Isipathana clinch President’s Cup beating Trinity 21-16

Double in a row for Pathanians:

 

Isipathana College, Colombo in a thrilling 90 minutes of play defeated Trinity College, Kandy by 21 ( 1goal, 1try and 3penalties ) to 16 ( 2tries and 1 penalty ) in the final of the Milo inter-schools President’s trophy knockout rugby tournament 2012 at Royal Sports Complex yesterday.

With yesterday’s victory Isipathana College remarkably became winners of two trophies this year including the Schools A division League Tournament title which they grabbed few weeks back.

The final was breathtaking from the first minute as both teams desperately seeking for points on the board. Trinity in overall defended well while Isipathana kept on attacking until they grab the trophy after a long time.

Hirantha Perera of Isipathana struck early in the fifth minute with a penalty. Few minutes later Trinitian winger Dharshana Udalagama scored under the post with a magnificent try taking the advantage of a slight mistake by P Ranasinghe of Isipathana to take the lead by 5-3 for Trinity.

In the 10th minute a penalty brought Trinity to eight points with Thisala Karunaratne making no mistake this time. Following a substitution Isipathan's S Chaturange touched down the line and Hirantha made no mistake in adding extra points with the conversion to give Pathanians a two point lead. Isipathana led 10-8

It was Darshan Udalagama of Trinity who crossed over for the second time with an unconverted try and collected five points to regain the lead by half way mark 13-10. In the second half Trinity were attacking dangerously but could not make use of their opponent's missed passes to score. Isipathana re gained the lead with a brilliant try by P Sooriarachchi from far left. Isipathana led 15-13

In the latter stage of the match, the battle became an enthralling one but Hirantha showcased a poor play as he missed back to back two penalties for their enthusiastic fans' dismay. With 8 minutes left Isipathana added another three points with a penalty. In the breathtaking final four minutes Isipathana made no mistake with the seocnd consecutive penalty. Trinity reduced the deficit with a penalty in the next minute but it was Isipathana enjoyed the fire works when the final whistle was blown at 21-16 in favour of Isipathana.

DailyNews - 2012/10/15

Crisp and clean Isipathana through with ease

By David Stephens
 
Despite muddy conditions underfoot, Isipathana executed a game plan filled with crisp passes and blazing runs, to walk away 26-18 winners, against St. Joseph’s College, at the Royal Sports Complex yesterday.
The score line does not ful
ly reflect the dominance of Isipathana, who had a stranglehold on the match through all of the first and much of the second half. Their tries came from Winger Uditha Tharanath, No.8 Arun Kumar, Scrum Half A. Costa and Full Back Sithum Chathusanka, while the Joes were buoyed by the efforts of No.8 Jason Melder and three-quarter Stephan Gregory.

 

Isipathana No 8 Arun Kumara  

 heavy weight, but is over the tryline to 

 post the second for his school.

 (Pic Ranjith Perera)

Isipathana struck early through Tharanath, with only 10 minutes on the clock, a darting run through an already disorganized Josephian defence, which was constantly flat-footed during the early exchanges. The ensuing conversion attempt however, was wide of the mark.
The Joes promised a good fight when Rehan Thiyagarajah belted over a penalty five minutes later, but Isipathana quickly vanquished any thought of that a few minutes later.


From a lineout Isipathana worked the ball to the right of the field before, Kumar, who was a constant worry for the Joes’ defence, burst through the back line for a try, which was converted by Costa.
At 12-3, St. Joseph’s was beginning to feel the pressure and was guilty of an number of unforced errors. Not so for Isipathana, which was exhibiting impeccable handling skills even though the ball was coated in a thin layer of mud. They quickly exploited the gaps in the Josephian defence to record another try through Costa in the 38th minute.
Isipathana nearly extended the lead at the brink of halftime, but Kumar dropped the ball right before crossing the line. Coming out for the second half, St. Joseph’s was a lot more sensible with its defence and thwarted numerous scoring opportunities of the opponents. By managing to frustrate Isipathana, the Joes began to grow in confidence and used their superior size to score in the 60th minute, Jason Melder powerfully thrusting himself over the line.
However, Chathusanka quickly darted over the line a little while later to restore order and promptly seal the result. Nevertheless, both Gregory and Melder hit back with tries of their own to highlight the fact that although Isipathana was the far superior team, they sometimes are too eager to take their foot off the pedal.

Referee D.Nimal 

Sunday 29th April, 2012 - The Sunday Times 

Isipathana looking for the crown

Thushan JAYASURIYA 

Isipathana College, which has been in the forefront of schools rugby for over three decades are packed with talented players and will be striving to clinch the Singer League Rugby championship this year.

Kumendra Dharmadasa (Captain)

Shenal Dias (Vice Captain)

Though they were beaten by Royal College (10-11) last year, they were able to emerge runners-up of the league by winning the other matches.
This year the side will be led by Kumendra Dharmadasa, an experienced player of the team.
The squad comprises of four coloursmen and eight senior players.
Ganuka Dissanayake will play as the prop forward of the team while Ashan Darling, Ushan Charuka and Sudheera Karunaratne will fight for other prop forward’ s berths. Manaka Siriwardena will battle it out for the hooker’s position.
The impressive Ganidu Lakshan is assured of one lock forward's position.
The players who are trying to gain a place as lock forwards are Malith Ranga and Heshan Maldeniya.
Skipper Kumendra Dharmadasa will play in his pet position of flanker.
The others who could fit in as flankers are Senal Deelaka and Hastha Udyoga.
Seasoned player Arun Kumar will play as the Number eight. He has made a great contribution to the team on past matches.
The experienced Kavindu Costa, is the first choice for the scrum half berth.
The other player who is eyeing this position is Sudam Parinda.
The regular fly half will be Hirantha Perera with Dilshan Viduranga making a strong bid to oust him.

