Another Doha tragedy unfolded

The performance of Sri Lanka at the Asian games was not too pleasing. In the process of losing to Hong Kong they made as many mistakes as they could while going down in the play off for 5th and 6th place. Not even a consolation one would say. A big if is whether the team had the much needed commitment. “Did they seem a little less fit than one would expect from a winning sevens team? The match against India being virtually a warm-up game did not produce a score for Sri Lanka to be seen as a team that had the potential to be the champions. Subsequently loosing to China made them play Hong Kong for the 5th and 6th place. Even here Sri Lanka lost out. The performance in this match as well as the match against China needs review and revisit of the selectors before they get the team together for the Hong Kong Sevens. Was it fatigue or age that was catching up with some of the players? Were they overawed in the presence of the bigger boys of both teams? Did this have a demoralizing effect on the younger players. These questions need answers if we intend to proceed further than where we are today. Can we sit and wait sticking to the principle that we play an all Sri Lanka team while the others make use of the eligibility criteria. The criteria has been exploited and used by other countries not only in the rugby field but also in the athletic events. There many a runner of African origin especially in the long distance events who were winning medals representing another country other than that of birth. At the end of the Asian games what will be left is the number of medals won by each country. That will be how history will record.

Will we have to once again open the doors for non nationals to play in the domestic tournament or should it be “we have to”. Jimmy Bolokoro the CH player I understand has qualified under the residence requirements this year and can represent Sri Lanka. This also means that if he turns out for the CH or any other club this player will be considered as a local. The cue is that the club that has his services if allowed to play foreigners can play one more. The idea should in the long run encourage clubs to keep foreign players on a long term basis as they then will qualify as a local. The game form a spectator point will improve as well as improving form the point of vie w of the sponsors. What has to be done has to be done. Bold decisions have o be taken. These will have to be seriously discussed and planned for by the new team that takes office.

As the Union gets ready for the Annual General Meeting, it is another fortnight only that is left to determine whether Lewke or Michael will take over leadership. The Western Province Rugby Football Union has endorsed the candidature of Lewke for Presidency. It appears that Nimal Lewke has got A good start and can be expected to be the first past the post. A few more days to wait and the suspense is thinning with the advantage of a flying start.

On the first day of the 2006 ARFU 15-a-side Under 19 championship Hong Kong beat Korea who may have been favorite’s to reach the Final if there was any bookmakers ratings. Japan seem to be on course to retain the under 19 title they won in Lahore last year.

Host nation Chinese Taipei overcame a strong Hong Kong in a thrilling semi final to book a place in the final. This was a match that separated the teams by just one point, Taipei turning out winners by 20 points to 19. Chinese Taipei, joins Japan in the final.

Be alive and take notice of what is happening around us. Justification and theories that we did well against Taipei who eventfully reached the final will not be adequate to explain our absence at the top. The reality must be faced and we must take corrective action to improve by the time the next tournament comes along. The Union being the controlling body has to get involved with the schools so as to develop the junior team. Now that the Union has been providing the funds for the tour they should find acceptance much easier. The road to progress is in front of you and must be taken to improve the game.