Schools rugby continues to thrill spectators at the Knock out tournament despite some heavy weights from the league opting to give the boys a rest.
As I understand most of the schools that kept out had their strategy set at the start of the season? They decided on the number of matches for the season taking into account time for education too. In this scenario when the number of games of the league moved up to be nine, the season was to be grueling. Thus a decision was taken at the beginning that their participation will stop with the league. Arguments may be made for or against, as well as that this is an excuse What ever it may be this should be a learning point for the future and commitment should be made for the tournaments at the beginning of the season to avoid disappointment.
Last Sunday the 12th St Thomas’s College Mount Lavinia took on St Anthony’s College Kandy in the first Semi Final played at the Royal complex. Those who took time out on a Sunday afternoon definitely got their value for the money and time spent. There was a lot of movement of the ball and the ball was in play. With just 74 breakdowns the spectators received what they wanted to see. That is exciting rugby. While there were only 27 scrums and 18 line outs it was strange that both sides gave away 26 penalties. While STC came out winners they did not have it easy. SACK who went down heavily in the league did scare the Thomas side at most times of the game. It was this pressure and solid defense that forced mistakes in the form of giving away 22 of the 27 scrums to St Anthony’s. The game finally ended with STC winning by 36 points to 26. It was indeed nice to see the boys from Mount enjoying their rugby. St Anthony’s on the other hand came strongly at the latter part of the season as the team was taken over by Priyantha Gunaratne who coached the side previously too.
 |
| Action at the S. Thomas’ Vs St. Peters encounter played recently. - Pic by Ranjith Perera |
Talking about schools rugby and the success I decided to have a chat with Haren Malwatte the Chairman of the Rugby Advisory Committee at Royal. This I thought was a good thing if we could use the experience in developing the game. David McClelland of Harvard who is an authoritative source on need of achievement was convinced that this could be taught. Thus I thought it would be worth sharing the thoughts of Haren
The work of an advisory is no easy task as there can be many stakeholders. These include the school, players, coach, old boys as well as parents. I (not Haren) have observed in many instances their interest is either for their loved ones to find a place or to have a say reaching back to the time “when we played”.
To taste success one has to start from here where one has not only to be seen to do justice but also actually do it. According to Haren he had a good committee that was involved in the logistics of building a winning team. This required addressing the various environment and political issues so that players, parents and old boys would have confidence of what was being done as being right. In doing so it was important to select a good coach and give him the required space to work. In Theo Serafin they found a man who was a good communicator despite his heavy Kiwi accent.
They found a man whose job was on the pitch and not to get involved with those who stand outside the scrum and throw the little of something as advice. They found a man who could use vivid imagery to identify players and build a close bond. Being a foreigner unable to pronounce names and having a heavy accent I am told the use of images would have made Tony Buzon the Guru of mind mapping to be proud of Theo the coach.
Thus the opportunity was set for transparency in selection which involved a sub committee including the captain, coach and two others. The idea of using the whole bench gave everybody hopes to perform better. Everybody became a part of the team which gave all an opportunity to perform and be seen
The strategy for the season was mapped on the vision which came from the players. Those who won the jersey were handed the same in a manner that they felt they were proud recipients. The sense of belonging and the emotion attached to being part of the team and schools was established.
Groups of old boys were encouraged to talk to the team each week. It was not on how they played. It was on rugby, the spirit, the camaraderie and the attachment to the school.
Thus the job of strategizing and looking at the future was set to achieve what Royal did with Haren Malwatte and his energetic committee being clear of the brief given to them.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
E-mail