CSRA Veterans win Plate championship
The victorious CSRA Veterans team after their success in Bali
Colombo Synergy Rugby Academy (CSRA) Veterans team created history by emerging Plate champions in the Veterans Category at the Bali International Rugby 10s Tournament held in Indonesia on October 13-14.
This is the second international tournament CSRA participated this year. They toured Malaysia in February for the ‘Keris Conlay X Tournament’ held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they emerged Cup Runners-up.
This time around, CSRA did even better to clinch the Plate championship, beating MISFITS Australia in a nail-biting encounter. MISFITS led 12-0 at halftime and CSRA fought back to win the title 14-12, with two converted tries. This is the first time a South Asian team won a title at their maiden appearance at the tournament.
“My team did well to make our nation proud. This win is noteworthy not only for the CSRA but for the country as whole. They called us “Colombo Synergy from Sri Lanka” throughout the tournament, and this gave the boys a sense of responsibility towards the country and the extra boost to win it,” said CSRA founder-coach Nazeem Ghaffoor.
The Karma Bali Rugby Fest International 10s was well organised for the 23rd time this year with many international teams from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, while CSRA was the first team to represent Sri Lanka. There were eight teams vying for the title and CSRA managed to secure fifth overall by winning the Plate championship.
It is noteworthy that all proceeds from this year’s tournament is dedicated to the tsunami victims of Indonesia. All teams marked the tragedy with a minute silence at the middle of the pitch, before the final game.
This year the CSRA team was led by Shaheed Thassim and was coached and mentored by veteran Nazeem Ghaffoor. Rizan Saldin assisted him as trainer and for technical support.
“To my team, starting from game-changing stunning runs by Irfan Lye, timely interception by Kasun, committed cover defense by Hilmy, excellent advantage plays by Rizwan Mannan helped us clinch the trophy. Shafraz and Azeez, joining the team all the way from Dubai, gave an added boost, while the rest of the team played their given roles well to bring it home. CSRA conveys its special thanks to Finwin Travels for being their Clothing partner,” Ghaffoor added.
The CSRA Veterans team included 17 players with coach Nazim Ghaffoor who was also a player. The team led by Shaheed Thassim included Himly Abdeen, Rizan Saldin, Rizwan Mannan, Ifham Sheriff, Lakmal Fernando, Shakeer Sally, Malik Mannan, Dinesh Balendran, Sajehan Buckman, Faroon Hameed, Afzal Ibrahim, Shafraz Iqbal, Irfan Lye, Kasun Malwattege and Azeez Firdous.