Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Isipathana regains winning ways
Despite a valiant effort by St. Joseph’s, who displayed an improved game compared to their earlier games, Isipathana carried forward their winning momentum from last week’s win over Kingwood to record a convincing 22-3 victory in a President’s Schools Rugby League Division 1 Segment ‘A’ match played at Havelock Park yesterday. Isipathana who led 12-3 at half-time collected their points through 4 tries, of which only one was converted, to St. Joseph’s solitary penalty.
Isipathana who missed an easy penalty at the early stage of the game came back strongly after spending a considerable time in the Josephian 22 metre area when centre Ashan Gallage successfully went through to score a spectacular try which was converted by Malik Jumad to lead 7-nil. Fly half Prasad Devinda followed the similar steps to score another try which brought Isipathana a lead of 12-nil almost into half-time. St. Joseph’s retaliated to breach the Isipathana territory and their effort was rewarded with a penalty which was converted by winger Mayura Sanjeewa to trail 3-12 at half-time.
The Josephians showed a much improved approach in the second half and almost touched down on a few occasions but lacked the finishing touches. Adding further to their problems was the lack of backing from the three-quarters who failed to show up at the needed times. Though St. Joseph’s were successful in holding up Isipathana from going over for a bigger total they could not prevent the Isipathana scrum half from crossing over twice in the second half. Mohamed Mustaq refereed. (MNA)
The Nation
Isipathana who missed an easy penalty at the early stage of the game came back strongly after spending a considerable time in the Josephian 22 metre area when centre Ashan Gallage successfully went through to score a spectacular try which was converted by Malik Jumad to lead 7-nil. Fly half Prasad Devinda followed the similar steps to score another try which brought Isipathana a lead of 12-nil almost into half-time. St. Joseph’s retaliated to breach the Isipathana territory and their effort was rewarded with a penalty which was converted by winger Mayura Sanjeewa to trail 3-12 at half-time.
The Josephians showed a much improved approach in the second half and almost touched down on a few occasions but lacked the finishing touches. Adding further to their problems was the lack of backing from the three-quarters who failed to show up at the needed times. Though St. Joseph’s were successful in holding up Isipathana from going over for a bigger total they could not prevent the Isipathana scrum half from crossing over twice in the second half. Mohamed Mustaq refereed. (MNA)
The Nation
Kingswood go unscathed
Kingswood surprisingly has escaped any punishment for the behaviors of spectators following their defeat to Isipatana last week. Kingswood has apparently promised to beef up security and ensure that there will not be a repetition of what transpired last week.
Chairman of Rugby at Isipatana Hassan Singhawansa said; “Kingswood sent a letter of unconditional apology to our principal and to me. In the spirit of sportsmanship we have decided to accept the letter and hold no grudge despite our team bus being damaged and parents of players being injured.”
Last week in an after match brawl in Kandy, Isipatana supporters were injured and the Isipatana College bus was damaged by some unruly elements.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Interim Committee of rugby in Sri Lanka Dr. Maiya Gunasekera said; “We will hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM) as soon as possible. I believe we are in the eleventh hour in terms of preparations.”
Dr. Gunasekera added prior to the AGM the SLRFU will hold a Special General meeting with regard to the constitutional amendments on June 24. Gunasekera added; “One of the most significant changes is that once a team is selected to represent Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) will get the players to sign a contract. Thus we can prevent players pulling out at the eleventh hour as has happened in the past.
In yet another development, the Interim Committee has written to all the schools to nominate players for the Youth Asiad to be held in September. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, the Asiad is just after the Advanced Level Examinations, and thus it will be up to each respective school to check with the players and nominate whoever is suitable. The pool will be picked after the nominations are received.
By Harry Jayachandra
Chairman of Rugby at Isipatana Hassan Singhawansa said; “Kingswood sent a letter of unconditional apology to our principal and to me. In the spirit of sportsmanship we have decided to accept the letter and hold no grudge despite our team bus being damaged and parents of players being injured.”
Last week in an after match brawl in Kandy, Isipatana supporters were injured and the Isipatana College bus was damaged by some unruly elements.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Interim Committee of rugby in Sri Lanka Dr. Maiya Gunasekera said; “We will hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM) as soon as possible. I believe we are in the eleventh hour in terms of preparations.”
