| Sports |
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| Kandy wins again while others still labour |
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Ah! Ah! SOOOOO!! The “Sevens” was played in Kandy last week. What for, men, Sevens in Kandy. People ask this question as though this was an issue produced by the labour of the interim committee, as though it was an unwanted child born outside wedlock. The Sevens in Kandy and Colombo was not conceived by the people of the interim. It is and was in the pipeline waiting to be delivered by the SLRFU as has happened in the past years too. The question still remains on the lips of some, why play in Kandy. Because it has been so but need to be reviewed if it is to be not a crowd puller as it was in the past. With only a few to shout hoarse as Kandy ran away winners without a challenge the cost and returns need to be considered if the crowds are not to be there. The tournament though not reaching dizzy heights went off to the satisfaction of the IC without issues. Some of the top teams were there while some were missing. Conspicuous by their absence were Havelock’s, Police and the Army teams. Nine teams that took part and included Kandy, CR and FC , CH and FC , Air Force Navy, Petersons, Jawatte Lions, Kurunegala and Old Zahirians.
Despite all claims and the hold they have by virtue of votes most provinces were unable to field a team that needed only twelve players for the squad. The Southern Province is to my view a case study of reporting numbers yet unable to find twelve to represent the province. How do they get a number of votes as much as Western or Central Province? Because they report that the province has a number of clubs which works out to many players. Put all this together and as a result are eligible for votes and are able to call the shots. Does it matter that these are numbers but not quality numbers capable of forming a team. The votes represent the number of clubs they have. That in turn should translate to a large player base. Then why is it that they could not get together twelve players for a team. This gives more meat to the IC to say they have to sort the system in operation before an Annual General Meeting is called. Who gives that meat to the IC? Those empty vessels that make the biggest noise. Thus they are given time. The power blocks will have to wait longer than expected. At the same time if they keep reminding of the money they should get then questions are bound to be asked. More details will be needed and all this will only make you fit for the can of worms that cannot be separated. All the best and wait in hope is all that I will wish for the game.
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Meanwhile Kandy proved they were ahead of the rest showed that there was a widening gap between then and the closest next the CR and FC. CR and CH were two sides who could narrow the gap and need to put some serious thought to it .Taken together CR and CH were ahead on Air Force and Navy who can be coupled as good for the gap between then and the others were also seen to be wide and with little hope of being bridged as it was. The re-entry of Navy Sports Club with a set of young talented players is good. Then it seems that Havelock’s are the end loser with players switching side rumour is about conflict among the leadership. This is may be the trickle down effect of indiscipline and lack of unity among the rugby community at the national level.
While Army and Police who did not participate can still survive with captive numbers Havelock’s are to face a difficult situation. The team that showed promise last year and faced had talent will now be faced with having to cope with players who will probably find residence else where.
On the other hand there were whispers asking how players whose conduct has been subject to a ministerial inquiry were seen on the field. If one expected a protest to come from the CR the close set contenders to Kandy there was disappointment. CR and also CH seemed to be destined to play Kandy and test their skills without scoring via technical issues .Yet it was not so for some others.
They have a point when asking questions as indiscipline need to be arrested. However analyzing the games of last week one finds that there are few and they to far in between, who could claim in the National Team. Are we then to taken part in the Hong Kong Sevens with a makeshift side? Then again you have to maintain discipline. If you were to maintain discipline there will not be a team. At a glance the equation seems to be unable to be solved. I think it could think possibly outside the box. Let them play but effect a punishment in the form of a fine. It may be a win- win the situation. But who is to pay the fine, will the boys have money. Questions and questions again. If they cannot pay they cannot play and who wants those most will pay and get them into the team.
= Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
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