These lads know the science of rugby
Science College Mt. Lavinia has gained the reputation of being the giant killers of Sri Lankan school rugby for an obvious reason. Since rugby was introduced at Science three decades ago, their performances have been on par with elite rugby-playing schools of Sri Lanka. But Science had their reasons for being slotted in the lower segments as they struggled all the way for decades before making a timely entry into the top division two seasons back. Their long wait and patience has paid off with the rugby fraternity currently identifying Science as a dominant force in school rugby.
With so much potential available among the 2000-odd students of this national school nested along the outskirts of Colombo, Science College aims high in rugby with a clear vision. This season they seemed destined to rest third in the top group but they lost two matches against Dharmaraja and Trinity colleges, two teams who remain unbeaten in the ongoing schools league.
They drubbed Royal College to register a surprising win in the opening game, setting a perfect foundation for their goal this season. Science’s hope was to win the schools rugby league title but they lost two in two outings. However, their second win against defending champions Isipathana College sent their journey in another direction. With a stunning draw against a mediocre Kingswood College side, Science has set themselves a target of finishing among the top three teams in the league.
If they achieve this feat, it would be a historical milestone for the Mt. Lavinia lads. But they will have to win their remaining four games and hope the top contenders experience some bad luck.
If this year’s Science outfit, which is under the captaincy of senior playmaker Richard Dharmapala, can achieve their altered goal, they will lead the school’s rugby journey onto a bright new path. To help their cause, Science has a well-balanced unit with five seniors in their squad and many of the remaining players being from the junior squads. Besides Dharmapala, Science has the services of versatile
playmakers in lock Shalitha Dushan, prop Chethiya Sandun and wingers Thisutha Gomes and Costa. All these players will exit the team next season but with the inclusion of highly-talented youngsters, mainly from the Under-18 squad, Science can still be as strong as they are today. In addition they have a strong bench, and replacements have never been a problem at any point.
Under Coach Amila Chathuranga, who is assisted by Shabeer Aabeer and Janaka Dissanayaka as well as technical advisor Rohitha Rajapaksa, Science is improving day after day. Today rugby has become the number one sport at Science and the amount of interest among it students, especially the juniors, demonstrates their desire which ignited in 2007 when they were in segment ‘C’. In three years Science reached segment ‘A’ and what they hope is to become the best rugby-playing school in a year or two. And winding up this season at least as the third best school rugby team in the island is considered a great precursor to Science’s future.
| The squad
Props: Pasindu Lakruwan, Chethiya Sandun, Charith Janitha, Dharshana Silva. |
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