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The power sharing deal brokered by the Minister of Sports and the IRB before the D-Day was a comfort to the rugby fans. What was important was for the game to continue. To some the membership of the IRB did not mean much. Not that the membership of the IRB was not important but just that it did not affect them. To some it was because of ignorance while to others what they wanted see was a rugby match. To others who had the passion to spread the game it was inability to continue their efforts due to the non release of funds by the IRB.
Now that there seems to be some sanity I would expect the leaders to lead. So that we can proudly stand behind Sri Lankan rugby much in the same manner that crowds stand passionately behind their schools . So that they can sing the national anthem in the same fervour that they would sing the school song. Let us hope more than we have hoped that this marriage of the leaders will last and produce issues that will bring joy. As in a marriage the first few days will not be easy and the there will be out laws as well as in laws who will contribute to the cracks within the system. If they cannot contribute they will at least manufacture a crack. There will always be some who want to have their way to satisfy the ego as the chip on their shoulder weighs more than the grey matter that should direct them. Already there are issues and legal notices that have been sent about a tournament that the SLRFU says is not valid while others say we represent the Western Province. Possibly these issues can be sorted out in a civil and amicable manner by the President and the Vice President who have agreed to cohabit.
School rugby draws the attention of the crowds even as the little bit of swords are sharpened. Confusion prevailed and still prevails as games are being shifted and dates are being changed with the accommodation of twelve teams each in Division 1 “A” “B” and “C”.
The games played so far have not reached standards to dish out quality rugby. Yet there has been enough for the enthusiasts to shout about. In a scrappy game of rugby played at Havelock Park Wesley got the better of S. Thomas College. Kingswood playing against Thurstan College scored the highest this week. Out of the minnows that climbed to Division 1 it was only St. Joseph’s who had a very close call in the match they played against Royal College. Thurstan , Science and Dharmraja has more time on their hands to prove that they are worthy of being in Division 1 .
It was a common factor in most of the school matches that there is less understanding of the areas that referees are expected to be vigilant. The IRB has begun to stress to get quick ball and let the game flow. The tackler had been allowed to remain in contact with ball and ball carrier up to and around 2009. When blown this got the attention of the crowd in condemnation but also the wrath of the coaches. Though there is no change in the law the enforcement is stricter and the tackler has to release the ball and the ball carrier. The strict application of the tackle laws including the carrier releasing the ball seem to be foreign to most. This thinking is made more abusive as people also think that the referee has to give so many seconds which was never there in the law. Similarly there are areas of the maul obstruction, scrum engagement and feed, intentionally sealing off and dangerous play are viewed more closely among other things.
Going back to a game that was unexpected was Royal versus St. Joseph’s where the score line stood 38 to 31 at the end of the long whistle. 69 points in a game shared almost equally is a very good score to expect in a great game of rugby. The game however did not rise to fever pitch as both sides were average in their attempts to allow the game to flow. Royal never opened up the game to be a threat to the Joes.
Theirs was to put points on the board on the penalties they got. Joes on the other hand failed to take control in the first half when they had two penalties under the post and within kicking distance. The Joes rallied later in the second half as the ball moved more from the base line. Tackler not releasing was a sore point in the game while there were number of penalties for not staying on feet. Maybe a quick look at IRB interpretations on “same laws and better game” and if the referee was more consistent in the use, the use of the yellow card to manage would have reduced the penalties and helped the game to flow. Then the mourn would be that the referee gives unwanted yellow cards.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB
Vimal Perera is a former
Rugby Referee, coach and
Accredited Referees
Evaluator IRB |
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