Rugby AGM conflict of interest; Thora triumph
The schools season commenced with S. Thomas’ ML crowned schools U20 sevens champions. This was after 22 years. Starting cautiously on day one they kept prospects alive and progressed with each occasion they took the field.
From being closer to the bottom last year the start of 2016 probably would give lot of hope to the “Thora” camp.
The close calls in the quarters and among top tier teams that did not make the quarters suggest balance and close fights in the league.
S. Peter’s, S Thomas’, Kingswood Trinity, St. Joseph’s, Science, Royal and Isipathana made it to the champions knock-out stage while Wesley and Dharmaraja performed but were edged out in reaching the quarters.
Some may say that sevens and fifteens are different. I thought this was a good indication considering the way the teams played.
While attempts were made to pass quick and wide the tendency to play fifteen-a-side style and get into contact was evident.
While not taking away the performance of Joes who ran wide when the opportunity arose, Science lost it by cutting in and going to contact and loosing possession.
Winners S. Thomas’ went through their games as they were always a better side in ball retention a must for sevens. What was disappointing was the penalties conceded at the breakdown and mostly for not release and not staying on feet.
The high tackle is also a source of worry and the chance of seeing things will give the coaches the opportunity to correct where there is a need.
A very important observation was the camaraderie that existed among players. The sporting message they take is important.
It was nice to see the Pathana and Royal captains hug each other just after the toss and again after the match. The Pathana captain was always there to acknowledge the opposition and so was the Trinity Captain at time doing the extra mile helping an opposition fallen player to get up.
This tournament did not see any flare ups as the boys played in good spirit. Almost during all matches from the quarters were close but the spectators enjoyed together.
The game between Pathana and STC saw supporters of both sides mingling and cheering their school as well as good work of the opposition. It was all about what was on the field and not going at each other depending on who is cheering whom.
An Old Boy of STC said that it was a good game and the players and spectators enjoyed. He said. “While we have been condemning some non-social behaviour I believe we cannot keep blaming others when they are turning to be better.”
Particularly he was pointing fingers at a new lot who shout abusively at all including players, spectators and officials.
He was telling me, “You are talking about supplements; you are talking about poaching why not add that some think that the way to win is thorough abuse and intimidation which is simple terms is “thug mentality.”
A much respected Professional Manager who has been head of leading business and an all-round sportsman in his day explained a query I had posed on what happens to schoolboy talent and skills which is lost when they are in club rugby.
He opined that there is a structure and management of the player at school. The clubs he believes does not have that structure to take a player forward.
Another he pondered was the inability to find funds to match the expense offered in terms of payment to players. The offer is well intended but when not matched player performance drops. It is all about harnessing and nurturing talent that leaves school.
The Australian Sports Commission has a clear direction when it says, “Whether you are a committee member, director or office bearer of an incorporated club or association, you have certain responsibilities and owe certain duties to the club and its members. As such, you need a clearly defined job description that outlines both your role and responsibilities”.
Talking of development requires a total plan and not one that probably distributes balls and some lesser known mortal tells you about passing the oval ball and about tackling the player.
There is news that the Annual General Meeting of the Union may be held shortly and the speculation is that Asanga Seneviratne President prior to the competent authority appointed will seek office at the AGM. Hopefully one expects to see new faces being added or else it will be the same wine.
The Sunday Times Understands that a meeting was recently held and there were presentation on the future in developing the game.
The talking point is that some of the stakeholders did not mark their presence. A notable absentee was the Schools Association who seems to be at crossroads with the governing body. Schools are just not a party to rugby in Sri Lanka but an integral part of the game as they are the god fathers to implementing the Long Term Player Development plan.
The future of junior Rugby is with the Education Sector and the participation of schools is important. The end is a need for schools the governing body and the Ministries of Sports and Education to work together.
In Sri Lanka wherever there are two parties there is conflict. It is not only rugby but in all sports the education ministry has a vital role to play. Perhaps in the longer interest Education and Sports should be handled together.
* Vimal Perera is a former player, coach, referee and an IRB Accredited Referees’ Educator