Dr. Gunasekera added prior to the AGM the SLRFU will hold a Special General meeting with regard to the constitutional amendments on June 24. Gunasekera added; “One of the most significant changes is that once a team is selected to represent Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) will get the players to sign a contract. Thus we can prevent players pulling out at the eleventh hour as has happened in the past.
In yet another development, the Interim Committee has written to all the schools to nominate players for the Youth Asiad to be held in September. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, the Asiad is just after the Advanced Level Examinations, and thus it will be up to each respective school to check with the players and nominate whoever is suitable. The pool will be picked after the nominations are received.
By Harry Jayachandra
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Rugby tunes your minds on violence says Dr Maiya
By Ravi Nagahawatte
Rugby Interim Committee Chairman Dr Maiya Gunasekere says that rugby has the potential to make spectators violent after a game.
Gunasekere told The Island that rugby by nature was a violent sport and the action in a match tunes the spectators’ minds to make them behave aggressively after a game.
He said that spectators who watch rugby matches needed to be educated on sociology and psychology. "What’s important for the spectators is that they should know to turn their minds away from violence and behave normal when the match is over," Gunasekere said.
Gunasekere made these comments in the aftermath of the violent incidences which were reported at the conclusion of inter-school rugby match between Kingswood and Isipathana, played in Kandy, last week.
"These incidences don’t happen after a carrom or a chess game. When spectators watch a racing championship, they tend to drive faster than normal when getting back home. This is natural," explained Gunasekere.
He said that when he was coaching the Royal rugby team, he had the habit of showing movies from the Rocky series to the players a few hours prior to the match. "I could see the difference. The players got all pumped up and were raring to go when it was time for the match," he said.
Gunasekere said that Society of Rugby Referees in Sri Lanka (SRRSL) President Dilroy Fernando was in the process of making arrangements to obtain the services of police to strengthen the security at matches. "This is to strengthen the security of referees. When this happens, the security at venues automatically gets strengthened," he said.
Gunasekere said that Kingswood College couldn’t shun away from taking responsibility for the incidents which took place at the match in which the school hosted Isipathana.
Kingswood College Principal Ranjith Chandrasekere when contacted said that the reports on the incident had been exaggerated. "Bottles were thrown about by both parties during the incident and the Isipathana College bus was damaged. There was no fighting and no one was injured during the incident. Security at the match was handled by a private security firm and the police too were present. Kingswood will take steps to strengthen the security at matches which the school hosts in future," Chandrasekere said.
Isipathana College coach Shamly Nawaz when contacted said that two Isipathana College players were injured during the match due to rough play. Nawaz said that one player had suffered a broken nose and the other player’s ear had been bitten, all during the match. "None of the players was injured during the incident after the game. But the crowd turned hostile and started throwing stones at the dressing room where we went to change after the game. That was pretty scary," Nawaz said.
Isipathana College created a real upset in the ongoing inter-school rugby tournament by beating Kingswood College 25-19 in their tournament fixture played at Bogambara Stadium last Saturday.
Rugby Interim Committee Chairman Dr Maiya Gunasekere says that rugby has the potential to make spectators violent after a game.
Gunasekere told The Island that rugby by nature was a violent sport and the action in a match tunes the spectators’ minds to make them behave aggressively after a game.
He said that spectators who watch rugby matches needed to be educated on sociology and psychology. "What’s important for the spectators is that they should know to turn their minds away from violence and behave normal when the match is over," Gunasekere said.
Gunasekere made these comments in the aftermath of the violent incidences which were reported at the conclusion of inter-school rugby match between Kingswood and Isipathana, played in Kandy, last week.
"These incidences don’t happen after a carrom or a chess game. When spectators watch a racing championship, they tend to drive faster than normal when getting back home. This is natural," explained Gunasekere.
He said that when he was coaching the Royal rugby team, he had the habit of showing movies from the Rocky series to the players a few hours prior to the match. "I could see the difference. The players got all pumped up and were raring to go when it was time for the match," he said.
Gunasekere said that Society of Rugby Referees in Sri Lanka (SRRSL) President Dilroy Fernando was in the process of making arrangements to obtain the services of police to strengthen the security at matches. "This is to strengthen the security of referees. When this happens, the security at venues automatically gets strengthened," he said.
Gunasekere said that Kingswood College couldn’t shun away from taking responsibility for the incidents which took place at the match in which the school hosted Isipathana.
