An awesome responsibility rests on Wadood’s team this year
View(s):around the schools rugby – Trinity college
By Aubrey Kuruppu
The number of rugby legends and greats who learnt their basics within the portals of Trinity College is legion. Trinity has a rich rugby culture and, almost invariably produces a team that is up there with the best.
Kaneel Seneviratne’s 2012 side came back strongly, after a loss on home territory to St. Peter’s, to claim the school’s league title. But their euphoria was short-lived as the trophy was snatched away from them on grounds other than rugby. In light of all this, Halique Wadood’s team has the awesome responsibility of taking Trinity to where it should rightfully belong – at the top!
To digress slightly, they haven’t claimed the league title for a few years. The President’s Trophy in 2011 and the runners-up position in 2012 offer crumbs of comfort.
The start of Trinity’s campaign wasn’t exactly propitious. They finally drew 34-all against a Dharmaraja side that had the game sewn up until the last couple of minutes. Trinity’s 18-11 victory against Science College is a confidence-builder as the latter are a set of tough, unyielding players who are difficult to down on home soil. With three third-year players and seven second-years, the Lions seem well-equipped for the kill.
Skipper Halique Wadood, a slip of a chap, is quick, effervescent and dynamic in his play. He is equally at home as a full back and scrum half and will adjust according to the dictates of the situation. He is quick off the mark and his darting runs almost always spell doom for the opposing defence.
His deputy Shahim Sinhalaxana had a good season in 2012. He doesn’t shrink from getting involved however tough the battle may be and his experience should stand him in good stead. Prop Anuradha Karunathilleke is the other third year. He has a good work ethic and his presence inspires confidence in the team.
Fly half Tharinda Ratwatte, who hails from excellent rugby stock, has come on a mile. With another season behind him, he should turn out to be the complete package.
Centre Dureka Aluvihare is another to watch. He’s incisive and penetrative and has the priceless ability to score tries. Fellow centre Lochana Girihagama complements Aluvihare well.
Locks Isuru Rangala and Umesh Samarasekara were steeled in the fire last year and, with the experience they gained, they should be better players.
Niloufer Ibrahim, a Sri Lanka Sevens player of note, is the coach while New Zealander Neil Foote is the consultant, of the back-room staff, Prabath Senanayake with his dynamism and R.G.M.L. Somasinghe (Prefect of Games) with his balanced views and PR skills stand out. The Bradby Shield matches will be played on June 1 at Pallekele and on June 15 at the Royal Sports Complex.
Trinity Squad
Props: Anurdha Karunathilleka, Sanka Ethulgama, Kenneth Gamage.
Hookers: Nethmal Sakalasuriya, Nathan Chung.
Locks: Isuru Rangala, Umesh Samarasekera, Rahul Karunatilleka.
Flankers: Shahim Singalaxana, Sajith Thalgahagoda, Aaquif Sarooj.
No.8: Ashan Perera, Nipun Alahakoon.
Scrum half: Naresh Perera, Dushan Perera.
Fly half: Tarinda Ratwatte, Dinuk Ratwatte
Centres: Lochana Girihagama, Dureka Aluvihare, Sheham Perera.
Wingers: Saranga Goonethilleka, Rukshan Sasmin, Sanchana Sheik, Nishan Handunge, Lakvin Gunasekera.
Full back: Halique Wadood (Capt)
Officials: Neil Foote (Director Coaching), Nilfer Ibrahim (Coach).
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