Cops and soldiers still in the hunt
Shamly Nawaz’s Police team has lost four of the five games they played, while the fact that they drew 21-all with CH last weekend has a lot of relevance. This is a team akin to the “Lowers of wood and fetchers of water.” None from Royal, Isipatana, Trinity and S. Thomas’. What they have is six players from an essentially ‘B’ Division school, Prince of Wales.
For all that, they have been improving. Losing to the top three — Kandy, Havies and Navy — is no disgrace. Further, they ran the Air Force close in a 7-15 loss. The high point was the CH game. Led by Rasith Silva, the Police are rebuilding after an exodus.
The backs, Sujan Kodituwakku, Niroshan Silva and Suranga Kasun are nippy, and will run all day, if need be. Peterite Sandesh Jayawickrama organises their attack well from the fly half’s berth. Former Zahirian, Wajid Fawmy has been one of their stars. Number 8 Sajith Saram is another who has been playing well.
The Police will also fall back on the services of the experienced Romesh Acharige and Udara Suriyapperuma, both of whom are second row forwards. Scrum half Hashan Gomes and Shanaka Harischandra, together with an ex-skipper Lahiru Gunasinghe, all have important roles to play in today’s game against the Army, at Ratmalana.
The Police team has been quite inconspicuous. But away from the spotlight, they have been training with dedication. Last weekend’s draw halted their run of losses. This could be their best chance of claiming a win.
On the other hand, Army, who have two wins in five game, must also be fancying their chances. Their optimism is based on the fact that they gave one of the title favourites, the Havies, a run for their money last weekend. Scoring three tries in a losing cause doesn’t happen every day. Further, according to rugby sources, the Army missed two other tries, one due to a knock-on close to the line.
The soldiers have a decent back four in skipper Thusitha Senanayake, Sanjeewa Hapugaskumbura, Pradeep Victor and Gayashan Dikkumbura. The latter has been very impressive. The halves combination of Ashan Bandara and Rizvi Mohamed has been a source of confidence to the team. Bandara touched down thrice against CR in a wonderful performance that helped the soldiers to win.
Prop Sugath Nanayakkara has been among the tries. Asoka Jayalal continues to play a very aggressive game while leading the pack. Their other source of strength, Number 8 Manoj Silva will not turn out because of injury.
This could be a stirring battle with both teams drawing confidences from last weekend’s matches. The heart says Police, because they are an improving side. However, the head tilts towards the Army, who have the better record.