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Around the rugby clubs
Navy- no glamour, but oozing with talent
By Bernie Wijesekera
The Sri Lanka Navy has many firsts on and off the sea. The sailors play a vital role in the defence for a unitary state. In the process they have lost many a life and limb. In spite of these sacrifices they have kept up their presence felt in the field of sport especially with the oval-ball game.

Despite setbacks (sweet and sour), the sailors are determined to give of their best with a concerted team effort, in the coming season. The Airmen grounded may without a win, but will make their opponents sweat with their green horns. They play their hearts out, like the services team, developing the game with their rural youth who has taken to rugby after joining the Navy said, Cdr. Kalan Jinadasa Secretary, Navy rugby.

It was a dull and dreary evening on April 4 . It was the "decider" in the Defence Services tournament between Navy and the Air Force. The venue looked a sea of mud. In the initial games the Airmen, lost to the Army 16-10, while the sailors lost to the same fore at 55-3.

But in this match, the Airmen were all at sea. The Navy Dreadnoughts grounded them winning by 18 points (3 tries and a penalty) to 3 (a penalty) to meet the Army in the final. It was a stupendous team effort all round.

"Eighty percent of the Navy players have no school rugby or a competent coach to assist them. They had their inter-command tournament where over 200 rural youth took part" said Cdr. Jinadasa. None of the regulars were allowed to take part.

Continuing Cdr Jinadasa said "It was rugby at grassroots level, to harness talent. However in spite of the SLRFU having a scheme for the development of the game and get even funds to expedite the work the Navy does not find anything coming their way. The new SLRFU management should take serious note to utilise the IRB funds. Food and lodging is there. But nutrient is vital to keep them in vim and vigour. Last season, former Sri Lanka player Bryan Baptist was the rugby consultant. He gave immense support on his own. He gave the players the nutrient and contributed much for the development of rugby among the sailors. Mr. Baptist as coach the sailors emerged runners up in the K.O. 'A' and 'B' divisions in 1989. Last year a diehard rugby promoter and a past administrator, Malik Samarawickrema, donated Rs. 100,000.

Describing the squad Cdr. Jinadasa said "Their main strength is the three-quarter line. They have a big set of forwards. Best third row - strength, stamina and fire power. Sri Lanka’s No. 8 Malawana, flankers Ravi Jayasuriya and Fernando are National players.

Stand -in Prasad and Rangika could play in the second -row, too. It's a mobile pack led by former Mahanama College player Menaka Suranga (prop) who will bind up front with H. Palihakkara, Karunasena, K.S.P. Kumara and Marasinghe (hooker).

The scrum halves are Sanjay Kumara and R.M.D. Bandara. Fly half A.I. Niyadagala from Vidyartha. The lad is undergoing training. He could also play as a winger. He possesses a fine pair of heels.

The three -quarter line is sleek. Winger Mathangaweera R. Tennakoon, Samarakoon, Anushka Colenne (Sri Lanka player), will be joined by two Isipatana players K.P. Manjula and M.S.K. Premanath (a fly - half). Fullback 'Kata' Ranatunga.

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