Schools’ rugby season kicks off

Controversy seems to follow schools rugby. This year is no different from the last. The Singer Inter School League Rugby Tournament is scheduled to kick off this Tuesday. Now master in Charge of Rugby at St. Peter’s Sunil Aponso told The Sunday Times; “We have sent a letter of protest to Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) about the draw. We have only two matches at home and the other six are away. “

“The SLSRFA sent a letter asking all the masters in charge to come for a meeting. This was during government exams and I was asked not go by the Rector. Thus I sent a junior instead. The letter never stated anything about the draw being held otherwise I would have gone. This is no way to treat a champion side and we are yet to get a reply.”Aponso also voiced concerns about playing at S. Thomas’ College Grounds. His fears though were put to rest by the President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Nimal Lewke who said; “We inspected the ground on Thursday and other than for a couple of patches the ground is fine. The only problem will be the limited capacity for spectators especially when it comes to big games. We will also be having another discussion with the schools association because we want this season to run smoothly.”

Nine schools vie for the Group One Segment One plum and following is a brief description of some the leading contenders. St. Peter’s who are hoping for a ‘three peat’ are led by flanker Poorna Delpachitra. Number 8 Ishan Noor, centre Dilshan Paul, wing three quarter Gerald Canute, stand off harsha Weerakkody, flanker Roshan Danushka and prop Roshan Fonseka form the backbone of the team. And according to Aponso the newcomers are not exactly freshers having played at least two first 15 games last year.

Suvinda Lenaduwa leads a Royal team that hopes to dethrone St. Peter’s. Chairman of Rugby Advisory and Management Committee of Royal Sriyan Cooray said; “We have some really good players like the captain, number 8 Bilal Hassan wing three quarter Duminda Attygalle and stand off Navin Dhason to name just a few. We started practices in September and we if play to our potential there is no reason why we cannot finish on top.”

Master in Charge of Rugby at S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia Lakmal De Soyza said; “Number 8 Rohitha Rajapakse is leading the team this year. He will have the support of players like Devin Hallock and Savin Kapuwatte to name just a couple. Our coaching staff is optimistic of our chances. But all the games will be tough and I would not like to make a prediction right now.”

Coach of Trinity Anil Jayasinghe said; “We have only one coloursman in our skipper and flanker Milinda Gunawardene. But there are quite a number of players who have got jerseys which means they have played two to four first 15 matches. We have got a good blend and have played well in practice matches. We will just have to wait and see how the season pans out.

Gamini Sarathchandra Master in Charge of rugby at Isipatana said that his team would be led by Centre Damith Udayanga. Sarathchandra added; “We have already won two sevens tournaments and the team is gelling together well. Thus I cannot see any reason why we can’t win the crown as long we play to our potential.” The teams in Group One Segment One are; St. Peter’s, Royal, S. Thomas’. St. Anthony’s Kandy,. Isipatana. Trinity, Kingswood, Dharmarajah and Vidyartha.