The Sunday Times Sports - Kumar joins Wesley’s 50th rugby scrumdown

Wesley College is an institution that has done proud for Sri Lanka on and off the field.

It’s another feather in their club. They celebrate their 50th anniversary in rugby. They started in 1956. The inaugural team was led by Eddie Buell – captain – cum coach. Despite going through the dark tunnel today Wesley are a force to be reckoned with said, Capt. Navin de Silva at a media briefing chaired by Mr. MAP Fernando, the Principal. To mark the occasion the Old Weslyites Sports Club has organised an Under-16 schools open invitation tournament to be held on Sept. 23 and 24 at Longden Place.

De Silva, an outstanding sportsman, but cut short his sporting career. Today he is flying high with national carrier SriLankan Airlines. He is the co-chairman of the organizing committee.

To add more flavour for this Golden Jubilee. The OWSC is fortunate to have in their midst Bob Dwyer the world renowned rugby coach. He has many firsts to his credit. For ten years coached the Wallabies. 150 Games and 74 tests. Helped to Australia’s first World Cup winning team in 1991. Defeated England at Twichenham.

Old Trinitians and rugby icon and the chairman of Kumar Group of Companies, Dilip Kumar will join him. Dilip has done much for the promotion of Asian Rugby. Besides has been a source if inspiration to Sri Lankan rugby said Navin. He was the former chairman Australian Rugby Union (ARU). This tournament is being sponsored by his firm and Old Wesleite Mike Siebel of Melbourne. Bob will be the guest speaker at the jubilee celebrations dinner to be held at the Trans Asia Hotel (on Sunday Sept. 24) Besides will witness the invitation junior 7s. The draw was held. It will be in 8 groups. Three in each group. Played on aleague basis. On the second day on a knockout – for the cup, plate and bowl. Accommodation will, be afforded to the outstation school teams.

The draw and the respective groups.

Group ‘A’ – Isipatana, Mahanama College, Asoka Colombo, ‘B’ – Kingswood, Carey, Lalith Athulathmudali MV, ‘C’ – St. Anthony’s Kandy, S. Thomas’ Prep. Kollupitiya, St. Benedicr;s Kotahena. ‘D’ – S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia, Nalanda, Sabaragamuwa Combined, ‘E’ – St. Sylvester’s, Piliyandala Central, Lumbini MV, ‘F’ – St. Joseph’s (Darley Road), Dharmaraja Kandy, Piyaratne MV, Padukka, ‘C’ – Royal Panadura, D.S. Senanayake College, St. Peter’s Colombo, ‘H’ – Ananda, CWW Kannangara and host Wesley.