RICHMOND -- MAHINDA CLASH AND MALINGA'S MUD

With match in progress, mud poster of Malinga on display

   Last Saturday the Big Match between Richmond and Mahinda known as the Battle of the Lovers concluded amidst tear gas and a clash. The purpose of all Big Matches is not to find who the victor was, but to develop brotherhood among the two parties. This unexpected incident arouses one's suspicion resulting in a shock to the Old Boys whether the present student generation had tried to destroy the previously mentioned purpose.

   Though as boys or children they had been upto mischief, teasing each other, the fact that it had gone to the extent of a clash ending with tear gas is indeed an unpleasant sight.

   The manner in which the police came into the scene is now under criticism. Though Richmond had hopes with the last ball of the match to clinch a victory, and suddenly it ended in a draw when fighting broke out in the middle of the ground. Some said that the last ball was bowled while others said that it was not bowled. It is said that since there was a brawl in the midst of the ground preventing the last ball being bowled, the police has had to use tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd.

    Whatever it is, the news that a police officer minus his uniform and wearing only a cap of a college being connected to the teargas incident has given rise to a lot of talk among the public. There is also criticism aimed at the distress caused with tear gas being aimed at the tents where the students were, by the police.

    According to some others, this clash was something that took place not because of the students themselves, but that the cause behind it was a third party.

    It is also recorded that with the Big Match enjoyment going on, a mud poster against Malinga who was an Old Boy of Mahinda had been displayed in the Richmond tent. The poster depicted Malinga standingin the background of a Mahinda College flag and apparently asking, "Why haven't you seen Richmond winning? Just mind your own business man!"