The first time two schoolboys from the same school will be representing the Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Sevens Rugby team has a good chance of entering the semi-finals of the Asian qualifier of the World Cup Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong on October 4 and 5, 2008 if they beat both India and host nation Hong Kong in their pool 'C' matches.
The Sri Lankan Sevens team led by Pradeep Liyanage will confront India in their first match and then take on Hong Kong on the first day and if they win both games they are likely to take on the mighty Koreans who are likely to head Group 'B' by overcoming Chinese Taipei and Singapore.
With seasoned campaigner Dilanka Wijesekera passing a fitness test the Sri Lankans will field an experienced side with players of the calibre of skipper Liyanage, Saliya Kumara, Ashen Karthelis, Mohamed Sheriff, Amjad Buksh, Wijesekera and Wasim Thajudeen likely to give of their best.
The Sri Lankans fared well on the first day of the Singer-Sri Lankan Sevens in Kandy by winning all their group matches but were knocked out in the semi-finals by the Koreans. The squad includes only six players who took part in the Hong Kong Sevens in March - Skipper Pradeep Liyanage, Saliya Kumara, Amjad Buksh, Ashan de Costa, Ashen Karthelis and Wasim Thajudeen.
The Sri Lanka squad includes two schoolboys - Isipatanians Sajith Saranga and Dinusha Chathuranga - the first time two schoolboys from the same school will be representing the Sri Lanka Sevens team. Earlier three other schoolboys from Isipatana represented the Sri Lanka Sevens squad - Hisham Abdeen (1980 Hong Kong Sevens), Champika Nishantha (1992 Hong Kong Sevens) and Ashan de Costa (2006 Asian Games in Doha).
The Sri Lnaka Sevens squad:
Pradeep Liyanage (Captain, Kandy SC), Saliya Kumara (Kandy SC), Amjad Buksh, Ashan de Costa, Lasintha de Costa, Ashen Karthelis, Mohamed Sheriff (all from CR and FC), Dilanka Wijesekera (CH and FC), Chula Susantha (Police), Wasim Thajudeen (Havelocks), Dinusha Chathuranga and Sajith Saranga (both from Isipatana).
Stand-byes: Sharo Fernando (Havelocks), Poornaka Delpechitra (St. Peter's).

Points awarded to losing Rajans after disciplinary row

by Rukshan Razak

The Disciplinary Committee that was appointed to look into the incident of allegedly allow playing three ineligible players by Isipathana College, against Dharamaraja College in their inter-school rugby match, has decided to award the four winning points to the loosing Rajans. But Isipathana will continue to remain the top division ‘Sunday Island’ learns.It is also reported that the Disciplinary Committee that was appointed to investigate and submit their decision to the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association’s EXCO in respect to the a protest submitted by Dharamaraja, against Isipathana, has decided that Isipathana has acted on the instruction by an Education Director of the Western Province and by doing so they have given opportunity to players who were deemed to be eligible, but as a form of penalty, the committee has decided to withdraw the four points awarded for a win from Isipathana and award the same to the loosing Dharmaraja College team.With this decision three teams, namely St Anthony’s, Dhjarmaraja and Vidyartha, will be relegated to ‘B’ division at end of this season, while Isipathana in spite of the deduction of four points will continue to survive in the top division.

Peterites edge out Isipatana - 8/7

Chris Dhambarage

St. Peter's College survived a fierce second half rally from Isipatana College to register a thrilling 8-7 victory in their Singer inter school under 20 Division One Group A league rugby tournament match worked off at Havelock Park yesterday.

The Peterites scored an unconverted try and put over a penalty in the first half to take an 8 nil lead at half time before Isipatana came back strongly to score a goal during the latter stages of the game. The defending champions St. Peter's College thus completed the league tournament on a winning note and this was their sixth victory and had two defeats from their eight outings.

This was the third occasion that Isipatana had come closer of pulling off the game having figured in two similar close encounters against S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia and Kingswood College Kandy respectively.

St. Peter's College took the lead following a superb push over try from their prop forward Lahiru Kumara. Winger Amila Fernando failed with the conversion but later made amends by putting over a crucial penalty shortly before half time.

Isipatana College recovered well and kept their hopes alive to a great extent by scoring a goal in the 16th minute of the second half. Centre Vishwamithra Jayasinghe scored their try while adding the finishing touches to a superb three quarter move.