Isipathana College rugby pool. Pictures by Wasitha Patabendige

The quartet who are fighting for the centre berths are Shyamal Chathuranga, Pabasara Madhawa, Ashan Kovinda and Kushan Indunil.

Shenal Dias will once again play as a winger. The duo who are battling for the other position are Isanga Panchama and Uditha Tharanatha.

The experienced Sithum Chathusanka will once again occupy the last line of defence.
Last year the Pathanas beat Dharmaraja Kandy (37-15), St.Peter’s (42-29), Trinity (23-18), Science (23-17), S.Thomas’ (77-06) and Kingswood (10-05). They became the runners-up of the last season after beatene by Royal ( 11-10) by a single point. The coach of the team, Shamly Nawaz says that their prime intention is to win all the remaining matches for this season and win the league title this time.

Despite suffering the setback of being held to 19 all draw by Vidyartha. He also mentioned that he hopes to build up the side with new young players.
Their remaining fixtures are April 28 against St.Joseph’s at Air Force Grounds Ratmalana, May 12 against Kingswood at CR and FC, May 18 against Trinity at CR and FC, May 25 against D.S.S.C., June 01 against Science College at CR and FC, June 08 against St.Anthony’s Kandy at CR and FC, June 16 against St.Peter’s at CR and FC, June 22 against Royal at CR and FC, June 30 against Thurstan at CR and FC . The players are getting the maximum support from the Principal A.C.Perera and The Prefect Of Games cum Master In Charge Gamini Sarathchandra.

The Isipathana Under 19 Rugby Squad
Captain: Kumendra Dharmadasa
Vice Captain : Shenal Dias
Prop Forwards : Sudheera Karunaratne, Danuka Dissanayake, Ashan Darling, Ushan Charuka.
Hookers : Manaka Siriwardena
Lock Forwards : Ganidu Lakshan, Malith Ranga, Heshan Maldeniya.
Flankers : Kumendra Dharmadasa, Senal Deelaka, Hastha Udyoga
No 8 : Arun Kumar
Scrum Half : Kavindu Costa, Sudam Parinda
Fly Half : Hirantha Costa, Dilshan Viduranga
Centres : Shamal Chathuranga, Pabasara Madhawa, Ashan Kovinda, Kushan Indunil
Wingers: Shenal Dias, Isanga Panchama, Uditha Tharanatha.
Full Back : Sithum Chathuranga.
Coach : Shamley Nawaz
Assistant Coach : Bandula Mallikaarachchi
Physical Trainer : H.Karunaratne

Saturday 28th, April 2012  - Daily News

Isipathana aspiring to go one step further

By Chathura Pinnawala

Isipathana’s performance last season was an attention-drawer in many ways. Their style was reminiscent of the glory days and that has been perpetual in the preceding seasons too, but what parted company with the past few years was the consistency. It’s clear from the fact that if not for a narrow reversal against the eventual champions, Royal, they could be readying their guns for a title defence.

The Prasad Devinda led side reached the Knock-out final, before being knackered by Trinity and if they can continue that rich vein of consistency, this could well be the year that they put to bed the anomaly of a lack of the League Championship for 10 years which is not worthy of Isipathana’s fleet-footed reputation.

Isipathana rugby started in 1962 and the first captain was Bryan Ingram. Randy Keller was influential in introducing rugby to the school and under the management of Y. C. Chang they beat St. Anthony’s 8-3 in the first ever match. Ever since, their dominance is an all told story and through the years, they have produced 56 national players and four captains. True to form, Isipathana have had access to 13 league titles, eight knock-out titles and 11 triple crowns. In the condensed version, the sevens, they are 19 time champions and stamped their authority in International Singer Sevens, winning it four times.

Their achievement summit was in 1992, when the sweeping of six trophies out of seven on offer was fulfilled under Champika Nishantha. Underachieving is certainly not something that be attributed to Isipathana rugby.

The team is skippered by third year coloursman and flanker Kumendra Dharmadasa and their forward line will consist of Ushan Charuka and Ganuka Dissanayake (props), Manaka Siriwardena (hooker), Malith Gomes and Ganindu Dissanayake (second-row) and Senal Deelaka. Traditionally, the forwards aren’t the stronghold of ‘Pathana’ and their pack is lightweight, compared to the others, but in the first match against Vidyartha, they were able to hold their end tight and coach Shamly Nawaz believes they’ll get better as the season progresses.

"Our forwards were solid against Vidyartha. Last year too we had a strong forward line. I think they’ll get better as the season goes on, because we got much needed experience there."

Nawaz was outspoken about the target of the year too. "We always brace for a season with the sole intention of winning the title and this year is no different. There’ll be up and downs like the Vidyartha game, but that doesn’t alter our plans."

The No 8 jersey is worn by Arun Kumar and Kavindu Costa is the scrum half and they have huge boots to fill in Sajid Suhaib, who was gallant in the positions last year. Hirantha Perera will walk into the fly half role vacated by previous captain Devinda and Shenal Dias and Pabasara Madhawa in the wings will have the gruesome task of living up to the expectations those jerseys carry with it in Pathana rugby. Shamal Chathuranga and Uditha Premathilake are the two centers while Sithum Chathusanka at fullback completes the line-up.

