The Pickle Packers trophy - what's that?

This year, the long awaited Big match between the Ex. Planters of Janatha Estates Development Board (JEDB) and Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation (SLSPC) is being organized by the Association of ex. planters, Sri Lanka.

Ex giants (they still are) of the Plantation Industry - Manthi Delwita, Edward Welikala, Nimal Amarasekera, Upali Wijeyesekera, Ronnie Gunaratne and Bede Johnpillai are the movers. The Association has continued the bond that existed amongst the Planters of yesteryear and decided to fill the present gap in the Test cricket scene! The 'P.Sara stadium' (Oval) probably the best turf wicket in town was selected over the prestigious locations for the 25 over battle. Even the Ladies (over 40- age or waist) will be on show for a softball match. Very senior ex. George Steuarts Planter - Cubby Wijetunga is a major sponsor of the 'spiritual' aspect. Date is Sunday, March first.

Both teams consist of top class schoolboy cricketers, those who would have been potential Test players if not for them selecting the planting profession, where they had to be out of Colombo. Ironically, both sides are captained by Ratwattes!

They are all over the place and this family bandyism must end, said a non Ratwatte. But on the other hand the JEDB can not find a better skipper than (evergreen) Jayantissa Ratwatte from the 'best school of all' who captained, awarded the 'Lion' and a Ryde gold medalist.

His deputy is Ronnie Gunaratne the Peterite, born with balls in both hands. They have stylish Dhayan Madawala; Tony Gunawardena who sure can hit; hard hitting, boundary looking G.D.V. Perera whose nick name says it all ('Donga'); superfit Srilal Samarasekera; once upon a time school's fastest bowler (that's what he thinks!) Lalith Obeysekera; back hand and forehand Brian Pereira; Tony Perera and Ana de Silva who are fighting for the tallest player in the side. Also there is Brian Munaweera and Gehan Perera who are better players with the oval shaped ball.

SLSPC is led by mercurial Naresh Ratwatte who has arranged practices at the James Finlay Board room.

His deputy is 'left hander' Dyan Caldera; schools big match winner Dr. Rohan Fernando (not many Planters end up as Doctors); fresh from a Russian tea company and Josephian pacey Viji Johnpillai; Sunil Jayakody who has a 'birdie' and a 'hole in one' at the Nuwara Eliya Golf course; Ken Murray last of the 'Merry men of Uva'; Yasa Ratnayake who doesn't leave the crease when umpire gives 'out'; Abey Dias finding the time to get away from Rubber; M. Odayar who shoots first and then look around (fortunately Oval grounds don't have wild boar); cool guy Brian Koelmayer from the kool climes; Tuan Dole more of Maldives fame and dozens of others who cannot be named due to space limits.

With so much ball talk, the chief ball bearing behind the whole event is Upali Wijeyesekera, the only selector of both sides as he worked for both organizations.

Apparently Upali is the only Planter who holds a MBA (Glasgow) as he is a Member of the Buddhist Association of the Glasgow Estate Temple at Agrapatana. Just a glance at these names depicts the stuff of what the Plantation Industry owes these gentlemen.

Men who know how to win and how to lose. There are scores of others but I am writing in the context of this cricket match.

Since Tony Grieg and Ritchie Benaud can't make it for ball by ball commentary due to previous commitments, Planter turned Radio announcer Steve Morrell will do the honours.

All ex. and working planters, their kith and kin and well wishers are welcome and are requested to contact Nimal A. (0777-718589); Upali W. (0777-869789); Ronnie G. (077-2418812) or Bede J. (071-4101313) for juicy details.

A rusty old ex. planter