SAM... A man from rugby’s golden era

Sam said that it was in the advice given by Kavan Rambukwella. “There were no walking interviews then. And yes, Police had some of the best sportsmen who were drafted on merit. It was a great honour,”

Trinity College celebrated their Rugby Centenary (along with the 2006 Bradby Shield) against Kingswood recently. The Hill Capital School has produced some of the greats for the country, be it professionals or sportsmen. The late Duncan White, Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Nimal Maralande, Glen Vanlangenberg and Lakshman Kadirgamar are just a few that come to mind. I made a quiet trek to Nittawela to watch the IRB Satellite International Rugby Sevens. There I met Seevali Samarasekera (better known as Sam), a solitary reaper sitting all by himself, sipping a Lager. He was watching the 7s rugby carnival, organised by his Club Kandy S.C. Dusky Seevali has had many firsts for his school, Kandy SC and later for Police SC. He played with the likes of ‘Kalu’ Silva and Nimal Lewke. When he scrummed down for Police in 1972 he played under amiable Anton Benedict. He did much for Sri Lanka, Havelocks SC and Police rugby.

Sam paid a glowing tribute to Benedict. “He not only taught me a lot at Police SC, but told me how to stand up and work for the right reasons. To date I owe him a debt of gratitude”.

At Junior Level Sam was coached by Hillary Abeyratne, who was almost a God father of Trinity rugby. Abeyratne is now domiciled in Melbourne, Australia. Sam made his debut under Abeyratne’s nephew, Ajit Abeyratne in 1968. That year Royal won the Bradby. Seevali says Jagath Fernando was one of the finest Centre three quarters he played against. “He used to run in his own inimitable style. It was a sheer delight to watch him, with or against,” said Seevali.

In 1969 played under Shaffie Jainudeen. Trinity regained the Bradby. in a good contest. “I made a 75 metre dash to roll over in that game. Trinity was coached by Denzil Kobbekaduwa at that time,” added Seevali.. As a schoolboy he played for Kandy SC along with Shaffie Jainudeen. KSC was skippered by Kobbekaduwa. They came to the Clifford Cup semis. They defeated Havelocks SC. All the points were scored by Shaffie and Sam. But they lost to CR&FC by 3 points in the final. His most unforgettable moment was in 1970 Bradby Shield encounter at Nittawela. Jagath Fernando led Royal. The team had Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, Fred Perera etc. Sam captained Trinity. He had Jayantha Weerasinghe, Rohana Kulatunga, Tikiri Marambe, Irvin Howie etc. With nine minutes to go, Royal was leading 14-nil. A do or die battle ensured. Sam initiated two tries to win the game 16-14. Thus Trinity retained the shield. When asked as to how and why he joined the police force, Sam said that it was in the advice given by Kavan Rambukwella. “There were no walking interviews then. And yes, Police had some of the best sportsmen who were drafted on merit. It was a great honour”.

In 1972 Police won the Clifford Cup outright. The team had Daya Jayasundera, S. Sivendran, ‘Rock’ Banda, Charles Wijewardena etc. In 1973 the Clifford Cup was shared with Army. Sam left the Police in 1977. He played for Kandy SC in 1979 under Irvin Howie. Kandy made to the final of the Clifford Cup. But they lost to CR&FC.

He also represented Sri Lanka against the Bosuns and Paris Universities. Sam is now on a retreat and leads a quiet life with his family. He admits that rugby made me a man and that he has many friends from all walks of life as a result of having played the game. His tip to any youngster who wants to take up rugby is that one should have at least 90 per cent fitness and be able to stand up under pressure. He says the game is for everyone to enjoy and not to make enemies.

In conclusion Sam said; “There is plenty of rugby among the Kandy schools. Talent is lost as a result there being no clubs barring Kandy SC. I am seriously contemplating on reviving the old Trinitians SC to play competitive rugby. The rugby club will be open to all. We will make an endeavour to get a sponsor for year 2007,” he said.