Weerakkody will be missed

Called the golden boy, wonder boy and even other not so nice names, Nalaka Weerakkody , has decided to hang up his boots . The final for the Clifford cup against CR yesterday was his last match. Nalaka started his career at Kingswood College and moved to the big league in 1995 representing CR and FC. He changed over to Kandy Sports Club in 1997 and came back to CR in 1998. He returned to Kandy in 1999 and captained the team in 2001. He was an automatic choice for Sri Lanka and led the Sevens team in 2003.

Nalaka was a player whose individual brilliance has contributed to the success and triumph of Kandy Sports Club on many occasions. The crowds at Nittawela will definitely miss the man who has been their hero. His supporters will bid goodbye to their sweet prince, the man who has written many an unforgettable story in their minds. In Colombo he will be missed by most despite their love to taunt him. A sly and mischievous smile and then a performance to change the game was always his answer when faced with a hostile crowd.

The Clifford cup final was another encounter between Kandy and CR. KSC as well as CR and FC faced some anxious moments at the semi final stage. Havelock’s challenged Kandy and were leading during a major part of the game. At one stage it was thought that there will be an upset. In the last twenty minutes Kandy got back to the game as if to prove why they are the champions. Despite some of their key players not taking the field they proved they have what it takes to win a game. The Mental and physical requirements coupled with the skill to come back and play hard in the last twenty minutes.

CR was virtually cruising to an easy victory leading thirty points to nil against CH. It was almost a repeat of the league second round with CH rallying around in the last stages. CH did not have an easy passage in the quarter final having being challenged by the rejuvenated Police side.

CH in this match too was once again reduced to fourteen with one of the players being sent off. As has happened in the last few weeks CH players have been at the receiving end of red and or yellow cards. In the semi finals with CR too there was a yellow card received by a CH player. CH is a side that has the skill and the talent to upset the sides at the top. They also seem to have that ability to last the final stages of the game. The indiscipline that has plagued them has let down the hardworking Captain Dilanka Wijesekera. As an individual his performance is among the best that is seen on the rugby fields of Sri Lanka. The challenge and the turning point in many a CH game has been initiated by Dilanka. Yet it is not adequate to win a match. Sadly CH is becoming notorious for getting players sent off. Comments from the pavilion when incidents of sent off occur are interesting. ‘That is their game plan because they perform better when they are one down in numbers.” Well it did happen most of the time with the rest on the field playing harder and taking the game to their opponents. A sent off to push them is not what is expected. Players have to be disciplined in their action as required for the game. This will only happen if the example and the standard are set. It may be the culture of our society to issue statements depicting the village "chandiya" attitude. It has its strengths in some quarters but it does not always work. Especially it does not seem the most appropriate when the game has a tradition and a spirit to maintain.

The Asiad to be played in November will be the last in this format. Sri Lanka is preparing vigorously to make this an event to remember. From next year onwards the first five on the list of Asia will play in a five nation's series on a home and away basis. There will be division one and two, leagues for the rest of rugby playing countries in Asia.

Twelve teams are expected to play in the Asiad to be held in November. The matches will be played in Colombo at the CR and FC, the Sugathadasa Stadium and at the Royal College complex. There is also a possibility that a match or two will be played in Nittawela There is a good chance of the Sri Lanka team playing one match up in the hills. This will give the numbers support the Sri Lanka team needs.