De Costa almost there

By Harry Jayachandra

Outstanding Isipatana ruggerite Ashan de Costa, is the only new face in Sri Lanka’s Sevens squad for the Asian Games. After weeks of training the final 15 have been chosen. The actual 12 who will travel will be known only tomorrow or the day after.

The delay in naming the touring party is because Mohammed Sheriff and Chamara Vithanage have to undergo fitness tests. Following the tests, the squad is due for a final eight day coaching camp in Colombo under the guidance of coach Laga and assistant coach Nishantha Chanaka.

Making a return to the side is veteran fullback Nalaka Weerakkody. Weerakkody was not eligible for selection at the Singer Sevens where Sri Lanka did admirably to even stretch Asian powerhouse South Korea. Many were against changes to the team citing their exemplary performance. But as the saying goes that was then and this is now.

Manager of the Sri Lankan contingent Chaminda Rupasinghe speaking to The Sunday Times said that it was a very talented side. “We have been practicing hard for the past few weeks. Now it is a question of executing the game plan on the field. We have to be at our best from the start as India and especially China will not be easy. Our first target is to get in to the Cup Quarter Finals. The goal is for a top three finish,” said Rupasinghe.

The Final 15 are; Sanjeewa Jayasinghe(Captain), Sajith Mallikaarachchi, Amjad Buksh, Fazil Marija, Ashen Karthelis, Anuruddha Dharmetilleke,, Lalindra Rodrigo, Dhanushka Perera, Saliya Kumara, Dushantha Lewke, Ashan de Costa, Dilantha Wijesekera and Nalaka Weerakkody. Mohammed Sheriff and Chamara Vithanage (subject to fitness test).

Sri Lanka play both their matches against India and China on December 10 at the Al-Arabi Football Stadium.