Who are the players to look out for? "Shamal Chathuranga is one player we have high hopes about. He was unlucky to miss out on the junior national squad last year due to an injury he sustained. Flanker Senal Deelaka is another exciting prospect and we have earmarked him as a player who can lead the side in the future. Apart from that, captain Dharmadasa, No 8 Kumar, fullback Chathusanka are some who are bound to show their colours."

Is the 10 year procrastination about to end?

Isipathana College Squad:

Kumendra Dharmadasa (Captain), Shenal Dias (Vice Captain), Ushan Charuka, Manaka Siriwardena, Ganuka Dissanayake, Malith Gomes, Ganindu Weerasinghe, Senal Deelaka, Arun Kumar, Kavindu Costa, Hirantha Perera, Shamal Chathuranga, Pabasara Madhawa, Sithum Chathusanka and Uditha Premathilake.

Reserves: Hasitha Udyoga, Heshan Maldeniya, Ruchira Dilshan, Ashan Darling, Sudeera Karunaratne, Ashan Kovinda, Dilshan Viduranga, Isanga Panchama, Sudam Parinda and Kushan Indunil.

Monday 24th April, 2012 - The Island

Vidyartha earn face-saving 19 all draw against Isipathana

Isipathana College looked just about set to ease the mounting pressure on them pull off a thriller when Vidyartha College, Kandy scored a last gasp penalty and earned a face-saving 19 all draw in their Singer Division 1 Group A rugby match at Royal Sports Complex in Colombo last evening.

The Green Shirts ran like gazelles in the loose and threatened time again to punch holes in the Kandy team’s defence. But running down as many as three tries looked insufficient in the face of a severe onslaught by Vidyartha, who counterattacked quite well. The visiting team from Kandy collected their points through a try, a drop goal, a conversion and three penalties. The only drawback in the Vidyartha players was that they were quite often undecided or slow in thinking when in possession of the ball.

Vidyartha had a rousing start to the game taking a 10-0 lead 30 minutes into the game through a penalty, a conversion and a try by A.G.R Amarasiri, who beat fumbling Isipathana full back Sithum Chathusanka to the try line.

Isipathana’s response came very late in the second-half when they produced two tries through number eight Arun Kumar and full back Chathusanka who beat the defence with a burst of speed. With M.K Costa booting through the conversions Isipathana went into half-time leading 14-10.

Vidyartha closed in on the host’s score, right after the resumption when A.J Bandara dropped a goal.

There was even contest for possession between the two teams for the next 20 minutes, but what made an appreciative Sunday crowd sit up and take note was when Isipathana was reduced to 14 men as a result of a yellow card. Referee Arshad Carder became the cynosure of all eyes when he yellow carded two members of the Vidyartha ‘bench’ for unwarranted entry into the ground.

A moment later Vidyartha seemed to have scored, but the referee blew the Isipathana back division for not observing the 10 metre rule in a set piece which benefitted the Kandy team who were later informed that the try was disallowed because there was a forward pass after the infringement. Vidyartha’s C.J Fernando made no mistake with the penalty kick to put his team 16-14 in the lead.

Vidyartha experienced jitters minutes later when Isipathan were presented with a penalty, but Costa fluffed a crucial penalty in front of the posts.

Isipathana fired all cylinders five minutes before the end and took the lead when hard working third row forward Kumar crashed in for his second try of the game. Fly half J.K.H Perera had trouble adding the extra points.

Vidyartha tried real hard towards the end and succeeded when they earned the match-winning penalty which was turned into points by Fernando.

(RN)

Monday 23rd April, 2012 - The Island

Singer rewards champion school rugby teams

M. Farook Lantra 

The Singer League 2011 Rugby Award Ceremony was held recently at Hotel Galadari. Royal who remained unbeaten by winning all the eleven league matches played last year was awarded the coveted Singer Championship title by the Chief Guest Asoka Peiris, Chief Executive Officer Singer Group of Companies in Sri Lanka. The Runners-up in Division one were Isipathana College who also received the Runners-up trophy from the chief guest.

Others who were present were Ranjith Chandrasekara, President Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA), Nasser Majeed Marketing Director, Singer Sri Lanka PLC, Kumar Samarasingha, Director Sales and Sewing Marketing, Chitral Perera, Director, Human Resources, Brigadier Rtd. W.G.K. Ariyaratne Principal Trinity College and Sarathchandra Silva, Deputy President.

Nasser Majeed Marketing Director Singer, revealed that Singer which has a long history of 134 years in Sri Lanka and 160 years in the world. This giant sponsor Singer who have spent a substantial amount, an association that spans from 2004 is proud to continue supporting the development of schools rugby in Sri Lanka through its organization of its annual tournament.

The Singer League Tournament 2011 showcased the talent and skills of the 1st XV players from 90 teams featured a total of nearly 350 games in Div. I, II, and III.

The tournament was conducted in association with the caretaker of Sri Lanka Schools Rugby.
Using the opportunity not only to reaffirm its support of the game but also to honour its star players, Singer bestowed special awards upon group champions and runners-up of 2011 league tournament at the event.

Ranjith Chandrasekara, President SLSRFA also spoke which was fruitful. He also thanked the Secretary Susantha Mendis, Master in Charge, Coaches and the President of SLRFU and teams. Also Chandrasekara thanked the members of Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Society and its President.

Monday 16th April, 2012  - Daily News

ARFU acceptance for Dilroy

The Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) has accepted veteran international rugby referee Dilroy Fernando as a member of the ARFU Referees' Committee. Dilroy is an experienced umpire and has refereed more than 25 international matches. He was a one time CEO in the SLRFU and held the Presidency of the Referees' Association as well.

