Club rugby on stage from next week

The long awaited Caltex Rugby League season kicks off next weekend. Two Segment ‘A’ matches are scheduled to be played. The pick of the two will be the game between Havelocks and Police to be held at the Park Club grounds.

Both teams have a rich history, but have tapered off in recent times. Thus they will have a point to prove this season. Havelocks pulled off the biggest upset last season with a victory of CR & FC, but failed to put together a series of consistent performances to challenge for the title. Police had to qualify from Segment ‘B’.

Hooker Roshan Perera leads the Park Club, while forward Pradeep Wilson is captain of Police. Both teams have recruited a few youngsters and it will be interesting to see how they fare this season. Havelocks have retained the services of Number 8 Tyronne Harrison who is regarded by many as the most improved player from last season.

The other match on the same day at Nittawela is a ‘David versus Goliath’ clash. Newly promoted Old Zahirians face the might of reigning champions Kandy SC. The hill club has dominated the league season in recent years and may well regard this fixture as a warm up for more serious challenges.

The Hill Capital lads are led by prop Jeewa Galgamuwa and have almost a Sri Lankan 15. One interesting fact to look out is which of the two brothers is preferred as fullback – Nalaka or Eranga.

As has been the case in recent years the club most likely to challenge Kandy’s dominance is CR & FC. The league championship went to wire last year and repeat is very likely this year.

Led by second rower Anuruddha Dharmatilleke, they possess a good blend of youth and experience. Anuja Perera has replaced Viraj Prasanna as hooker. CR also has the likes of the vastly improved Sri Lankan flanker Hashan Karthelis, Navin Perera and Dhanushka Boteju in the front. Outstanding scrum half Amjad Buksh will lead a speedy back row which also has Mohommad Sheriff who seems to have at least for the moment committed his future to CR.

Army led Capt Meepage has the unenviable task of hosting the Red Shirts at Havelock Park on Saturday.
On paper this league season promises to be one of the closest.