Royal’s flyhalf and place kicker Arshad Jamaldeen incidentally broke the record for points accumulated during a league rugby season with 148 points this year.
Arshad who is the son of legendary place kicker Nizam Jamaldeen, bettered the former record of 140 points set by St. Peter’s winger Rinaz Mohamed during the 2002 league season. Rinaz scored 28 tries for his tally while Arshad reputed as a playmaker from his boots posted a try, made 40 conversions in addition to 20 penalties and chipped in a drop goal for his points.
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| Arshad Jamaldeen in action |
“My initial goal before the commencement of the season was to reach the mark of 150 points. I’m really pleased with my achievement but I know I can still improve,” plucky Arshad said.
Flyhalf Arshad (18) who has already played a season with the Royal first XV team often finds place kicking as one of his greatest passions next to playing along for his team.
Arshad adding further on his entry to rugby said his father’s career was not totally the reason for it.
“I really don’t know why I took up the game. Maybe it was automatic or it’s in my blood. I was called in for practices and things just kept happening,” he recalled.
“My father is a great teacher. He actually gave me all possible tips that could come out from a professional place kicker. After a game we normally have a light conversation and each time he comes up with useful feedbacks.
That helped my career and passion for kicking in a big way,” Arshad added.
Arshad is tipped to lead the Royal rugby side next season in 2012 and with a strong team. He intends to carry forward the good qualities of present skipper Shehan Pathirana.
At the same time he wished to further improve his inherited talents to reach greater heights in rugby while taking up a challenge posted to him by his father.
“My father has challenged me to better his 248 points in a single club season. I’m aiming for that and the start is good”.
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