He is a Director of the Agoal Rugby Academy and a former Chairman of Isipathana Rugby and CR&FC.

 
Wednesday 11th April, 2012 - Daily News

Maurice de Silva: Miracle and Mastery of Rugby

M.V. Muhsin 

It was some fifty years ago. For ruggerite Maurice de Silva the evening started just as an ordinary day. Maurice warming up at Havelock Park. He was practicing throwing the javelin as a way of strengthening his arms. So he hurled the javelin a good distance and was happy with his throw.
His friend Carl Fernando was some distance away and Maurice called out and asked Carl to throw the Javelin back. Carl obliged! Maurice who was away from the line of sight stepped back into the arena and here was Carl with unintended geometrical precision making its way toward Maurice.
It took only a split second, and the javelin pierced---yes pierced-Maurice’s neck. Maurice fell down flat on the grass with the spear embedded in his neck. David Hoffman who was nearby ran towards Maurice and seeing the Javelin stuck in Maurice’s neck yanked the Javelin out.

Within minutes Dr. Larry Foenander who was at the club house was on site and was horrified with what had happened and even astonished that Maurice was still alive. Doc Larry castigated David for the hasty action of pulling the javelin out, stating that the action could well have been a fatal one.
Rushed to the hospital, Dr. Rustomjee determined that the javelin has missed the voice box and the jugular vein! If this was not a miracle, then I know of no other! That Maurice, now in his mid seventies, lives to tell this spine chilling event on his present visit to Colombo is a story that defies incredulity. The headline in the Daily News next day screamed: An Inch Away from Death!”
For those of us who were Rugby fans in Kandy, Maurice de Silva was a hero. EW Balasuriya drafted Maurice to coach the Kandy Lake Club which was regarded as an upstart by the Colombo clubs as well as the Kandy Sports club. How dare the Lake Club take on the establishment?! But Maurice turned the table on them.

He moulded a collection of unremarkable rugby players into a well coordinated pack of terriers who played excellent rugby. I recall how he told Gavin Stevens who was playing wing forward-hey, you are a born bloody prop and that’s where I want you to play. Maurice did not fit places with people; rather, he identified inherent talents and fitted people into places.

While Maurice was in Kandy, he was approached by St. Anthony’s to coach the school side. The outcome was startling. That year St. Anthony’s beat Trinity for the first time. Not long afterwards Maurice also coached Issipathana which team had the Savangham brothers and Saranapala to boot. And yes, Isipathana had a meteoric rise in the school rugby firmament. 

As a rugby player himself and a Peterite and Ceylon cap, Maurice was a brilliant Centre. He modeled his play on the lessons he learnt from his uncle Archibald Perera the ace Peterite coach.

In playing for Ceylon, Maurice paired well with Nimal Maralande who was a role model. In those days the rugby greats we knew believed fervently that rugby was a “running game” and if you do not run, then it’s really not rugby that they played. Maurice was known for the art of chip kicking and punting.


At times he used even his knee to chip kick. I think it was that memorable match in 1963 against Calcutta when Neville Sheddon the Army sprinter who was playing wing three-quarter was injured. In those days substitutions were not allowed.

And so Nimal Maralande pulled Sari de Sylva who was playing forward to drop back and play wing , a position that Sari was not accustomed to nor desired. The story goes that Maurice sensed Sari’s discomfort, but urged him not to worry.

As the ball came down the line Maurice asked Sari to come inside and within a split second Maurice sold a dummy-scissor to Sari and crisscrossed his way to score, while Sari suffered the brunt of tackles as the Calcutta players heaped on him in the belief that the ball was with him. Larry Foenander who was refereeing said that this was a remarkable move, and that the dummy scissor even foxed the referee!

And so as Maurice de Silva makes his way to Kandy and to the Havelocks, many more stories will be recounted. But the main message that comes to mind is what fine players we had who treated the art of open rugby as their religion-as good lesson as the Rugby season opens.

Tuesday 10th April, 2012 - Daily News

Sri Lanka in search of glory in Manila in Manila

In a quest of regaining a place in the top division of the Asian Five Nation Rugby Division One segment,Sri Lanka ruggerites will leave for Manila, Philippines tomorrow to take part in the important contest to be held from April 14 to 21.

Sri Lanka squad

Yositha Rajapaksa (Navy ,Captain ), Henry Terrence (Havelocks), Achala Perera (Kandy SC), Kishore Jehan (Kandy), Hasitha Perera (Up-Country Lions), Sharo Fernando (Up-Country Lions), SajithSaranga (Kandy), Sumedha Malawana (Navy), Srinath Sooriyabandara (Up-Country Lions), Rehan Weerakoon (Navy), Charith Seneviratne (Air Force), Dinusha Chaturanga (Navy), Dinesh Kumara (Havelocks), Reza Mubarak (CR&FC), Sandun Herath ( Havelocks), Nushal Meepage (Army), Sathya Ranatunga ( Navy), Namal Rajapakse (Navy), G.Ratnayake (Kandy), Saliya Handapangoda( Army), Dhiren Warnakulasuriya ( Havelocks), Dev Anand (Navy), Mohammed Sherif (CR&FC), Suranga Pushpakumara (Navy), Manager. Air Commodore Leonard Rodrigo. Coach. Phil Greening, Assistant coach. Sanath Martis

Under the guidance of new coach, Welshman Phil Greening and skipper Yositha Rajapaksa Sri Lanka will field a young and talented outfit and are confident of giving a good run for their money when they confront Chinese Taipei, Singapore and host Philippines.
The Sri Lankans who played in the top division last year held UAE to a draw, but were soundly beaten by Asian heavyweights Japan, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan which resulted in them being relegated to the lower division. But will go all out this year to win the Asian Five Nations and get promoted again to the top division.
The Sri Lanka team is a blend of youth and experience led by skipper Yositha Rajapaksa who has been a source of inspiration to his team mates with his fiery loose play, ably supported by seasoned campaigners Kishore Jehan, Achala Perera, Sajith Saranga, Charith Seneviratne, Reza Mubarak and strurdily built Sumedha Malewana and talented youngsters Sharo Fernando, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Rehan Weerakoon and Sandun Herath and will endeavour to give of their best.

