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Kandy still the top runners
Around the rugby clubs
By Bernie Wijesekera
In the 1970's Kandy SC struggled a battle of survival to keep the game of rugby alive, after the planting fraternity left the Hill capital. Kandy SC, enjoyed a cherished rugby history down memory lane. Mr. Leslie de Zoysa who served as secretary under difficult times, in 1978 still is one of the oldest committee members along with Hafiz Marikar continue to serve the Nittawela club. The KSC rugby committee at present its firmly rooted - thanks to the great work performed not by strength but by a persevering professional management. Without doubt one of the best and well-managed rugby clubs in the country, apparently even on par to an affluent club in Asia. De Zoysa still remembers when the club found doubly difficult to keep their fixtures due to lack of funds.

His first assignment after taking over was the Club 'sevens' where Kandy SC triumphed in the final. He said his main objective is not Kandy SC merely winning trophies, but the entire rugby fraternity must forces to uplift the country's image in Asia. He thanked those who helped him to go places in life, via rugby he needs the same support from whatever corner to boost the game and make rugby a mega sport.

Kandy SC secretary Mahes Weerasinghe was interviewed by The Sunday Times. Mahes (son of late Willie Weerasinghe) served KSC rugby during trying times. Weerasinghe said that the team will be led by dazzling Sri Lanka wing three quarter Sanjeewa Jayasinghe . He has taken over from dashing Radhika Hettiarachchi KSC are defending league champions.

The team is a blend of youth and experience. The club has dominated the league, barring 1991 when Police SC won the title under Hemantha Yatawara. At present Yatawara is co-ordinating with Lal Gunatilleke running a Mini - academy every Sunday affording the rural kids to learn the skills. This includes the ball pickers too. Its doors are open to all. Less affluent kids are afforded with all facilities.

Q: Who is coaching the squad?
A: Former Sri Lanka and KSC captain, (1992 league championship) - Indrajit Bandaranayake. He's still a bundle of energy. Handled the 7s team well. Laga is expected to be here in late March. 'Banda' will co-ordinate with him.

Kandy SC had some stalwarts in the past - the likes of Gavin Stevens, Y.C. Chang, Chang Fa, Dr. Makulolluwa, Sunil Munasinghe, Jayatissa Ratwatte, Gamini Udugama, George Jayasena, Denzil Kobbekaduwa. Denzil led the team to the Clifford Cup final in 1969 but lost to CR. Ervin Howie led the team to the Clifford Cup final in 1978, but lost to Havies. Nimal Malagamuwa, Daya Jayasundera, Deepal de Zoysa.

Q: After rugby what?
A: Since renaissance started in the 80's Nittawela club has not looked back. In 2003 they won a 'triple' under Pradeep Basnayake.
In their 125th anniversary mild - mannered. Haris Omar led the team with distinction in 1999 to celebrate to the echo. "We are the Champ." This team was coached by the present president of the SLRFU - Priyantha Ekanayake.

Weerasinghe said, its good that this year's tournament for locals. It’s good for the game and an ideal barometer to judge our levels.
Kandy SC hopes to be in the forefront during the coming season. First match will be against Old Zahirians on April 22.

Q: Quite a number of schoolboys have joined the KSC scrum. Don't you think some of them will be on the bench? It's better to have another club or two in the Hill Capital with more schools taking to rugby?.
A: Yes. The hierarchy must explore avenues. Even the former Minister of Sports Lakshman Kiriella suggested to the Central Province RFU and promised financial support. But there should be a concerted effort with facilities for the rural youth to be in continuity. There is a point in what you say?

The squad:
Props - Jeewa Galgamuwa, Saranath Hettiarachchi, Hooker - Bucks, Locks - P. Basnayake, Niranjan Ranasinghe, Thalgampola, Flankers - Sean Wijesinghe, Dilip Selvam, Kapila Silva, Imran, Navinda Pullikuttiarachchi, Scrum Halves - Hamzad Bucks, Prasad Chathuranga, Fly Halves - Sajith Mallikarachchi, Fazil Marja (last year's Kingswood captain), Nilufer Ibrahim (utility player), Wingers - Sanjeewa Jayasinghe (capt.), Sameera Silva, Full Back - Nalaka Weerakkody, Hettiarachchi.

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