Skipper Dinusha Chaturanga added the extra points and Isipatana had reduced the margin to a single point at that stage. But St. Peter's College held on determinedly with a solid defence and survived a tense last few moments before registering an exciting victory at the end.

Inclusion of ruggerite Sajith Saragna, is it a violation?

There had been several articles appearing in the press regarding inclusion of Sajith Saranga star schoolboy ruggerite, who represented Isipathana College against their match against Dharmaraja played on 22^nd May. Sajith Saranga also represented Sri Lanka Schools last year on an International tour. These articles appearing in the press creates much confusion and insult to this schoolboy as well as seriously tarnish the image of the National School he represents. With fairness to this outstanding player it is important that actual sequence of events is made known to the neutral public and the rugby enthusiasts.

1. The Student concerned Sajith Saranga Passed in all 10 subjects ( 2C’s & 8 S’s at the GCE OL with examination held in the year Dec 2006 ( including maths ). Considering his school based assessments and Educational circular guidelines he should have been secured with a class in GCE AL which the school has deprived. In his second attempt obtained 1 B, 2C’s and 2 S’s.

2. Press notices issued by the Ministry of Education, appearing in the Silumina of 20^th April and Dinamina of 24^th April, followed by the Education Ministry circular released on 30^th April, 2008 under ref 2008/17 giving new criteria on the eligibility for being in GCE AL class.

3. Due to the fact that these new Ministry guidelines provide opportunity, the Parents of the student Sajith Saranga requested the Principal to consider admission to GCE AL classes but were refused. Thereafter the Parents have met the Secretary to the Ministry of Education and the Minister himself on 23^rd April and the letter submitted by the parents was endorsed by the Minister requesting in his own hand writing requesting the Director of National Schools to study the Ministry Circular released and duly reply with a directive.

4. However there was no directive received from the officials from Ministry to the parents of Sajith Saranga, in desperation had met the Director of Western Provincial, coming under the Education Ministry, along with relevant documents, seeking assistance and guidance. The director of Western Province has realised the eligibility of this student under the New Education Ministry circular and could be admitted to GCE AL class.

5. The parents have requested the Principal to sort an official clarification. The Principal in his letter dated 12^th May, 2008, forwarded a letter with complete details and supporting documents pertaining to the student, Sajith Saranga and the Director of Education Western Province has endorsed the letter sent by the Principal confirming the student’s eligibility for GCE AL class.

6. The student Sajith Saranga was not allowed to play the first 3 matches of the tournament as there was no direction previously, and played his first match against Darmaraja College on 22^nd May, 2008.

7. However based on a protest made by Dharmaraja College to the tournament committee, and released to the Press after their match against Isipathana College, was given much publicity. Contents appearing in the press the day after the match was completely false and probably being done to tarnish the good name of three star players ( not Sajith Saranga), who have been regulars including the Captain of Isipathana College. The article also stated the school was penalised two years ago on a similar issue which was totally baseless and incorrect where Isipathana College were the runners up in that year.

8. An article appearing in the Press of 30^th May, 2008 states that a senior official of the Ministry of Education has requested action to be taken against the inclusion of non eligible student in the team and being referred Sajith Saranga and not any of the other 3 players previously much insulted.

9. As per the above point 3. the high officials of the Ministry failed to give directive even when the request was made by the Minister himself. However as per point 7 a ministry official has given a directive which was given much publicity in the press causing much damage to the outstanding sportsman and the College he represent. What matters is the concern of a star sportsman’s eligibility to represent the school is attended to when it is needed ie. at the time when the tournament commence and not when a protest is made by individuals who have vested interest on this matter.

10. There has been an argument that Isipathana College is a National School and matters related to National Schools are taken by the Director of National Schools and not by the Director of Education coming under the Western Province. One would like to know what interests the Director of Education in charge of national schools had to study this special case and advise of the eligibility or non eligibility of Sajith Saranga a National Schools Players of last year since, the date clarification was by minister himself on 23^rd April.

11. It is also observed that the criteria of admitting students to GCE AL classes under the new Ministry Circular is interpreted by the officials of the Ministry of Education who are responsible for National Schools in a different way to that of the Ministry officials who are responsible for other schools coming under the Western Province.