Skipper Yositha Rajapaksa said on the eve of departure of the team that his team has been practicing vigourously for the last three weeks under the expertise of the new coach Phil Greening and are confident and determined to give a good account of themselves despite a few senior players opting out for personal reasons. Yositha also said that it is a pride to represent the country at any given time as playing for the country is the greatest asset in a player's career. He was also confident of getting the best of each player as his one ambition was in bringing glory and honour to the country.
Coach Phil Greening expected the competition to be a stiff one. “Lanka will face tough competition specially from the vastly improved Philippines and Singapore. But I am confident that the team will overcome all obstacles and gain promotion to the Asia division one ,where next year where they will be pitted against Japan,Hong kong, Kazakahstan and the UAE. Greening also said that the priority of the players should be to play for the country which is the ultimate goal of every ruggerite.
The team prior to leaving to their final destination Philippines will practice with the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong which will no doubt sharpen their skills and provide them with valuable exposure.


Sunday 8th April, 2012 - Sunday Observer

Sunday Observer/Caltex Rugby Awards

Sajith Saranga who was picked the best forwards player receives his award from Dinesh Weerawansa - The Editor-In-Chief of the Sunday Observer. Asanga Seneviratne the President of the SLRFU is also in the picture.

Sunday 11th March,  2012  - Sunday Observer

All Island Inter School Singer Rugby Sevens (Under 20)

Nalanda shock Royal on day one

All Island Inter School Singer Rugby Sevens (Under 20)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Royal College’s kick off for their rugby season 2012 was not so good as they were beaten in their home ground by Nalanda College. Coached by former Sri Lanka sevens specialist and CH & FC and Air Force player, Milinda Jayasinghe, they got the better of Royal in a tense battle to win 19-12. There were no shocks and all the leading schools walked away with wins and advanced to the Cup Quarterfinals which will be worked off today at 9.00 am Cup Quarter finals St Peter’s vs Isipathana Dharmaraja vs Vidyartha Nalanda vs Trinity Science vs Kingswood The following were the results on day 1 St Peter’s beat Ananda 36-0, Isipathana beat St Annes 45-0, Dharmaraja beat St Thomas Matale 57-0, St Joseph’s beat St Johns Nugegoda 22-0, Nalanada beat Royal Colombo 19-12, Science beat Dharmapala 24-0, Kingswood beat Prince of Wales 24-0, Lumbini beat Ananda 26-14, Trinity beat Zahira 26-0, Mahanama beat St Annes 38-0, Maliyadeva beat St Thomas Matale 10-7, Vidyartha beat St John’s 51-0, Nalanda beat St Sylvesters 15-5, Wesley beat Zahira 24-0, St Thomas beat Dharmapala 38-0, Prince of wales beat Thurstan 15-12, St Peter’s beat Lumbini 45-0, Isipathana beat Mahanama 33-0, Dharmaraja beat Maliyadeva 53-0, Vidyartha beat st Joseph’s 50-7, Royal beat St Sylvester’s 31-0, Trinity beat Wesley 19-10, Science beat St Thomas 45-0 Sunday 04th March, 2012 The Sunday Times

Mixed feelings as Martis takes over as Asst. Rugby Coach

Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union’s decision (SLRFU) headed by Asanga Seneviratne to appoint Englishman Phil Greening as the national coach has received whole hearted consent following Sri Lanka’s dull form in the international arena. At the same time when experienced local coach Sanath Martis was appointed as assistant to Greening many received the news with mixed feelings.
Though there were many pleased with Martis’s appointment, there were others who had different views. Some said that Martis was not in good terms with the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) of St. Peter’s College, where he has coached since 2005.

There were others saying that Martis was kicked out by the school authorities after he spoke on behalf of a group of players who were suspended by the Father Rector. However the Father Rector and the OBA of St. Peter’s rubbished these assumptions while commenting that their relationship with Martis was healthy and it still remains strong.

“We are upset that we lost his services suddenly. He has done a great job in to restructure our rugby. But the loss of a great navigator in the coaching staff is a great setback for us. We would definitely love to have him back but we have to understand that he is serving a more responsible job at the national level,” Suranga Seneviratne, a senior member of the St. Peter’s OBA said. 

Martis considered as one of the shrewdest tacticians of the game, played for Isipathana in 1983 and 1984 as hooker. He played for CR & FC from 1985 to 1988 and also represented national Under-20 and Under-24 teams in 1985 and 1987 respectively. In 1985 Martis began his coaching career with the Isipathana junior teams while in 1987 he took over the 1st XV team. 

In 1993 he moved to Kurunegala as the coach for the North Western Province while guiding teams such as St. Anne’s and Kurunegala RFC to many famous victories. In 1997 he took over Wesley and went on to coach his former club CR & FC and Isipathana before taking over St. Peter’s in 2005. In between he has coached mercantile and armed forces teams towards many championships. He also served as the Sri Lanka Under-20 assistant coach from 2002 to 2004 and as its head coach twice, from 2006 to 2008 as well as in 2010. A fortnight ago Asanga Seneviratne, the new head of SLRFU, stated his reasons for picking Martis as the head coach of rugby development.