Kingswood College Principal Ranjith Chandrasekere when contacted said that the reports on the incident had been exaggerated. "Bottles were thrown about by both parties during the incident and the Isipathana College bus was damaged. There was no fighting and no one was injured during the incident. Security at the match was handled by a private security firm and the police too were present. Kingswood will take steps to strengthen the security at matches which the school hosts in future," Chandrasekere said.
Isipathana College coach Shamly Nawaz when contacted said that two Isipathana College players were injured during the match due to rough play. Nawaz said that one player had suffered a broken nose and the other player’s ear had been bitten, all during the match. "None of the players was injured during the incident after the game. But the crowd turned hostile and started throwing stones at the dressing room where we went to change after the game. That was pretty scary," Nawaz said.
Isipathana College created a real upset in the ongoing inter-school rugby tournament by beating Kingswood College 25-19 in their tournament fixture played at Bogambara Stadium last Saturday.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Isipathana stuns Kingswood
It was a grand game by the Pathanians, where they beat the defending league champions and the table leaders Kingswsood by 25 points to 19, in their fifth inter-school division 1 segment ‘A’ game, the score is certainly no indication of the splendid game by the Isipathaninas.
They played handily to score two goals, a try and a drop goal and a penalty to score 25 points against Kingswood’s two goals and a try. Pathana led 19-0 at half-time, dictating terms to the champions.
Isipathana had to maintain their good name in the game and they lived up to it. Be it a loose maul or ruck, they were on the ball like cats would pounce on mice. Wherever the ball went the Pathanians were there, they played a clean game, the ball handling was excellent and they stuck to their game plan throughout the match to stamp their class.
In the second half Kingswood, not to be outdone played the game of their lives but it was just not their day.
Isipathana forwards played hard and had the better of the exchanges to have more possession. Their halves also combined much better than the Kinswoodians. This win will no doubt give Pathana the courage to shine in the rest of their matches.
For Isipathana B. Jayasinghe, A. Atthanayake, C. Siriwardena scored the tries, the drop came off the boot of P. Devinda and G. Jumath goaled the tries and the penalty. R. Sansoni, D. Devandra scored the tries while R. Weerarathen goaled two of them to make up the 19 points for Kingswood.
Pradeep Fernando refereed.
By Hafiz Marikar
The Nation
They played handily to score two goals, a try and a drop goal and a penalty to score 25 points against Kingswood’s two goals and a try. Pathana led 19-0 at half-time, dictating terms to the champions.
Isipathana had to maintain their good name in the game and they lived up to it. Be it a loose maul or ruck, they were on the ball like cats would pounce on mice. Wherever the ball went the Pathanians were there, they played a clean game, the ball handling was excellent and they stuck to their game plan throughout the match to stamp their class.
In the second half Kingswood, not to be outdone played the game of their lives but it was just not their day.
Isipathana forwards played hard and had the better of the exchanges to have more possession. Their halves also combined much better than the Kinswoodians. This win will no doubt give Pathana the courage to shine in the rest of their matches.
For Isipathana B. Jayasinghe, A. Atthanayake, C. Siriwardena scored the tries, the drop came off the boot of P. Devinda and G. Jumath goaled the tries and the penalty. R. Sansoni, D. Devandra scored the tries while R. Weerarathen goaled two of them to make up the 19 points for Kingswood.
Pradeep Fernando refereed.
