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Sports

Watch out for Police
By Bernie Wijesekera
The "Blue Shirted" Police rugby team reached the pinnacle of rugby in the local scene in the 80's when they won the Blue Riband-four-in-row. It was sheer determination and grit that paved the way for some of the rural players, who learnt the beautiful Oval ball sport after joining the Police, and to gain national honours. Lanky Chandrapala, "rock hard" Banda, 'Muruga' Jayaratne, Charles Wijewardena - the ace place - kicker Abdul Majeed the daring centre now turned politico Sam Samarasekera, Saman Kotelawela Hemantha Yatawara, Hafeel Marso just name a few who were the pride of Police rugby.

The likes of genial Rudra Rajasingham who captained Police and CR and FC now living a quite life in retirement is still an ardent rugby fan. Police emerged champs from 1984, '85, '86, '87, '88, '89, and '91. Unlike at present times there were no foreigners in the scrum.

Police failed to maintain that rhythm with some players migrating for better job opportunities. Police rugby suffered as a result. This was not confined to Police only, but for other service teams, too. In the coming season Police are hell bent to bounce back under Prop Anura Fernando - the second Old Benedictine to lead them after Rohan Gunaratne.

The chairman of rugby Nimal Lewke, is a competent player, referee and knowledgeable coach. With unstinted effort he will revive the sport among the law enforcing officers, in the coming season. S.N. Chang a fine reader of the game and an international referee, will be their coach. Chang means business in whatever walk of life. With a Chinese flavour it's no nonsense approach.

All will have to adhere and play to a plan and be disciplined. No excuses for setbacks. But fight back. Former Police and Sri Lanka prop forward, Norman Silva, "hard as steel" on the field, but soft as a petal off the field, will assist the forwards.

Despite stationed in the suburbs, he has the time to help them. Nihal Samarakoon is the secretary. Police are fit and raring' to go, said Silva, who training with the squad. Anura Fernando, a national player will lead a strong pack which has weight, strength and stamina to counter their opponents.

Speaking to Sunday Times on the present season the Police captain said, "There are quite a number of experienced players who have played at the highest level. Prop Shantha Rohana, Pradeep (2nd row), No. 8 Nalin Welagedera, Chaminda Silva, S.B. Kulatunga, Asela Muthumala, Sudath Sampath the nippy Sri Lanka scrumhalf is back in the service with Anjula Silva, will man the base.

Harshana Wijeweera, a much improved fly -half, with a sizzling run could make gapping holes in the opponents defence. He is an adequate place-kicker too. The back line looks good. Centres Nilusha Fernando, has played for the national team will team up with Thushara Mudushanka. Wingers S.T. Galagedera and Champika Thushara. In the last line - Dhanuska Pubudu is working hard.

Q: Is the Police drafting any foreigners ?
A: Yes, three Fijians - two of them national players. A center, a No. 8 who could also serve as fullback. The other a flanker. The trio will add much sparkle to the team's aspirations. Last year we were placed fifth in the table, without foreigners.

Q: Is there any outstanding schoolboys who have joined the Police?
A: Yes, A. Dharmatilleke, Chamara Perera and T. Seneviratne (Isipatana) Anjula Wijeratne (Dharmaraja).

Q: Will they get an opportunity to play?
A: Yes, They will be given the exposure as the season progresses.
The Fijians will arrive on April 17, Police will open the season against the Havelocks at Havelock Park on April 24 (Saturday).

Fernando said that the cops will play hard and fast open rugby for all to enjoy. At the end of the day all is forgotten, but the game is that matters.

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