One could imagine the mental agony of the Star Rugby player Sajith Saranga and his parents undergoing today. His name is tarnished as well his College name is tarnished. Added to the fact the press published names three star Rugby players questioning their eligibility with no bother to consult with relevant authorities, prior to publishing such damming articles. One should realise that these irresponsible adults are playing a game of their own for their own glory, at the cost of these talented Isipathana College Rugby players. These Rugby players have to participate in these tournaments under such horrid and ridiculed conditions. Even though persons with such motives feels they have nothing lose, there is Karma that follows which they can not escape or if not them their own children may have follow the consequences.

Sarath De Silva

Thimbirigasya

Isipatana in resounding win over Antonians

RUGBY. Isipatana College cruised to their second straight victory while overcoming St. Anthony?s College by 32 points to 10 in their Singer inter school under 20 Division One Group A league rugby tournament match worked off at Havelock Park yesterday.
Isipatana collected their points from one goal and five tries after having led 17-10 at half time. The Antonians responded with one goal and one try.
This was another fine performance from Isipatana who came back strongly to dominate the entire second half through their speedy three quarters.
They simply opened out the game during the latter stages with a series of three quarter moves that helped them to pull off the game by a convincing margin.
Even then they will be disappointed that they could not convert five of their six tries which would have given them the opportunity of piling up a bigger score at the end. However they played to their potential and successfully retained the possession while dominating the set pieces and the line outs.
The Antonians of course made a promising start to the game and looked capable of stretching their opponents to the maximum. Their full back Bandara had a fantastic game and contributed all ten points in the form of a goal and one penalty.
Bandara succeeded in penetrating the Isipatana defence shortly before half time after he had formed the overlap quite beautifully. He added the extra points having earlier opened scoring through a neat penalty.
Isipatana got their act together well from there onwards with Wishmithra Jayasinghe and skipper Dinesh Chaturanga scoring two tries each in the first half. All four tries were the result of some splendid work by their three quarters where they scored following the second and third pace moves.
Isipatana completely dominated the second half and added two more tries to their tally through Srinath Sooriyabandara and Niroshana Fernando. Both tries went unconverted. D. Nimal refereed.

Isipatana in exciting 17-12 win over Royal

Isipatana College survived a fierce late rally from Royal College to register an exciting 17 points to 12 points victory in their Singer Inter-School Under-20 Division One Group 'A' League Rugby Tournament match worked off at Longden Place, yesterday.
Isipatana also retained the Major Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy. They collected their points from two goals and one penalty after having led 14-12 at half-time. Royal College responded with one goal and one try.
This was also Isipatana's first win for the season following last week's 10-29 defeat at the hands of Trinity College Kandy played at this same venue. But this time they certainly came out with an improved performance and went on to register a morale boosting victory at the end.
Even then they were really tested during the last few minutes of the game following a superb late rally by the Royal forwards. The team from Reid Avenue of course missed two certain tries during this vital stage of the game and eventually they ran out of time.
Isipatana defended their goal well with a determined performance and counter attack occasionally that surprised their opponents. In fact both tries for Isipatana came in this style in the space of less than one minute. First it was skipper Dinesh Chaturanga who broke off almost from inside their territory following a Royal blunder before scoring under the post.
The dynamic centre three quarter sprinted well over sixty meters while brushing aside two defenders and also added the extra points to give them an early lead. Then almost with the kick off winger Vishwamithra Jayasinghe sliced through the Royal defence following a loose maul and powered his way to touch down under the posts. Prasad Devinda made no mistake with the conversion.
However Royal recovered magnificently thereafter and soon reduced the margin to 12-14 with a splendid performance. They were awarded a penalty try after their three quarters had worked their way beautifully but was obstructed by an Isipatana defender.
Full back Shailendra Chandrasekera added the extra points from under the post to make it 7-14. Royal kept their opponents pinned inside their territory for a long period while forcing a series of five metre scrums before winger Chandraratne powered his way to touch down near the corner flag. Chandrasekera fumbled with the difficult conversion.
Isipatana of course had limited opportunities in the second half but they managed to put over a penalty through Dinesh Chaturanga and increased their lead to 17-12 a score which stood until the final whistle.

Trinity in smashing 29-10 win over Isipatana

Trinity College Kandy produced a powerful display to bring down their arch rivals the high riding Isipatana outfit by 29 points to 10 in their Singer inter school under 20 Group A division one league rugby tournament match worked off at Longden Place yesterday.

The Trinitians going in as the underdogs completely stunned their opponents and collected their points from two goals and three tries having led 15-7 at half time. Isipatana managed to score a solitary goal and put over a penalty.

This was a fantastic effort from Trinity College considering the fact that the odds were heavily against them with just one coloursman in their ranks. But they dished out some absorbing rugby under wet conditions while proving their talent and potential.

In fact the wet ball and the soggy ground conditions did not prevent them from playing their natural run and pass game with some of the moves been initiated from their own territory.

Trinity College played with a lot of confidence as the match progressed and scored two late tries that completely sealed the game in their favour. Until then Isipatana of course had an outside chance of pulling off the game as they were trailing by a close margin of 10 points to 15 for a long period.

This was the stage that Trinity College really played their hearts out and held their nerves against an all out attack from the home side. They kept their goal line in check with a solid defence during this crucial period before adding the finishing touches in style.

Trinity College in fact got off to a flying start following two splendid tries during the first fifteen minutes of play. They made their intentions quite clear from the kick off and did extremely well to convert their possession into points.

Speedy centre three quarter Wishwajith Wijesinghe stole the limelight while crossing over the opponents goal line twice after they had formed the overlap quite beautifully. The Trinity halves combination of Adeep Hamid and Abdul Fahard gave a good account of themselves while initiating a number of scoring opportunities.

The Trinity forwards enjoyed a great amount of possession and scored their third try through flanker Rushmi Ramzin mid way in the first half. Isipatana responded almost immediately following a clever piece of work from scrum half Srinath Suriyabandara.

Isipatana then came closer to levelling the scores following a crucial 25 metre penalty from Dinusha Chaturanga shortly after the interval. But from there onwards Trinity College held the centre stage with a fine all round performance with fly half Abdul Fahard scoring their fourth try.

Trinity’s final try came during injury time following an obstruction with the referee D. Nimal awarding a penalty try which was converted by Kennon Armstrong.

Isipathana wins All island 7's

At the qualifiers Isipathana beat St. Aloysius by 56/00 with ease and on the nextday beat Vidyartha by 40/00. Biggest upset of the tournament was done byMahanama who beat Kingswood by 17 (1 goal, 2 tries) to 14 (2 goals).
Isipathana beat DS Senanayake by 42/05 (only points againstus). Captain Dinusha touched 3 tries 2 conversions), Ashan Gallage(Another 16 year old) with 1 try, Vishawa with 1 try and Devinda with 1 tryand 4 conversions.
At the final we met Ananda which wanted their revenge of 46/00 at lastweek's western province 7s. The final score 48/00 (4 goals, 4 tries) got the points in evenly (24points at each half). Vishwamithre with 3 tries, Dinusha 2 tries and a 1conversion, Devinda with 1 try and 3 conversions, Ashan Gallage with 1try and Deshan with 1 try.

Isipathana Wins Western provice 7's

Isipatana College clinched the Cup Championship defeating St. Joseph's College 21 nil in the Western Province Under-20 inter-school seven-a-side rugby tournament concluded at the CR and FC grounds in Longden Place yesterday.
Isipatana collected their points from three goals with all scoring been done in the first half. Sajith Saranga, Srinath Suriyabandara and Dineshka Chaturanga scored a try each with the latter converting all three tries.
In the semifinals, Isipatana trounced S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia by 37 points to nil after leading 15 nil at half time. St. Joseph's College came from behind to beat Mahanama College 24-12. S. Thomas' College however made amends by lifting the Plate Championship with a convincing 26 points to 12 points victory over Mahanama. The
In the Bowl Championship final Ananda College defeated Royal College, Panadura by 31 points to nil. In the Shield final Lumbini MV staged a good second half rally to beat Zahira College 24-17. C.D

Isipatana college inter house rugby matches

Isipatana college inter house rugby matches ended last week at our own grounds. Iqbal House won the under 19 title.

This event was organized by shamly nawaz(1998 Captain of isipatana team) and his team mates. (year 1998/99/2000).