Unbeaten league champions Kandy SC in a class of their own
Kandy Sports Club showed their class in club rugby when they won the league for the sixth consecutive year. For a club which has never won a trophy until they won the Clifford Cup in 1992, this is a remarkable achievement. The first piece of silverware, resurrected the fortunes of the Up Country club taking just two years to win the League Championship in 1994. There was no turning back thereafter.
Nigel Ratwatte led the champion outfit this year not only by winning the league but also remaining unbeaten. This was the 21st time in the last 26 years they emerged league champions since their maiden triumph in 1994.
Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) decided to cancel the Super Round because of the coronavirus after the second round of the league was completed. In any event the Super Round would be only of academic interest since Kandy SC had an unassailable lead.
But although the battle is over for Kandy war is yet to be won as the Clifford Cup knock out is scheduled to be worked off next month followed by the Club Sevens later on. Once the situation is settled in the world because they will want to end as the triple champions of local rugby which is a dream of any club.
They started winning trophies in tandem and other clubs tried various ploys to tackle Kandy. But to date they have handed them off towards the try line with success. One of the main reasons could be the structure of the club and the sponsors along with their Rugby promoter Malik Samarawickrema moving his business towards the Central region.
Cargills was their Premier sponsor and Mobitel too chipped in later on in their season. The other reason is the die-hard supporters of the Up Country outfit who are there in numbers even if the game is played in Colombo. Club President Mahesh Weerasinghe and his team are always behind the team supporting in many ways.
Led by Nigel Ratwatte and coached by Fazil Marija and forwards coach Viraj Prasanna, they did the hard work not only in the field but off the field as well. Kandy’s bunch are full of discipline and work as a team. They were looked after by Rugby Chairman Lasantha Wijesuriya and Team Manager and former Isipathana player Kapila Silva.
Fitness was headed by Tharaka who did yeoman service for the Kandy club and its players. They had injury worries early in the season in Danushka Ranjan, Anurudha Wilwara, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe, and losing out on Thilina Wijesinghe was a major blow for the club. They never panicked as their replacement were top class. A key factor was the return of two home-grown lads Kavindu Perera and Tharinda Ratwatte back to the Central Hills where they belonged.
In fact signing up of Tharinda Ratwatte made skipper Nigel’s job pretty much easier than he thought. He was arguably the best fly half this season. Nigel’s leadership was exemplary and he commanded his troops magnificently. He played the last three matches despite carrying an injury, which speaks volumes about his team commitment than personal goals.
Kandy Sports Club Head Coach Fazil Marija speaking to the Sunday Times said: “This was my first year as the Head Coach. I was excited and at the same time nervous because it was a big task to take over and maintain the supremacy of a team like Kandy SC. I am very happy that we won the league and remained unbeaten in the end. Our fitness and discipline has been outstanding this year. I focus on the skills of the whole team and not just individuals only. This year they played as a unit starting from the captain Nigel Ratwatte. Viraj Prasanna and Tharaka the fitness guy played a big part in the wins as the coaching staff. Last but not the least, I would like to thank our sponsors, rugby committee spectators and Malik Samarawickrema for the valuable support.”
Kandy Sports Club skipper, Nigel Ratwatte said: “I am glad I had the privilege to play for the Kandy Sports Club wearing the jersey that brought us the championship once again. I am honoured to say that I could not have had a more successful year without the constant support of the coaches, committee and the boys under my leadership. It was sheer hard work, punctuality and commitment of the boys that made this year a successful one for me. I would like to thank them for having faith in me during my injury when I was off the field. They gave me a reason to play the sport I love and for being able to bring victory for the Kandy Sports Club for not only the sixth year in a row but also remain unbeaten. Without our sponsors Cargills and Mobitel this dream is not a reality. Cargills was our premier sponsor and Mobitel chipped in the later stage of the tournament.”
He thanked the Kandy fans in particular for their success.
“Not forgetting the KSC fans and all the player’s families for helping in making it a victorious year. It is a pleasure to see so many Kandy fans watch the boys play, giving us the love and support where ever we play. Not only at home but even when played in Colombo our die-hard supporters were in numbers to support us. Without our supporters we wouldn’t have achieved this feat as well. Unfortunately we are unable to celebrate the victory due to the prevailing situation in the country for the moment. Let’s all be safe and help one another,” he added.