How Trinity built their own quagmire
View(s):The schools rugby came alive after the break for the New Year and Easter. The much hyped game between Isipathana and Trinity took place at Longdon Place. The two unbeaten teams did not appear to be at ease probably because the fear of losing was more in their minds than the focus to win. The game reached to its level of competency but was not the block buster that was expected.
A sequence from Friday’s game between Trinity College and Isipathana
It is one thing to make mistakes but to continue to make them was what cost Trinity a match that could have been won if the ball was off loaded at least on two occasions. Or else you had a choice to make of putting the ball over the back division that has advanced. There was no thinking of that sort evident and the game was lost. If not the ball was dropped on the way or having reached the destination: the 
goal line. Despite losing the scrums and denied ball in the line out Isipathana played to a basic and simple plan and scored twice against the run of play.
The Basic of playing to the whistle was not in the minds of Trinity who virtually gifted two tries against the run of play. Infringed and there was advantage played but the players stopped almost in their track allowing the nippy scrum half to pick the ball and run almost 50 metres for a score under the posts. The other time around the ball hit a hand in a line out and goes behind. Not forward and play seemed stopped while Pathana who had the ball kept running half way down and scored. Pathana on the other hand decided against a kick at goal for a penalty in front of the posts and 10 metres out while another time they kicked a penalty away from under the posts. This possible 6 points not added brought pressure and tension to the players and the crowd till the last second. The basic rugby and a simple one kept Pathana unbeaten.
This match brought me to focus on some simple things one can learn from the animated fairy tale “The Lion King,” boys love watching animated movies and cartoons: can we use some of them to encourage and draw a parallel to life and the game. I say this as it is not only the selfish play that takes a game away from a side but the lack of leadership too contributes. The problem has more to do with the direction and continued directions from the sidelines that do not allow players the moment to enjoy the game and what they are playing for. Take a lesson from Disney’s Lion King and see How Mufasa Guides Simba or the “Scar” handles Issues; bad. To Mufasa the guidance he gives Simba is includes understanding the responsibilities and jurisdiction to help the thriving organization. Even a game of rugby is about the same objective and the players have to be guided and nurtured to take responsibility and take the correct decision.
The fireworks never sparkled as though dampened by the lightly wet environment. The crowds were in numbers and it was after a long time one saw a cramped pavilion as well as a full crowd on the terrace opposite. Pathana owned this game 21 points to 17 and remained unbeaten in group 1. It was after a long time that one saw a referee walk back to the dressing without being hassled, abused or booed. Credit must not be given to the players who played in the right spirit and not a single yellow card as used nor was there any untoward foul play. Coaches of both teams set a standard by being interested in the game and did not give unwanted messages by action when the referee whistled. That was a good lesson for rugby.
Digressing form school rugby another important event was the national team took who off to Korea for the A5N fixture to be played on Saturday the 26th. The team which has been in training left with a lot of confidence and on return is expected to play with Hong Kong on the 3rd of May. This match will be in Sri Lanka. They will play Japan on the 10th in Japan and Philippines in Sri Lanka on the 17th. Sri Lanka has to get the better of at least two teams to remain at the Top Division. With the home advantage in two games the chances are good. It is believed that they have been focusing on the vital aspect of the mind change that makes the difference to make a winning team. The importance is to put you beyond the possibility of defeat which is a mind game: victory is the opportunity you then have.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB