THE STORY OF ANTONIAN CRICKET: An extraordinary journey

In his foreword to Afzal Laphir's book "The Story of Antonian cricket", Franklyn Amerasinghe opened the batting and excelled in capturing the sentiments of all Anthonians - past and present - in lauding the author for the skillful manner in which he has turned words into memories through this memorable and plausible masterpiece. He has said it all, and in writing this simple appreciation I as the last man in, can only in a literal sense gild the lily.

It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of this book because it is a chance to relive the magic moments of Antonian cricket, past and present. It is comprehensive and up to date. Summing it up in just two words, it is riveting and mesmerising - a work of living Antonian cricketing history from the 1920's till the present era. The meticulous research, faultless attention to detail with forays into gems of Antonian cricketing glory will spark a flame in the hearts of all Antonians and enthrall the reader, as through these pages they undertake a sentimental journey revelling in the way Antonians played the gentleman's game! It is a memoir of extraordinary breadth and depth. Commendable is the fact that the articles are substantiated by original press releases, photographs, clippings from the sports pages in the newspapers of the day, with all the statistics a cricket fan could ask for. All the facts are there at one's fingertips and Antonian cricket history comes alive !! The material in this book encompasses a spectrum of emotions - tenacity on the playing field, courage in defeat, humility in victory, and endeavour in the face of all odds, which is a hallmark of Antonian heritage.

Beautifully printed and graced by superb photographs this book which is a literal treasure trove, will grace Antonian homes and and occupy a place in Antonian hearts for generations...........

I also echo the sentiments of Antonians when I commend and congratulate Manel on her superb front cover layout. If ever a picture spoke a thousand words, this front cover does exactly that by spanning a period of fifteen years and more. Lafir and Ronnie Stephens in the background are symbolic of the glory days of the early fifties while Charlie Joseph in the centre evokes memories of the late fifties and early sixties. Muralitharan with his deadly spin delves into the nineties. Through cricket, this book in some way is also a portrayal of life at St.Anthony's. The dictionary defines the word POTPOURRI as "a mixture of dried plants with herbs and spices kept for its fragrant scent...." THE STORY OF ANTONIAN CRICKET in a literary context is a fragrant potpourri of words and a bouquet of inspiration drawing deep on the fragrance of memories special to every student of the maroon double blue. It will permeate the minds of all Antonians today and for generations to follow.

Well played Afzal!