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Rugby takes firm root at Piliyandala MV
Piliyandala M.V. has made a name in sports like athletics and cricket. But they took up to rugby just two years ago .In this short period blossomed out fast, thanks to the Western Province RFU development programme to promote the game among new schools.

In the under 11 inter-schools tournament held recently at the Royal College Sports Complex, the outstation school emerged champions with a fine display of skilful rugby. In the process they knocked the daylights out of some reputed schools of the caliber of S. Thomas' Mt. Lavinia (in the quarters )5-0, Royal 12-7( in the semi-finals). In the finals they beat Science College 26-14 to make a mark for themselves in the rugby annals.

The team is coached by former Cambrian fullback , Preethi Kumara Fernando. Speaking on their success the Piliyandala coach said, "at present there is a squad of 75 players drawn from the age groups - 19,17, 15, 13 and 11. The boys are very keen and are prepared to learn. This makes my task easy. There is support coming for rugby through the school hierarchy. The Principal, K.G. Wilmalasena is giving all encouragement. The sport has taken a firm root. In time to come we will give a run to some of the top schools in the Under-19. Afforded with a good playing field and with WPRFU helping the school even with men and material.

Fernando further said. "the present president Fazal Mahmud, is taking personal interest for the development of the sport among the emerging schools, my assistant is last year's Prince of Wales captain, Shanaka Visard. Earlier I was helping Moratu M.V. , too."

The Technical Director of the SLRFU George who was present at the training said "the Grade V scholarship exam, some of these players may get scholarships to some leading schools, - rugby players from Embilipitiya M.V., today are making their mark whilst playing for schools like Isipatana, S. Thomas' etc., otherwise the less affluent lads could have never entered these schools. Dilip Kumar, who is a cog-in-the wheel in the Australian Rugby Board speaking said, that he was prepared to help any school that is emerging not merely confining to Trinity's Scrummage. He was prepared to revamp the SLRFU's infrastructure to come on par with modern day administration. He has helped Isipatana Int. Schools 7s which proved an instant success. -BW

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