cricket going in another way

sport goes further than providing entertainment and an outlet for youthful energies. It seeks to instill character in its charges, teaching them to take the rough with the smooth, showing them the importance of playing within the rules and giving them a chance to depart the world of mundanity and enter a finer place where the body can perform minor miracles, where effort is rewarded and camaraderie is paramount. At its best, sport appeals to mankind's better part. From a distance a sporting contest may seem as heartless as the destruction of a building. Closer inspection tells another tale.Otherwise the sight of a soccer player kicking the ball off the field when an opponent is injured could hardly be imagined. After all soccer is notorious for players diving to obtain free kicks, feigning injury to secure an advantage or being taken from the field on a stretcher only to return miraculously moments later. Yet even the most cynical defender or posturing forward will abide by this single custom. Doubtless self-interest has a part to play, but it goes further, towards honour, that most potent of emotions.