Staying out – it’s not rugby sir!
View(s):The excitement prevailed at Reid Avenue Royal Complex from the quarter-final stage of day 2 of the Under 18 Schools Sevens tournament. What looked like another drab event turned thumbs up as Trinity, Dharmaraja, Isipathana, Kingswood, Royal and St. Peter’s entered the quarter-final stage. It was obvious that schools and leading rugby playing schools draw crowds.
The presence of numbers at the Under-18 Schools 7s was ample testimony as to why the schools and the governing body must head in the same direction - Pic by Amila Gamage
The games would have been more exciting if most of the twelve leading teams took the field. As teams kept away the quarters were restricted to six and Royal and Peters earned a bye to progress to the semi-finals. St. Peters won the championship beating Royal in the final. The Race Course side of the Royal Pavilion was virtually full from the time the semi-finals were played. It was St. Peters, Trinity, Royal, and Isipathana who made it to the semi-final. Strange as it may sound the quarters saw only two matches while Royal and Peters drew a bye. Royal had one match on day one and only the semi- final before they played the final.
I fail to understand why some of the schools of the first twelve did not participate. When those involved in schools talk so much of the amounts they spend for their teams how come the need to give the boys a chance to play is not in the equation? I can accept the excuse for an under twenty team; “they are in the midst of training for the 15 a side league.” What can you now say about the under eighteen not playing. If these boys are now attending practice, the next chance they have for a competition is around August. So why not give them the chance and give them exposure even for a sevens game?
Some time ago one may have not seen Trinity or Royal in the schools sevens circuit. This time they were there and were well supported. The non participation and or no shows result in the tournament being diluted as last minute changes end up with lesser numbers and the quarters too included with two teams drawing a bye.
Despite the reservations rugby on day two was particularly good and there was excitement. While the boys enjoyed rugby and the spectators were entertained there was the odd man out in the stands. Physically they may have the size and look like adults but the behavior was immature. For some it was one sided passion for a few it seemed to be bottle talk. The grown up must understand that there is a need to set a standard of acceptance and sportsmanship for game like rugby where there is physical contact. You win some and you lose some and what is important is the ethos of rugby. These little bits of emotional outbursts must be left to cheering your side and not lead to violence. Of the lesser known rugby schools the teams that caught my eye were CWW Kannangara, Lalith Athulathmudali MV, Royal Panadura and Price of Wales College. Royal Panadura held Trinity to a draw on day one of the league games. That happens and must be accepted as a reality and not succumb to thinking how can Trinity draw with an unknown school. Yet there is no denying the fact that the when Isipathana, Peters, Trinity and Royal play there will always be crowds.
It is not far away for the schools rugby season to start and you will find more chanting, and reveling in the spirit of my school is playing. Let that passion be truly spread for rugby being a game for all to enjoy. The presence of numbers at this junior tournament is ample testimony as to why the schools and the governing body must work to head in the same direction. To promote the game and to make it one of the most sort put sports in the country. That will happen only if people see the future and not be glued to thinking from a base of my club or my school.
It is at this point that one has to look at the people who see ahead and those who can see only up to their nose. If somebody or some section can contribute to the game at large it is that which is important.
Meanwhile rugby in the clubs are readying for close of curtains as Navy pulls ahead and look to be the champions of the league. Navy are in the top slot while Kandy are second and Havelocks third in the points table at the end of week 12. Navy have won 12 games while Kandy and Havelocks have won ten each. Kandy is ahead Havelocks due to the better bonus points they have received.
By the time this article is on print the outcome of the Navy-Kandy match will be known and we will know whether Navy has sealed the cup or have we to wait for week 14.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB