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Sports

Army guns to go on booming this season
By Bernie Wijesekera
Wherever the 'battle scarred' soldiers scrum - down be it at Galle Face or elsewhere one could surely hear in the echo of their avid fans "Go, Army Go". Despite exigencies of duty - Army has kept the game alive. In its wake has brought forth much competition, and glamour to the game. The rural youth, who have joined the Army to make a career, and had no rugby background but took to the sport and learnt the skills after joining the Services, are now among the best. Today if there is rugby development in the country apparently its in the Services. They deserve encouragement. Some of these rural youth have played for the country. Players of the calibre of Neville Sheddon, Mendis (from Galle, who is now coaching Ruhuna), Ruparatne, Rodrigo, Edwin, S.P. de Silva, Gunadasa, Ameradasa etc., learnt rugby skills after joining the army.

In the present squad there are quite a number of them, who continue the good work of their predecessors. Of course the soldiers had some elite players drawn from leading rugby playing schools - the likes of late Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Bertie Dias, Sema Silva, "Kalu" Weerasinghe, Saliya Udugama, Haren Malwatte etc. and later Jupana Jayawardena (the present coach). They played with distinction. Kobbekaduwa and Bertie and Weerasinghe coached the Army. Dr. Larry Fernander, too was among them.

Brig. P.D. Ramanayake could be tagged as the 'Patron Saint' of Army Sports Development. He harnessed rural talent. He did much for rugby. Even the present coach, Brig. Ramanayake still makes a trek to watch CR and Army games.

Dusky Karu to lead.
Army this year will be led by No. 8 S. Karunaratne a granite hard forward (in the league). While lanky 'lock' N. Jayasuriya will lead the 7s team. Army are the defending club 7s champions. Fly half Kumara, forward Saman Madurusinghe, centre Vajira Jayatilleke, scrum half Karunatilleke, fullback T.A. Silva, will form the nucleus of the 7s team. They will bounce into action at the first 7s tournament in Kandy on Feb. 26. They are rural products and some of them have played for the national team. Madurusinghe was coached by Col. Sunil Wanniarachi after he joined the Army.

He is from Whalaputenna M.V. Recovering after injury along with Kapila Knowlton, Perakum Fernando, is another national 7s players. Sampath Wijesuriya from St. Anthony's Katugastota has joined as a private serving in the administration. Toured Japan with the Under-19 national team in 2001 led by Walpola. Another strength built talented player from Mahinda College Galle, Nirosha Daulagala played for Ruhuna RFC. He said he learnt the skills from Inspector Mohideen. Later Kumar Abeywardena inspired him to go places in rugby. There are many more greenhorns from the districts, who were seen training at Galle Face grounds on Monday Feb. 7.

The Sunday Times interviewed Brig. Jayawardena. Jayawardena took over the reins from Rob Gibson last year's Kiwi coach. He served the Army as Director of Sports. Did much for the upliftment of sports on and off the field. Won a Trinity 'lion' in his first year and paired off with Glen Valengenberg (fly-half) for the school, Havies and later Sri Lanka. In retirement still served the Army cause.

Q: What made you take to Army coaching?
A: I was invited to do so by the Commander Lt. Gen. Shantha Kottegoda - the former Thomian cricketer. After Gibson left, Gen. Kottegoda wanted a local to coach the team. It's a full time job. I took up the challenge.

I made a name whilst, in the Army and wanted to give something back. Gen. Kottegoda insisted that only the soldiers should play for the team (not even local guest players). It's a meaningful suggestion by him. They have the love for the game and they should be encouraged.

Q: What is your strategy for coaching?
A: Physical fitness handled by former Sri Lanka body builder Mr. Jayatilleke. 2. physical skills. 3. Mental skills. This is a must for the team to prosper. These have to be on par.

Q: What are the chances during the coming season?
A: We will go match by match. The soldiers have the enthusiasm and would strive to win. But if they still fail - no excuses. It's a part of our development programme to help the national cause. Without a vision nothing could make much headway. The players have total commitment. They have a burning desire to achieve their objective. Then nothing is impossible. They are a disciplined lot!

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