| Peter,
going great guns Down Under
By Bernie Wijesekera
Peter Jayawardena, yet another fine product of St. Peter's College
who later did proud for Havelocks SC.
Mild-mannered
Peter, now domiciled in Australia, Victoria since 2003 is back home
on a holiday, especially to see his Amma and Thaththi. A man of
few words, I was able to meet Jayawardena with his friend Dr. Daya
Atukorale, on January 10. Hard as steel he played as scrum half
for St. Peter's from 1976-79.
He
is a fine product of legendary coach Archibald Perera. Like late
Mike Chanmugam (cricket) 'Archie' had no peer when it came to rugby
coaching in Sri Lanka. Quite a number of national players have gone
through his tunnel either at St. Peter's or at national level. Peter,
started his rugby career under late Mr. Perera. He was able to play
under Angelo Wickremaratne in 1977. A granite-hard flanker who played
for the Havies and Sri Lanka.
In
an interview Peter spoke with emotion. If I am something today,
thanks to rugby and my 'guru' late Archibald Perera. He not only
taught the skills but inculcated discipline, self belief and to
play for the right reasons. Stressed much on loyalty to the school,
club and to one whom you serve. Money culture has ruined its image
in some quarters. Players leaving clubs for no rhyme or reason.
It also attributes to deteriorating standards at national level.
My club Havelocks SC too has suffered.
Q:
It also attributes to win trophies at all cost.
A: Yes. But not helped at national level, due to lack of competition
at club level. During our era every match was like a Cup final.
This is something that the Rugby Union must take serious note of.
Even to bring forth qualifying period, barring official transfers
(job-wise).
Q:
But today professionalism is a must for sports development, especially
for the less affluent talented sportsmen.
A: I agree. This is for a short-time could be for two or three years.
After rugby what. Some of them hardly get a chance to play.
They should be educated for a gainful employment for their future
betterment. It's done in Victoria, Australia. In the past the Private
Sector offered employment for outstanding sportsmen with an academic
background. At present it's not happening due to various factors.
Q:
What's the remedy?.
A: The clubs could ill-afford to overcome this. The controlling
body must make a concerted joint effort in collaboration with the
Sports Ministry and the clubs concerned. At present emerging clubs
have no playing field to train. In Australia (Victoria) every Council
has a playing field be it for cricket, or rugby. Even flood-lit
after work. Plenty of turf pitches and facilities. The kids make
use of it with their elders. Work on a good structure. There are
more Shane Warnes on the wings in Victoria. The much talk of a common
playing field for rugby and football at the Race Course, is still
a distant dream.
My
most unforgettable moment in my school career was in 1978 against
St. Joseph's Darley Road when the Joes joined the scrum after a
long lay-off and pipped us on the post 4-0.
During
this era school rugby was very competitive. Royal had Sujantha Kumar
Trinity had former Sri Lanka Test all-rounder, Ravi Ratnayake playing
as 'lock', Isipatana was led by M.P.F. Sallay, S. Thomas' etc.
Rugby has taught me many things. Especially the ups and downs in
life.
Q:
What was your first club?.
A: After leaving school I played for CR 'Bees'. But my
dream was to play for Havelocks SC and I achieved it in 1982.
Q:
Any noteworthy performances at club level?.
A: In 1982 played under genial Marco de Silva. Paired off
with another Peterite, in Peter Seneviratne. In the first round
against CR&FC. Beat CR at the 'Park' 13-0. We were written off.
But turned tables with an unstinted team effort, with the likes
of Hisham Abdeen, Len Silva, Beverly de Kauwe, Chaminda Rupasinghe,
M.P.F. Sallay. 1982 was a memorable year in my club career. Playing
in the 100th CR-Havies match. I made my debut the same year against
Police SC, at Havelock Park.
Whoever played they played for the uplift of the club.
Q:
Who were your rubgy idols ?.
A: Glen Vanlangenberg, Hanzil Samad, Jeff and Dan Rutnam.
Q:
In what way did you give back to the club after retirement?.
A: I made my mark at the Havies. Enjoyed to the hilt. No
regrets, for joining the Park Club.
Gave my time for the club with devotion and dedication as rugby
manager and secretary from 1997-2003. After a 14-year drought Havies
won a major trophy, the Premier league K.O. final defeating CR&FC
at Longdon Place under Shaffie Hassan.
Q:
What have you gained during your short stay in Australia?.
A: Qualified Level I coach of the Australian Rugby Union
(Victoria). Preparing for the Level II. At present coaching Harlequins
Under-16 rugby team, with Old Josephian fullback Gary Gunasekera.
I am striving to get a couple of Havies players of yesteryear to
follow coaching stints organised by the Vics Rugby Union. They run
a well planned structure. Always prepared to help players from emerging
nations. I was one of them, said Jayawardena.
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