By Hafiz Marikar
The Nation
Thursday, June 4, 2009
'A' Divison points table after four weeks
Schools------P--W--L--D--G---T---P--DG--PF---PA--PTS---AVE
Kingswood-=4--4--0--0--23--12--2--0--227--33--18.00--4.50
Royal-------=4--4--0--0---8--19--3--0--160--62--18.00--4.50
STC---------=4--3--1--0--13---5--3--0--125--79--14.00--3.50
Isipathana-=4--3--1--0---6---7--3--1---89---64--13.00--3.25
Trinity------=4--2--2--0--11--10--1--1--133--96--10.00--2.50
SJC---------=4--2--2--0---3---9--3--0---75--138---9.00--2.25
SPC---------=4--1--3--0---9--10--1--0--116--75---5.00--1.25
Dharmaraja=4--1--3--0---6---1--1--0---50--143---4.50--1.13
SACK--------=4--0--4--0---2---6--2--1--53--155---1.00--0.25
Mahanama-=4--0--4--0---3---3--0--0---38--215---0.00--0.00
Columns: Played, Won, Lost, Drawn, Goals, Tries, Penalties,
Drop Goals, Points for, Points against, Points, Average
Kingswood-=4--4--0--0--23--12--2--0--227--33--18.00--4.50
Royal-------=4--4--0--0---8--19--3--0--160--62--18.00--4.50
STC---------=4--3--1--0--13---5--3--0--125--79--14.00--3.50
Isipathana-=4--3--1--0---6---7--3--1---89---64--13.00--3.25
Trinity------=4--2--2--0--11--10--1--1--133--96--10.00--2.50
SJC---------=4--2--2--0---3---9--3--0---75--138---9.00--2.25
SPC---------=4--1--3--0---9--10--1--0--116--75---5.00--1.25
Dharmaraja=4--1--3--0---6---1--1--0---50--143---4.50--1.13
SACK--------=4--0--4--0---2---6--2--1--53--155---1.00--0.25
Mahanama-=4--0--4--0---3---3--0--0---38--215---0.00--0.00
Columns: Played, Won, Lost, Drawn, Goals, Tries, Penalties,
Drop Goals, Points for, Points against, Points, Average
Isipatana in lacklustre win
In spite of pathetic ball handling Isipatana managed to register a lackluster 17 points (2 goals and a penalty) to 5 points (1 try) win over Dharmarajah at Havelock Park yesterday(May 23).
At half time Isipatana led 3-0
For Isipatana fly half Prasad Devinda and winger Vishwamithra Jayasinghe scored the tries while Prasad Devinda converted both. Full back Malik Jumat put over the penalty.
For Dharmarajah winger Miyuru Hewawasam scored the try.
Referee: Dinka Peiris (US)
At half time Isipatana led 3-0
For Isipatana fly half Prasad Devinda and winger Vishwamithra Jayasinghe scored the tries while Prasad Devinda converted both. Full back Malik Jumat put over the penalty.
For Dharmarajah winger Miyuru Hewawasam scored the try.
Referee: Dinka Peiris (US)
Friday, May 22, 2009
points table by 19th may 2009--
Schools---------P--W----L---D----G----T-----P---DG---PF---PA
Kingswood=---3---3----0----0----18---11---2---0---187---21
Royal------=---3---3----0----0-----6---11----3---0---106---49
STC--------=---3---2----1----0-----9----3----3---0----87----66
Isipathana=---3---2----1----0-----4----7----2---1----72----59
SJC--------=---3---2----1----0-----3----7----2----0----62---100
Trinity-----=---3---1----2----0-----6----9----0----1----90----63
SPC--------=---3---1----2----0-----5----9----1----0----83----52
Dharmaraja=--3---1----2----0-----6----0----1----0----45---126
SACK-------=--3---0----3----0-----1----5----2----1----41---115
Mahanama-=--3---0----3----0-----2----1----0----0----38---161
Columns: Played, Won, Lost, Drawn, Goals, Tries, Penalties,
Drop Goals, Points for, Points against, Points, Average
Kingswood=---3---3----0----0----18---11---2---0---187---21
Royal------=---3---3----0----0-----6---11----3---0---106---49
STC--------=---3---2----1----0-----9----3----3---0----87----66
Isipathana=---3---2----1----0-----4----7----2---1----72----59
SJC--------=---3---2----1----0-----3----7----2----0----62---100
Trinity-----=---3---1----2----0-----6----9----0----1----90----63
SPC--------=---3---1----2----0-----5----9----1----0----83----52
Dharmaraja=--3---1----2----0-----6----0----1----0----45---126
SACK-------=--3---0----3----0-----1----5----2----1----41---115
Mahanama-=--3---0----3----0-----2----1----0----0----38---161
Columns: Played, Won, Lost, Drawn, Goals, Tries, Penalties,
Drop Goals, Points for, Points against, Points, Average
Isipthana defeat Mahanama
Isipathana defeated Mahanama by 38 points (two goals, three tries, one drop goal and two penalties) to 19 (two goals, one try) in another match of the same tournament played at Longdon Place yesterday.
