Kandy SC Still top of the pops

If one wants to know about the persent, then look into the past. Kandy SC was formed in 1874 by the expatriates (Planters) for their weekend leisure sports at historic Bogambara. It remained there until the Second World War which broke out in 1939.

At that point it was acquired by the Army and they were running from pillar to post for their practices and get-togethers. The Club house was there, but that too was taken away by the Kandy Hospital for doctor’s quarters. In 1954, the club found its permanent abode at Nittawela—a one time dumping ground. They had a slippery climb. But eminent personalities performed the rescue- act with their own men and material.

Going down the memory lane and recollecting some of those names which comes to mind along with Kandy Sports Club are – David Bennet, John Penny, Rolo Willet, Christie Dunuwille, Dr. JC Blok, ER and EL Senanayake, Bennet Soysa, Col. Stanley Ratwatte, F. Scharenguivel, Dr. KB Sangakkara etc. John Penny, Leaf Manager, Ceylon Tobacco, built the clubhouse. It was ceremonially opened by the then Governor General, Sir Oliver Gunatilleke.

Initially the seeds were sown by those eminent personalities and the present generation is fortunate to reap the harvest. Today it is a club for all races thanks to the concerted efforts by the present hierarchy who have sacrificed their time and resources. The Nittawela ground resembles a little Twickenham (London). An international venue has come into IRB reckoning. One hundred and thirty six years in existence is a rare milestone indeed.

Unlike today KSC were spring chickens for Colombo clubs for tall scores. According to Iswan Omar, one of the pillars of KSC.

The silent revolution was created by Malik Samarawickrema -- a diehard old Royalist who shifted his loyalty from CR and FC to Kandy for reasons best known to him. Along with him came Priyantha Ekanayake, Shyam Siddiq, Imethie Marikar and Co. CR’s loss became Kandy’s gain.

In that era players migrated to Colombo for better facilities and job opportunities than playing for Kandy. Even talented players drawn from St. Anthony’s, Kingswood, Vidyartha, St. Sylvester’s Dharmaraja etc were forced to come to Colombo after their stints in their respective schools.

Today Kandy is one of the main rugby nurseries (at grassroots level) in Sri Lanka producing some of the best for the country. The players were induced to stay in Kandy with lucrative job opportunities. Those from outside, too were lured in bringing forth professionalism into the game.

Kandy SC has won the Caltex league championship and the Clifford Cup, since 2002. The men behind this rugby renaissance . Dr. Sarath Kapuwatte (the cog-in-the-wheel). President for 12 years. Malik Samarawickerma, Priyantha Ekanayake, Sarath Perera, Sumal Perera, late J. Ranhoty, Maurice Perera, Leslie de Soysa, Malath Fernando, Mediaman Hafeez Marikar, Iswan omar, present secretary Mahes Weerasinghe, Hemantha Yatawara, Lasantha Wijesuriya (Chairman rugby)

Then came the revolution in 1992. Kandy SC won the Clifford Cup led by Ananda Kasturiarachchi (the present head coach of the junior nursery).

In 1993 double international, Priyantha Ekanayake (basketball, rugby). A towering ‘lock’ of international class. Soft as a petal off the field led a champion side that had the likes of Haris Omar, Marikar, Siddik, Saman Kotalawela, etc. The silver trophy was in their custody. In 1995 (under Kotalawela), 1996 (Imethie Marikar) No looking back. In 1997 under Lasantha Wijesuriya. A ‘treble’ the league, Clifford Cup and the President’s Trophy (Coached by Nimal Lewke). In 1999 (treble champs).

Kandy are assured of retaining the title this season. CH and FC after trailing 3-20 stormed back in the last ten minutes to a thrilling 20-all draw over CR and FC on July 22. CH virtually playing with 13 players for over ten minutes robbed all hopes of CR winning the league when they confront KSC on Aug. 4 at Nittawela. Kandy skipper Jeewa Galgamuwa and his team will be the toast of all Kandy fans.

They will make a war dance with the Caltex league trophy aloft. Their new coach South African born John Taylor has done an excellent job. Inculcating the spirit of rugby among the 30-member squad.