time at the event and also so they may read the various messages, articles and statistics that are invaluable to avid fans of the sport and supporters of the College. 

Capturing the memories made at the grounds, the school photographers keep each valued moment of the game recorded.

Only during a Royalist’s years as a student at College and donning the school uniform can he experience the Boys Tent at the Big Match. Designed and erected by the Prefects with the help of the Stewards, the Boys Tent houses thousands of students as well as an atmosphere to match. The lively music of the papare band can usually be heard at all four corners of the tent, providing much entertainment for the students. The teachers are also seated at the Boys Tent, having a designated area from which they spectate the match. All those present in the Boys Tent have easy access to refreshments as stalls line the rear boundary of the tent. 

It should also be noted that this tent is located in very close proximity to the St. Thomas Boys Tent, with a small area overlooked by the scoreboard being the only division between the two. Prefects of a school will often visit the other school’s tent to lead the boys in a cheer, a testament to the rivalry being tempered with kinship. 

This century long contest of wills has endured the test of time. Though tensions and tribulations may arise, there is no doubt in the hearts of both schools that the spirit will ultimately prevail.

Cycle Parade

The Cycle Parade is one of the most exciting events in the Big Match Season. It takes place on the day prior to the match and just after the General Assembly. It is where the March Madness engulfs Colombo‘s streets.

 The Cycle Parade was introduced as a way to motivate the cricket team. In the early days, the parade was held from the College to the team captain’s home. At present however, the parade starts and ends at the College premises.

 Students, teachers, and even the administrative staff take part in this special occasion. The College 1st XI Cricket team rides on an open-top double-decker bus, with students cluttering behind them, new cheers erupting every minute. However, the main sight is the bicycles which the students ride in front of the team bus, hence the name. Royalists, regardless of their age, spend their time decorating their cycles with Blue and Gold just to join this event. The experience of cycling in Colombo streets with cheers all around is an experience these Royalists will never forget. In addition to cycles, many older students ride on decorated trucks, some with a papare band on board. Furthermore, a vast number of sports, clubs and societies, and even student leaders hire trucks; and sometimes container-trucks, to add some spice to the parade. Many students can also be seen near these vehicles, dancing, singing and cheering. Some clubs and societies and sometimes teachers distribute refreshments on the way.

 The Cycle Parade is an unforgettable event for every Royalist. The fact that only students can take part makes this event a precious reminder of the good old days for many old Royalists.