Winger Vishwamithra Jayasinghe and centre Ashan Gallage scored two tries with second row Saranga Uthpala scoring one with Malik Jumad, Uresh Fonseka and Prasad Devinda making the conversions with prop Roshan Bandara, second row Subash Chanaka and centre Chathura Chanaka scoring the tries for Mahanama and Mahesh Kumara converting two of these
Education Ministry queries eligibility of S. Thomas’ rugby players
S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, a school rich in tradition and reputation have been thrown into a quandary following what could be an unprecedented occurrence in the annals of its rugby history. The matter in issue – The Education Ministry has through a written communiqué dated May 05, 2009 sought clarification on the eligibility of three of its rugby players.
In a letter sent under the hand of L.K. Jayaweera an Education Director of the Ministry of Education addressed to the Principal (Acting Warden) of S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia, the Education Ministry acting upon a complaint made against three (3) students representing S. Thomas’ rugby 1st XV side have sought clarification on the eligibility of the said students to feature in the ongoing U 20 schools rugby league tournament.
The details of the three students concerned who represented Vidyartha College, Kandy last season are stated in the box below.
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/ArticleImages/hqobsria5eh3ziaxjhy3vo55_dm_20090515_04.gif
The second and the third students named below, have according to the letter failed their GCE Ordinary Level Examinations in the year 2008.
The letter states that according to the Circular applicable (1/14 - as set out in detail in the said letter) a student who has left a school cannot represent his new school in a sport till the expiration of a period of one year. However if a student concerned:-
(a) Obtains a written consent from the principal of his former school that there is no objection to him representing his new school in a sport together with;
(b) A written request to the Ministry of Education by his new principal, approval can be accordingly obtained through the Education Ministry Secretary for a student to forthwith represent his new school in a sport.
Therefore it is imperative that both requisites as per (a) and (b) above should be complied with.
However if without obtaining such permission in the manner afore stated a student does represent his new school in a sport, such conduct would be treated as an illegal act. If in fact a player does represent his new school in violation of this pre – requisite law, the said school shall be disqualified from the relevant tournament. I.e. in this instance S. Thomas’ could be disqualified from the ongoing U – 20 inter school rugby league tournament. The U – 20 inter school rugby league tournament falls within the purview of the Ministry of Education as fully set out in the said letter.
In conclusion, the Director Education requests the Principal (Acting Warden) of S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia to inform if the three players named above have represented S. Thomas’ in any tournament.
The letter has been copied to The Secretary - Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association, The Principal – Vidyartha College and Lasitha Gunaratne – Coordinator – Sri Lanka Schools Rugby League Tournament.
St. Josephs too put on notice
A similar letter has been sent to St. Josephs College as well. The student concerned is also from Vidyartha College, Kandy. The Education Director L.K. Jayaweera has sought clarification on a student by the name of M.J. Madushanka whose Birth Certificate bears number 3037 and his admission number too is referred to in the said letter.
In a letter sent under the hand of L.K. Jayaweera an Education Director of the Ministry of Education addressed to the Principal (Acting Warden) of S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia, the Education Ministry acting upon a complaint made against three (3) students representing S. Thomas’ rugby 1st XV side have sought clarification on the eligibility of the said students to feature in the ongoing U 20 schools rugby league tournament.
The details of the three students concerned who represented Vidyartha College, Kandy last season are stated in the box below.
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/ArticleImages/hqobsria5eh3ziaxjhy3vo55_dm_20090515_04.gif
The second and the third students named below, have according to the letter failed their GCE Ordinary Level Examinations in the year 2008.
The letter states that according to the Circular applicable (1/14 - as set out in detail in the said letter) a student who has left a school cannot represent his new school in a sport till the expiration of a period of one year. However if a student concerned:-
(a) Obtains a written consent from the principal of his former school that there is no objection to him representing his new school in a sport together with;
(b) A written request to the Ministry of Education by his new principal, approval can be accordingly obtained through the Education Ministry Secretary for a student to forthwith represent his new school in a sport.
Therefore it is imperative that both requisites as per (a) and (b) above should be complied with.
However if without obtaining such permission in the manner afore stated a student does represent his new school in a sport, such conduct would be treated as an illegal act. If in fact a player does represent his new school in violation of this pre – requisite law, the said school shall be disqualified from the relevant tournament. I.e. in this instance S. Thomas’ could be disqualified from the ongoing U – 20 inter school rugby league tournament. The U – 20 inter school rugby league tournament falls within the purview of the Ministry of Education as fully set out in the said letter.
In conclusion, the Director Education requests the Principal (Acting Warden) of S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia to inform if the three players named above have represented S. Thomas’ in any tournament.
