From our Special Correspondent

In late 1987,Thayalan Gasperson (Thomian/ Royalist), better known as “Gassy” and his good friend Suren Ramachandran (Thomian) , aka “Duke”, got together and decided to organise a social cricket game amongst their relatives and friends. That game was played in Ryde, NSW and was well received by all who participated, so much so that, they resolved to organise many more such games on a regular basis. For this purpose they recruited the help of “JP” Jeyapalan (Royalists) , who immediately gave the group an unofficial title “The Instant Cricketers” .

Over the years (up to year 2000) the instant cricketers had organised many cricket matches, be it amongst friends (like the unofficial Royal/Thomian which was started long before the official OBA sanctioned matches were started), or against established regular cricketers.

They even organised matches against a Newcastle Sri Lankan XI.

This year being the 20th year, since the first game was played, the three original organisers had got together once again to have a reunion with all those who at some stage had participated in the “Instant Cricketers” activities.

They had managed to track down approximately 45 former players (out of the 54 on record, three had sadly passed away). The reunion took place on Saturday 10th November in Strathfield NSW.

The crowd of approximately 110 consisting mainly Royalists,Thomians, Johnians and their families, with amongst others, Cardiologist Dr. Rohan Rajaranam ( Thomian/Royalist ), Cardiologist Sukumar Thambar (Thomian), Radiologist Dr.Senan Nagaratnam (Royalist), Urologist Dr Bertram Canagasingham (St.Johns, Jaffna), Tamil Nationalist Ana Pararajasingham (Royalist), socialite Harry Coomarasamy (Thomian), Niranjan Duraisamy (Jt.Sec of the Thomian OBA in Sydney) and many others were first made to play a "brain teaser" game by the MC for the evening Raj Karunairatnam (Thomian/Royalist).

Even the highly educated found the quiz tough but battled on nevertheless.

This was followed by an early sumptuous buffet dinner of String Hoppers and Pittu catered by the popular and well liked "RAMS" of Flemington for adults and several varieties of Pizzas for the children.

The two piece band "SUNSET"consisting of Tony De Zilva and Gehan Gunesekara (both old Joes) rendered some fantastic nostalgic music which took most of us back to our school days. They included numerous well known bailas to keep every one toe tapping.

There was a surprise when an artiste called "HIPPY RAM from England" came on stage. Dressed in Sarong and wearing a long matted hair wig, he belted out some classic Tamil and Sinhalese Bailas for about half an hour. This was indeed a big hit with all. After some songs, the guest recognised the Hippy as non other than the well known Thomian Suren "Duke" Ramachandran dressed up like a Hippy from the 70's.

At the Inception of the evening the MC said that the intention of the organisers was to make the evening a family gathering for all the ex-players and their loved ones, and give an opportunity to catch up with old long lost friends in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

It definitely achieved that. Unlike big functions organised by OBA's and other recognised organisations, this event was simple, relaxing and homely . Everyone left at the end of the event,  well pleased with the evening and hoping to enjoy another just like this one very soon.

We are pleased to bring you an album of photos taken by our correspondent. Click here to view.