Letters to the Sports Editor

Yes, Mr. Mahendra Ratnaweera, it is appalling indeed to see schoolboys behaving like thugs and rowdies. This is not applicable to all the schoolboys of whatever School. I made reference to two particular games where Isipatana played Thomians on the 26th of May, the referee was Mr. Somaratne.

Now that you have asked me to name the individual in your letter to the press, I can now state that it was No. 17 of Isipatana who behaved in this unacceptable manner on both occasions.

On the first occasion the referee said it was after the match therefore he had no status, however there was a complaint made to Cinnamon Gardens Police with no action. On the second occasion the referee through fear reported both players though it was no. 17 who caused this infringement.

On both these occasions the Isipatana spectators showed signs of restlessness and this put the fright into the referee.

Your standing up for Isipatana is well and good, but please look at the bigger picture than jumping to defend rogue players.

Your statements on the number of National players or you being a loyal old boy of Isipatana cannot change the rules of any game.

The best way you could support the continuance of decent rugby would be not to encourage thuggery and rowdyism in any form.

My view is that no sport under whatever patronage should be allowed to take the law into their hands. Rules of the game must be strictly enforced to ensure that all sport would create not only decent sportsmen but also disciplined citizens.

In year 2006 schools rugby season certain schools have violated the schools rugby union rules.

Herewith I am giving certain details pertaining to the above.

1. St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota school rugby captain namely S. Rajaguru has left school and registered in University of Jayawardenapura in the month of June to undergo Management Degree. After registering in the University he has played for the above school during the school rugby tournament.

2. Wesley College Colombo one player namely Safeerjan has failed the GCE (O/Level) exam but he has represented the school rugby tournament.

These shortfalls have been informed well in advance to the President and Secretary of Schools Rugby Association by giving necessary details in writing. But upto the time writing this letter the school rugby association has not taken action against the above two schools.