SLRFU should give more emphasis to 7s rugby
View(s):The lions were humbled on the first day while the Royals had to eat humble pie on day two. The glory boys of whom people asked, CWW Kannangara: who are they? They have proved themselves as worthy of being recognised in rugby circles. The school named after the father of free education though rubbing shoulders with the best have a real problem of sustaining the game due to lack of funds. Ms Sagarika Kulatunga the teacher in charge who has been a force behind the rugby team was the most Jubilant at the Performance of CWWK. Their achievement of winning the Plate at the Schools All Island Under-20 Sevens is something that has to be taken note of. The ultimate winners of the cup St. Peter’s had a close call in the quarters winning by 12 points to 10.
The Schools All-Island U-20 Division I Sevens tournament which was held last weekend produced a few upset wins but hardly saw the emergence of potential Sevens players. - Pic by Amila Gamage
The Schools Sevens did not showcase itself as a feeder for the National Sevens which is riding a high wave. There is much that will have to be done as the need to be on top in Asia has to be fed form skills and talent of the U20 school players. The difference in mind set needed for sevens compared to the fifteens was not there. Possession though vital was lost with kicks giving the ball away. There was more contact, than there should be, whilst too many were committed at the break down.
The presence of wide and less mobile players on the field was an indication that the plan was for more contact with less offload for a faster and speedy game. The need for more sevens coach education was evident if we are to be at the top of the Asian Sevens circuit. Believe me; most Asian countries think that Sri Lanka has the making of a team that will be up there. It does not happen overnight and you have to work towards it. The schools have to be the nursery and sevens has to be played the way it is to be played.
Another disappointment was the no show of some schools which resulted in some participating teams not having a single game on day one. The games for day one ended a little past 4pm which is a come down compared to previous years. Similarly on day 2 there were huge gaps between matches which dampens a Sevens day.
Despite the short comings, the final between St. Peters and Isipathana kept the vast crowd of supporters on their feet as the game ended with scores of 12 to 10. Pathana got off to a 10 nil lead at the end of the first half. The first try was a 30 meter run as Peters allowed room to run and the second was against the run of play. The second half saw the resumption with a deep kick into Peters 22 which gave them time to group and attack. This resulted in a score and 2 minutes later another power run saw Peters taking the lead by 12 points to 10. The start with a mood to defend as seen through a long resumption kick was what undid the normally attacking park school.
Play resumed after a stoppage which resulted in a red and yellow being issued to SPC while a yellow was issued to the green shirts. Pathana pressed on with advantage while Peters were cunning to have one man in the line out when it was not their throw. The game swung closer to the goal line and the Green jerseys were attacking. Luck was with Peters as Pathana lost the ball in what appeared to be a pile up. The ensuring scrum was for Peters as the horn was blown to indicate time over. Winning the scrum the ball was kicked out ensuring a lucky win for the boys from Bambalapitiya.
The stoppage was the cause of normal on field happening that erupt in a game of rugby which is a physical contact sport. In such a situation it is left to the match officials to handle same and take appropriate action. Team officials on the bench should be glued to where they are. It did not happen as many bodies were on the field and made matters difficult in identification and also saw players from the bench walking in. Who is to be blamed if the wrong man is picked up in a melee and is sent off? While spectators of both teams were seen shouting with none interested in getting on to the field. It was good on their part. The lone spectator who walked into the field poses a question to the match organisers. Is the ground security adequate?
Last year we saw this happen a number of times and looks like the lesson is never learnt. A lone man who walks in, without being challenged, pose a danger to the referees as well as to players. Rugby is a game that is to be enjoyed and there are laws regulations to control and administer the game. The governing body for rugby the IRB formulates guidance using their experience and is useful to help conduct the game better. This issue early in the season is a good reason to see that players and officials bench is kept outside the playing enclosure.
- Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB
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