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by Richard Dwight

Through the years, the prestigious Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year awards ceremony, held in collaboration with the Sunday Observer, has grown to be a much looked forward to event, that serves as an incentive and encouragement in the lives of many an aspiring young cricketer in the island. And so, if the intention of the effective combination of the organizers, as in the past, was to honour the up and coming promising cricketers for their achievements during the year on the field of play - then it did succeed in a most befitting manner when it held its 24th glittering awards ceremony in the pleasing congenial atmosphere last Friday evening at the BMICH.

An air of festive gaiety, prevailed, amidst the large gathering as the rhythmic throbbing of the drums and dancers led the chief guests Mr. and Mrs Ranjan Madugalle accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Nalin Ladduwahetty, (Chairman ANCL) and Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Carbajal (Managing Director Bata Shoe Company) to their seats.

The much awaited proceedings began soon after the traditional oil lamp was lit by the VIPS.

The Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, Nalin Ladduwahetty, whilst warmly, welcoming those present, was also thankful to those who worked year in year out to make this event a success. He was aptly relevant, when he made the point that school cricket is far more broadbased to be widespread, reaching out to many an outstation school, which certainly augurs well for the future of cricket in the country.

The chairman recalled that the winner of the coveted 'Bata-Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award,' in its inaugural year in 1979 was Ranjan Madugalle and that it was a pleasure to have him 24 years later as our chief guest at this function. Madugalle needless to say is held in wide esteem to be a highly respected match referee and subsequently made the right kind of impression in the eyes of the ICC to be appointed chief match referee, which from a Sri Lankan point is historic.

Ladduwahetty dwelt on this in order to stress, that the Bata Schoolboy award winner is just not somebody, but a potential person and, that Madugalle's presence, will be a source of inspiration to the recipients of awards. The Managing Director of Bata Shoe Company, Jorge Carbajal, said that he was happy to note, that Bata through the Observer has kept this event going for the past 24 years and was happy in particular to find many outstation schools inclusive of Jaffna winning awards, which he felt makes the game a competitive as possible. He thanked the Chairman of ANCL and all those responsible for making it a fantastic show.

Madugalle, speaking on the occasion, began on a lighter vein saying that reference has been made frequently that he was the winner of this award 24 years ago, suggestive that he was old and was quick enough to add that though getting on in years, that he has neither lost the spirit or the divine spark that keeps him forging ahead.

Still with a touch of humour he reminisced, that when he won the award in 1979, he was also given an oversized pair of shoes. Dwelling on the things that mattered, Ranjan said that he was always happy to be associated with anything that had to do with cricket - addressing the parents in particular he made it known, that they whilst rejoicing over their sons' success, must resolve within themselves not to so pressurise them, but rather instil into them their rights and duties, teaching them what is right and, correct them when they are wrong.

Noble qualities and exemplary virtues he observed, are fast diminishing and parents he felt, should train and guide them on the correct path in order to become good citizens. Advising the cricketers, Ranjan said your role as a cricketer, with all its rivalry and competition, ends when play is called off, you got to leave it on the field you cannot think you are a cricketer all the time he explained, you go to be alive to other areas of your existence and learn to lead normal life. He wanted the cricketers to enjoy what they are doing, to play hard to win within the spirit and rules of the game. Ranjan concluded telling the winners, this is your show, a reward for your hard work, make it as memorable and enjoy it.

The presentation of awards were interspersed by three breaks for musical entertainment, provided by Sohan and the Experiments, with appropriate vocals and skits rendered by Yasmin, Corrine, Sohan and Ronnie Leitch. The Pulsating music, with much fervour and tempo rose to the occasion to be infectious that found the young and old dancing on the aisles, with cheer leader Percy and wife leading the way. The most significant thing about the presentation of awards was, that the majority of the awards was won by outstation schools and, the loudest applause from the audience was reserved for the winner of the schoolboy cricketer of the North Pathmanathan Lavendra of St. John's College Jaffna and the runner-up Selvin Lloyd of St. Patricks College Jaffna.

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