The letter has been copied to The Secretary - Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association, The Principal – Vidyartha College and Lasitha Gunaratne – Coordinator – Sri Lanka Schools Rugby League Tournament.
St. Josephs too put on notice
A similar letter has been sent to St. Josephs College as well. The student concerned is also from Vidyartha College, Kandy. The Education Director L.K. Jayaweera has sought clarification on a student by the name of M.J. Madushanka whose Birth Certificate bears number 3037 and his admission number too is referred to in the said letter.
Pathana down fancied Petes 22-12
Isipathana bounced back into contention when they defeated a fancied St. Peter’s College by 22 points (1 goal, 3 tries) to 12 (1 goal and a try) in their inter-school rugger match played at Bambalapitiya yesterday.
The winners led 12-5 at the breather.
The first-half was closely contested with the `Pathana’ back division closely marked by the Peterites.
The Peterites kept the Isipathana three quarter line at bay with some good tackling.
Both teams scored a try each when Isipathana winger Sumedha Srimal touched down off a second phase move and the Peterites scored when they opted to run the ball instead of a penalty and Chatura Cabraal scored an unconverted try.
Minutes before the half time, Isipathana sprang into the lead when their full back Devinda misdirected a penalty kick and a Peterite player knocked on under the post for Saranga Seneviratne to score.
The Peterites came back with some sporadic moves, but it was insufficient to make a big impact. In the eleventh minute of the second half Isipathana extended their lead when scrum half Mohammed Rizwan sneaked through for an unconverted try off a maul.
During the dying stages of the game, Isipathana sealed the match in their favour when full back devinda touched down for an unconverted try.
Isipathana aiming for a comeback
Isipathana College, with a talented outfit are confident of putting up a good performance in the current inter school rugby season without worrying about their league curtain racer defeat against S. Thomas’ College (28-12) last week.
The team has only five senior players who have represented the school in first XV rugby for at least three years.
Winger Wishwamithra Jayasinghe, flanker Uthpala Senevirathne, centre Ashan Gallage and full back Prasad Devinda have played three seasons while skipper and centre Niroshan Fernando donned the first XV jersey for five years.
Niroshan and Wishamithra also represented the Sri Lanka under 20 side at the last Junior Asaid held in South Korea. This year Pathana, as they are called, retain eleven players from the team that played in the 2008 season.
Head coach of the side is ex Isipathana rugby captain and Sri Lanka player Shamly Nawaz who is using everything at his disposal to lift the side to its past heydays although the task will not be easy in a highly competitive age.
The assistant coach is also a former College player ex-centre Daham Sampath who is handling the three quarters while M. D. Ifthikar is the technical advisor.
This year the side does not sport a heavy pack but make up with some talented and nippy players. Nawaz though contends the side is in good shape ready to meet the challenges.
“The defeat at the hands of the Thomians has made the players more determined to face the season”, said Nawaz.
Isipathana will come out for the second time on Saturday and meet tough opponents St. Peter’s College who thrashed Dharmaraja 61-0 in their opening match.
The forwards are led by flanker Uthpala Senevirathne while the services of experienced prop Dinuka Dananjaya and hooker Thilana Lanka would come in handy.
Isipathana’s strength no doubt lies in their back division with experienced players like fly-half Prashan Attanayake, centres Niroshan Fernando and Ashan Gallage, wingers Wishwamithra Jayasingha and Uresh Fonsekea and full back Prasad Devinda doing duty.
For the record, Isipathana’s best days were in 1985 and 1986 when they ended triple champions followed by the school finishing unbeaten in all age groups in 1992. In that year they had a foreign coach from Japan and since then they have been going through a lean period by way of results even being demoted to the B category in 2005.
Last year Isipathana won four Sevens titles including two senior titles, the all island schools tournament and the Singer-Srilankan Schools Sevens.
Isipathana’s fixtures: May 9 vs St. Peter’s at Bambalapitya, May 16- vs Mahanama at CR and FC ground, May 23 vs– Dharmaraja at Havelock Park, June 6 vs Kingswood in Kandy, June 13 vs– St. Joseph’s at Havelock Park, June 20 vs– Trinity at Pallekele, June 27 vs– Royal at Reid Avenue and July 4 vs St. Anthony’s in Kandy.
Isipathana meet Thurstan at CR and FC on July 11.
The team has only five senior players who have represented the school in first XV rugby for at least three years.
