Cricket captain’s message 2021 - Royal Thomian and covid times.
Warden sir, Sub Warden sir, Father Amal, Father Roshan, Coaching staff, members of the tutorial staff, medical staff, past cricketers, old boys and my fellow Thomians,
It gives me great privilege to write this letter of gratitude on behalf of myself and the entire Thomian cricket fraternity. This peculiar period of time has challenged us both mentally and physically. However, in order to uphold the undying tradition of the ‘Battle of the Blues’, we entered a bubble of our own and trained accordingly. However, unfortunately a few of us had to endure the challenge of testing positive for the Corona virus.
From this point onwards, we had to readjust ourselves in order to face this challenge. Even though we had to isolate ourselves, we never truly felt it due to the undying bond between Thomians young and old was showcased to us; as we received the unwavering support of the school, past and present school students, members of the Thomian cricket fraternity and our friends and family.
The current setback is and will not be the last challenge to the ‘Battle of the Blues’. However, if history has taught us anything, it is that the true bond between Thomians and Royalists will overcome any obstacle in their way. I would be failing in my duties if I did not mention the fact that, the Head Prefect of Royal College along with my friend the Royal College cricket Captain; both showed their support by checking up on me and the rest of the Thomian team.
To the past cricketers and the tutorial staff who sent us a video montage of their experiences and their kind words of encouragement, we as team feel deeply grateful and motivated to take on any challenge with a positive mindset.
To Doctor Ashan, Doctor Kapila, the medical staff and PHI's, who tirelessly ensured that we were all well looked after during these challenging times, please accept our deepest gratitude as a team.
To the Warden, Sub warden, Chaplain and Associate Chaplain, Master in charge, Cricket committee and coaching staff who went through this time with us, the team and I will always be in your debt for never leaving our side.
In this world of new norms, there will be many obstacles. However, I feel that by putting our most humane qualities together, we have all displayed our ability to get through this obstacle once and for all!
Shalin De Mel
(S Thomas' College Mount Lavinia 1st XI cricket captain