“Martis is the ideal candidate from Sri Lanka as he has fulfilled several of our anticipations. I’m sure we can implement our development programmes affectively with Martis around,” Seneviratne told journalists last week.

Meanwhile Reverend Father Travis Gabriel, the principal of St. Peter’s stated that the school suffered a major blow by the sudden exit of Martis. He admitted that the coach had done a good job in helping St. Peter’s to maintain its rugby standards.

“It is a big loss for the school. But he is reaching the next step in his career which is the national level. That’s a level I’m sure any coach would like to reach and why should we hamper his progress. We will surely miss him and would love him to return if he wishes to,” Rev. Fr. Gabriel said. 

Martis meanwhile commenting on his new role said that his aim is to brush up the talents from the rural areas and help outstation rugby playing teams give the much stronger sides in Colombo and Kandy a run for their money. This is the sort of challenge Martis has been facing since his coaching days in 1985.

“It’s glad to learn that Asanga Seneviratne and his committee have confidence in me. I bade adieu to St. Peter’s very reluctantly. This was something I anticipated for a long time. I have fond memories with St. Peter’s and should thank all those who assisted me in producing so many players to the national level since 2005. This was my objective in coaching. I made this move because I can clearly see good times ahead for rugby in Sri Lanka. On my part I’m willing to give my fullest to unearth and develop rugby players and coaches and its infrastructures to serve Sri Lanka rugby,” Martis said.

Martis’ agreement with the SLRFU as the head of the development will be for three years from February 2012. As the SLRFU makes efforts to restructure the lost prestige domestically and globally, Martis’ involvement will be vital. He vows to help SLRFU in maintaining a national squad that is strong and open for any skilled player. 

Sunday, 26th February 2012 - The Sunday Times

Sunday

Schools rugby 2012 heralded by Sevens

St. Thomas’ College Matale and Dharmapala MV Pannipitiya will make their debut in division one rugby when they participate in the inter-school under-19 seven-a-side tournament which will be worked off on March 3 and 4 at the Royal College Sports Complex in Colombo.

Dharmapala MV and S. Thomas’ College were promoted to the top division after they had emerged division two champions and runners-up respectively in last year’s league tournament.
Dharmapala MV will battle it out along with former champions Royal, St. Sylvester’s and Nalanda in group ‘E’ while S. Thomas’ will meet St. Joseph’s, Vidyartha and St. John’s Nugegoda in group ‘D’.

Meanwhile the defending champions St. Peter’s College has been drawn in the top half together with Lumbini MV and Ananda while last year’s runners-up Kingswood College Kandy will face Thurstan and Prince of Wales.
In addition Isipathana are pitted against Mahanama and St. Anne’s Kurunegala in group ‘B’ while three outstation schools St. Anthony’s, Dharmaraja and Maliyadeva completes group ‘C’.

Last year’s knockout champions Trinity College will start their campaign in group ‘F’ along with Wesley and Zahira while group ‘G’ comprise of Science College, S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia and Royal Panadura.
The eight top teams of each group will qualify to compete in the Cup Championship and the losers will be pushed into the Plate Championship. The second placed team in each group will play in the Bowl Championship and the third placed team will vie for the Shield Championship.

 Sunday, 26 February 2012 - The Nation

Day with the head of Referees - Nizam Jamaldeen

A product of Isipathana College, Colombo, Nizam represented the College 1st XV in the years of 1984 and 1985. During the later part of 1985 he started playing for CR & FC  even though at a very young age. Having joined the Police Force in the year 1986, he continued to play for the Police Team till 1997, rendering his services as a very valuable fly half to the team. He also proceeded to captain the Police Team in 1993, in which they  became the League Runners Up.  Jamaldeen is the proud record holder for the highest amount of individual points up to date. A total of 248 points accumulated in one rugby season still stands to his name. Jama, managed to beat the 202 point record previously held by legend Charles Wijewardena.

Jamaldeen also represented the Sri Lanka sevens and fifteen sides from 1986- 1994 at fly half position. He is currently the only Sri Lankan referee who has officiated in a total of 05 ASIAD’s and 03 Asian Tournaments. The highlight of his referring career was when he was selected by the IRB to serve as a match official in the Dubai Sevens in 2003.


What are your thoughts on being re-appointed as the President? 

With the recent re- appointment as President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Committee Jamaldeen stated that he doesn’t want to stay in office forever. Stressing the fact that a young man should take office next year Jamaldeen was happy to be the president for another year with 60 votes backing him up. Main reason for him not wanting office this year was due to his son, Arshad Jamaldeen captaining the Royal Team this year. He emphatically explained that he excused himself from the ‘assignment committee’ which according to the constitution has to be headed by the President. He stated that three experienced gentleman were in place to make these assignments.


Last year’s progress? 

With the help of the three gentlemen, Mitha Abeygunawardena, Vimal Perera and Vimal Senanayake he stated that they had done pretty well during the last season, both in  School and Club matches.


Referee Structure in Sri Lanka 

There are three categories of referees in Sri Lanka at present.
1. International Level
2. A1 Grade referees
3. A2 Grade referees
There is also a website for referees where they can log onto and check their assigned matches for the upcoming week. They also have the option of either accepting or declining the particular match assigned for them.