Winger Wishwamithra Jayasinghe, flanker Uthpala Senevirathne, centre Ashan Gallage and full back Prasad Devinda have played three seasons while skipper and centre Niroshan Fernando donned the first XV jersey for five years.
Niroshan and Wishamithra also represented the Sri Lanka under 20 side at the last Junior Asaid held in South Korea. This year Pathana, as they are called, retain eleven players from the team that played in the 2008 season.
Head coach of the side is ex Isipathana rugby captain and Sri Lanka player Shamly Nawaz who is using everything at his disposal to lift the side to its past heydays although the task will not be easy in a highly competitive age.
The assistant coach is also a former College player ex-centre Daham Sampath who is handling the three quarters while M. D. Ifthikar is the technical advisor.
This year the side does not sport a heavy pack but make up with some talented and nippy players. Nawaz though contends the side is in good shape ready to meet the challenges.
“The defeat at the hands of the Thomians has made the players more determined to face the season”, said Nawaz.
Isipathana will come out for the second time on Saturday and meet tough opponents St. Peter’s College who thrashed Dharmaraja 61-0 in their opening match.
The forwards are led by flanker Uthpala Senevirathne while the services of experienced prop Dinuka Dananjaya and hooker Thilana Lanka would come in handy.
Isipathana’s strength no doubt lies in their back division with experienced players like fly-half Prashan Attanayake, centres Niroshan Fernando and Ashan Gallage, wingers Wishwamithra Jayasingha and Uresh Fonsekea and full back Prasad Devinda doing duty.
For the record, Isipathana’s best days were in 1985 and 1986 when they ended triple champions followed by the school finishing unbeaten in all age groups in 1992. In that year they had a foreign coach from Japan and since then they have been going through a lean period by way of results even being demoted to the B category in 2005.
Last year Isipathana won four Sevens titles including two senior titles, the all island schools tournament and the Singer-Srilankan Schools Sevens.
Isipathana’s fixtures: May 9 vs St. Peter’s at Bambalapitya, May 16- vs Mahanama at CR and FC ground, May 23 vs– Dharmaraja at Havelock Park, June 6 vs Kingswood in Kandy, June 13 vs– St. Joseph’s at Havelock Park, June 20 vs– Trinity at Pallekele, June 27 vs– Royal at Reid Avenue and July 4 vs St. Anthony’s in Kandy.
Isipathana meet Thurstan at CR and FC on July 11.
2009 Rugby Fixtures
02nd May - Saturday St. Thomas Havelock (Home)
09th May - Saturday St. Peters Bambalapitiya (Away)
16th May - Saturday Mahanama CR & FC (Away)
23rd May - Saturday Dharmaraja Havelocks (Home)
30th May - Saturday St. Anthony's Bogambara (Away)
or 04th July
06th June - Saturday Kingswood Bogambara (Away)
13th June - Saturday St. Joseph Havelock (Home)
20th June - Saturday Trinity Nittawela (Away)
27th June - Saturday Royal Royal Complex (Away)
09th May - Saturday St. Peters Bambalapitiya (Away)
16th May - Saturday Mahanama CR & FC (Away)
23rd May - Saturday Dharmaraja Havelocks (Home)
30th May - Saturday St. Anthony's Bogambara (Away)
or 04th July
06th June - Saturday Kingswood Bogambara (Away)
13th June - Saturday St. Joseph Havelock (Home)
20th June - Saturday Trinity Nittawela (Away)
27th June - Saturday Royal Royal Complex (Away)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Kingswood clinch under 20 Rugby Sevens Title
Chris DHAMBARAGE
Kingswood College, Kandy drew first blood in the new inter-school rugby season when they clinched the Cup championship with a close 26 points to 17 victory over their home town rivals Trinity College in the all island under 20 seven a side tournament concluded at the Royal College Sports Complex in Reid Avenue yesterday.
This tournament which was the curtain raiser for the 2009 inter-school rugby season was conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) and sponsored by Y FM.
Kingswood College were trailing 7-12 at half time but came back into the game strongly during the second half and scored two last minute tries to turn the final in their favour. They were facing defeat at one stage with the Trinitians making an excellent start that put them in font after the first ten minutes of the final.
However in a dramatic turn of events Kingswood College bounced back with an improved performance to cross their opponent’s goal line on three occasions with two of those tries coming during the last couple of minutes.