Status of Refereeing in Sri Lanka  

right - referee Gamini Indrasena an old isipathanian

Referring in Sri Lanka is severely looked down upon by the public and because of this notion none of the younger generation is motivated to take up referring as a hobby. This is a very depressing situation for us. We are facing a massive shortage in refs with the current match structure and it is very sad to see when none of the younger lads want to take up referring. Due to the manhandling and verbal abuse experienced by the current team of refs, the younger generation is not at all interested in joining the     field. A referee is very vital to the game of Rugby and we should make it a point to encourage the younger players to look upon to help carry on the game forward.


How important is referring to the game of Rugby? 

Referring is very vital for a game of Rugby. Lot of people think it is a very easy job but the truth is. ITS NOT!!! It deals with a lot of concentration, focusing and making wise and split-second decisions at crucial stages. Currently we lack a lot of technical assistance. Unlike in the international level Sri Lankan referees do not have the luxury of wired referring facility with the touch judges, TV refs etc. Since it’s a one man show down on the field, refs are bound to make more mistakes. “We are also human; the spectators have to understand that….”
All what a referee wants is to let the game flow and help the boys have a good game. In order to that the spectators and the coaches have to understand that they come only to view the game and enjoy, not chant rude slogans and mishandle the refs during a game. I always tell any Rugby enthusiastic, “Always love the game and enjoy the sport. One day before you go to watch a match, ask yourself twice as to why am I going for this match? If the answer is not to enjoy the match then please stay at home, by making that wise decision you will be doing a favour to many people..”

Thoughts on the Carlton Super Sevens 

“The best thing that has happened to Sri Lankan rugby! There should be more events like this since it gives so much of exposure to young players. Really helps them to learn from the experienced foreign players and it also helps them study the game in a different angle”

Future of Sri Lankan Rugby 

The dream of any rugby player or supporter of Sri Lanka would be to see the country playing a World cup, so we have to work towards that. From the referee’s point of view, my dream is to see at least one Sri Lanka referee to be chosen for the next Rugby World Cup. I also would like to make a point to the coaches in our country. Try to learn a lesson from the International arena coaches. Always make it a point to never get involved with the game while being played. Unlike in Sri Lanka, in the international arena none of the coaches get down to the ground and shout at the players and get involved with the referring etc. A coach’s eye is different to one that of a referees!!
In conclusion he stated “I would like to make one more official statement or rather a solemn request to all the young school lads to try and take up refereeing as a hobby at least so that there will be more competition in the referring arena in Sri Lanka. He said it is a perilous task and needs brave combatants to weather the storm.





Wednesday, 15 February 2012 - thepapare.com



 

" Randy " the demigod of Isipathana rugby

Isipathana’s rugby bigwigs gathered at the Roof Top at Sunset Wing, Trillium Residencies, Elvitigala Mawatha last week to greet Randy Pietersz, their first rugby player to play for the Sri Lanka national team. 

From Left: Hassan Sinhawansa, M. D. Ifthikar, Senaka Karunathilake, Group Capt. Nalin De Silva, Commander H. K Sisira, Hisham Abdeen, Randy Pietersz, Ana Saranapala, Dilroy Fernando and DIG Nihal Samarakoon.

Randy was on a whirlwind visit to Sri Lanka from Melbourne, Australia with his wife Marie. He took time to meet his old rugby friends. Present at the Old Isipathana gathering were M.D. Ifthikar, Ana Saranapala, Nalin de Silva, Dilroy Fernando, Hisham Abdeen and Anura Serasinghe, Senior Vice President of the Isipathana College OBA and a host of Isipathana rugby stalwarts.

Randy broke into big time rugby when he partnered Glen Vanlangenberg at the base of the scrum for Havelocks. Before that he languished in the Havelock ‘Bambaras’ team as the all-Trinity combination of Japana Jayawardena and Glen Vanlangenberg were virtually unbeatable at the Park Club in the 60s.  

It was when Japana Jayawardena joined the Army that Randy got his break to be the ‘link man’ for Havelocks. A couple of games for the Park Club and he hit it of like a spark. In no time his exploits won him a permanent place in the Havelocks and ultimately in the national team. 

Isipathana ranks Randy as a demigod in rugby as he was the first Pathanian to play in national colours.
Rugby continued to prosper at Isipathana after that with rugby players being produced like wild flowers. Hisham Abdeen stands out as a beacon as it was under his captaincy that Sri Lanka won the Bowl at the Hong Kong Sevens. A feat never repeated after that. Nalin de Silva, the former Sri Lanka and Air Force skipper is another. Nalin was at one time Secretary of the SLRFU as well.

Randy Pietersz joined Isipathana College (then Greendlands College) in 1955 from Royal College Primary when excess from Royal Primary was transferred to the newly formed school founded in 1952. He was an extremely talented sportsman. He excelled in both soccer and rugby. Even as a young schoolboy he used to be actively associated with the neighbouring Rugby Club - Havelocks SC, playing in his pet position as scrum-half for Havelocks ‘Bambaras’ in the 1962 B Division tournament.

He was closely associated with Havelocks Sports Club until their family migrated to Australia in 1972. Some the great stalwarts of Havelocks who were contemporaries that comes to mind are: Flamer Caldera, Frankie David, Noel Brohier, Gamini Fernando, Ken de Joodt, Maurice Fairweather, Maurice De Silva, Nimal Maralanda, Morris Fairwether, Quintin Israel, Raja Sumanasekara, Erick De Silva, Jeyer Rodriguez, Raj Rodriguez, Jupana Jayawardena, Glen Vanlangenberg, Ratnam brothers Jeff and Dan. During that era Havelocks was coached by Dr Larry Foenander.

Randy was happy to remind that Maurice De Silva, Y.C Chang and Frankie David also coached Isipathana in the early years, to build a strong foundation for Isipathana Rugby.

When Isipathana played their first official tournament match against St. Anthony’s in Kandy in 1963 the 1st XV team consisted of Brian Ingram, Brian Vanculenberg, Kusum Dissanayake, Ana Saranapala, Randy Pietersz, Wijaya Yapa, Dayalu Perera, Tony Mantara, P.C. Gunawardena, Nihal Jayathilake, Tony Samat, Tuwan Osman, D. A Gunasekara, Leslie Karunaratne, Chuck Pauluz and Randy Keller. 

In 1971 Randy had the distinction of representing the Sri Lanka Rugby Team. Fifty three Isipathanians have represented the country so far. In Randy’s honour the Isipathana College OBA arranged to award the ‘Randy Pietersz Challenge Cup’ for the Most Outstanding Rugby Player annually at the College Colours Awards Ceremony, established in 2007. The proud recipients of the Randy Pietersz Challenge Cup, are Sajith Saranga (2007), Dinesh Chathuranga (2008), Niroshan Fernando (Sri Lanka Youth Captain – 2009), Tharindu Siriwardena Captain 2010 who also obtained 2A & 1 B in the same year to join the Management Faculty in the University. 

Randy’s wife Marie, a former netball player, is the daughter of the late Clarence Jansz. They have two children, daughter Cany (38) and son Sean (34). Randy’s younger brother Geoffrey Pietersz is a brilliant Scientist who was selected to join the Medical College Colombo from Isipathana in 1973 but migrated to Australia then, and performed well in Academics to reach the position as Professor of the Bio Chemistry Dept of the University of Melbourne. He is highly honoured world wide for his valuable contributions in Cancer Research. 

Randy has also done extremely well in his 40 years Professional carrier in Insurance in Australia, to reach the position of the National Development Manager of a leading Insurance company namely Associated Marine Insurers Agents P/L. 

Among the many who attended the dinner hosted by Anura Serasingha, were Ana Saranapala, Group Capt. Nalin De Silva, Dilroy Fernando, Hisham Abdeen, Sriyantha Rajakaurna, Commander H. K Sisira, M. D Ifthikar, Nimal Luxshman, Nihal Mendis, Senaka Karunathilake, two former Rugby Chairmen of Rugby Committee of Isipathana OBA Hassan Sinhawansa and Saman Manchanayake and the present Principal of Isipathana Mr. A.C. Perera.

Sunday 29th January, 2012 - The Sunday Times

Jamaldeen heads Rugby Referees’ Society

(L-R): Anil Jayasingha, Past Vice President - Dinka Peiris, Secretary - Nizam Jamaldeen, President - Shamrath Fernando - Treasurer and Wimal Senanayaka, Past Committee Member.

 

The 55th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees’ Society was held at the Police Welfare Auditorium, Colombo, on January 14.

Two minutes silence was observed prior to the meeting in honour of the late DIG Daya Jayasundara.

Nizam Jamaldeen was elected President for another tenure. He polled 60 votes against M. Jayawardane’s 12.

Jamaldeen thanked all referees who had supported him and done an excellent job during the last season and gallantly faced the ups and downs, and also thanked senior referees, Vipula Dharmadasa, Tony Amith, Vimal Perera, Wimal Senanayake, Shamrath Fernando and Anil Jayasingha. He also thanked the SLRFU President, the Treasurer and the Secretary for the great support rendered.

Present at the AGM were Snr. DIG Nimal Lewke, Ana Saranapala, S. W. Chang, Vipula Dharmadasa, Rtd. SSP S. Sivendran, Tony Amith, Commodore N. K. D. Nanayakara, Rtd. Brig. Japana Jayawardana and Dilroy Fernando and the members of the Rugby Referees’ Society.

Jamaldeen had a special word of thanks for Singer Sri Lanka Ltd. the sponsors who have been very supportive towards rugby.

He did not fail to mention the support extended by the media.

Office-bearers: President - Nizam Jamaldden, Vice Presidents - Orville Fernando and Mahinda Jayawardena, Secretary — Dinka Peiris and Treasurer - Shamrath Fernando.

Committee Members: Maj. Upali Kotuwegedara, Fazly Razitk, Gerald Rasiah and Dilroy Fernando.

Past Committee Members: Vimal Perera and Metha Abeyagunawardana.

Text and pic by M. Farook Lantra

 Monday 16th January, 2012 - The Island 

Nizam Jamaldeen elected president of referees

Senior referee and former president (2011) of the referee’s society Nizam Jamaldeen has been re-elected as the president of the society yesterday.

Oville Fernando and M. Jayewardene have been elected as vice presidents while they have retained the services of Dinka Peiris as the secretary of the body. The treasurer’s post will be occupied by Shamrath Fernando another senior referee in Sri Lanka.

Jamaldeen a former Isipathana College 

fly half and national representative is one of the most senior referees in the Island together with former president Dilroy Fernando.   The two referees are ranked highly in the international arena as they were named by the International rugby bored to blow at the 2009 rugby sevens tournament which took place in Dubai.

He has many other international accolades as a referee and has officiated in two rugby Asiads in Hong Kong and Bangkok and as a touch judge at the International Rugby Board World Cup qualifying encounters in Doha, Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai.

Jamaldeen represented Isipathana College in the years 1983/84 and went on to represent Police SC with distinction. The former Police fly half was known for his feats with the boot and skippered the side in 1993.

Sunday 15th January, 2012 - thepapare.com