Kingswood College also had the credit of defeating the pre-tournament favourites Isipatana College by 24 points to 10 in a closely contested semifinal encounter.
The winners who led 12-5 at half time collected their points from two goals and two tries against their opponent’s two tries. Defending Champions Isipatana College had earlier showed great promise having defeated the giant killers St. Joseph’s College by 25 points to 14 after leading 15-14 at half time.
They launched their campaign in style with two rousing victories over Siri Piyaratne MV (38 nil) and St. John’s College Nugegoda (49 nil). In contrast Trinity College cruised to a convincing 21 points to 12 points victory over Prince of Wales College in the other semifinal fixture. The winners who led 12 nil at half time collected their points from three superb goals while conceding a goal and a try to their opponents.
The Cambrians made it to the last eight following an easy victory over C. W. W. Kannangara MMV having earlier topped their Group F in which they recorded two morale boosting victories against Science College and Lalith Athulathmudali MV respectively.
C. W. W. Kannangara MMV of course had the credit of creating a major upset where they knocked out the more fancied Thurstan College team by 12 points to 7 in an exciting contest. They followed up this with another good victory over Asoka MV that put them on top of Group E and a place in the Cup championship quarterfinals. The Trinitians had started the tournament in the most spectacular manner where they notched up the highest score of the tournament while outplaying Carey College by 54 points to nil in a preliminary round fixture.
Trinity College followed up this massive score with another smashing 31 points to 7 win over Maliyadeva to head Group G with maximum points. They went on to reach the last eight with a convincing victory over the last year’s runners up Ananda College.
Kingswood College also made a clean sweep in Group D and did not concede a try to their opponents where they trounced S. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela by 52 points to nil and Lumbini MV by 40 points to nil before overcoming Dharmaraja College in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile Nalanda College annexed the Plate championship defeating Maliyadeva College Kurunegala by 29 points to 9 in the final and Carey College had the better of St. Aloysius College Galle 19-7 in the Bowl championship final.
Kingswood College, Kandy drew first blood in the new inter-school rugby season when they clinched the Cup championship with a close 26 points to 17 victory over their home town rivals Trinity College in the all island under 20 seven a side tournament concluded at the Royal College Sports Complex in Reid Avenue yesterday.
This tournament which was the curtain raiser for the 2009 inter-school rugby season was conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) and sponsored by Y FM.
Kingswood College were trailing 7-12 at half time but came back into the game strongly during the second half and scored two last minute tries to turn the final in their favour. They were facing defeat at one stage with the Trinitians making an excellent start that put them in font after the first ten minutes of the final.
However in a dramatic turn of events Kingswood College bounced back with an improved performance to cross their opponent’s goal line on three occasions with two of those tries coming during the last couple of minutes.
Kingswood College also had the credit of defeating the pre-tournament favourites Isipatana College by 24 points to 10 in a closely contested semifinal encounter.
The winners who led 12-5 at half time collected their points from two goals and two tries against their opponent’s two tries. Defending Champions Isipatana College had earlier showed great promise having defeated the giant killers St. Joseph’s College by 25 points to 14 after leading 15-14 at half time.
They launched their campaign in style with two rousing victories over Siri Piyaratne MV (38 nil) and St. John’s College Nugegoda (49 nil). In contrast Trinity College cruised to a convincing 21 points to 12 points victory over Prince of Wales College in the other semifinal fixture. The winners who led 12 nil at half time collected their points from three superb goals while conceding a goal and a try to their opponents.
The Cambrians made it to the last eight following an easy victory over C. W. W. Kannangara MMV having earlier topped their Group F in which they recorded two morale boosting victories against Science College and Lalith Athulathmudali MV respectively.
C. W. W. Kannangara MMV of course had the credit of creating a major upset where they knocked out the more fancied Thurstan College team by 12 points to 7 in an exciting contest. They followed up this with another good victory over Asoka MV that put them on top of Group E and a place in the Cup championship quarterfinals. The Trinitians had started the tournament in the most spectacular manner where they notched up the highest score of the tournament while outplaying Carey College by 54 points to nil in a preliminary round fixture.
Trinity College followed up this massive score with another smashing 31 points to 7 win over Maliyadeva to head Group G with maximum points. They went on to reach the last eight with a convincing victory over the last year’s runners up Ananda College.
Kingswood College also made a clean sweep in Group D and did not concede a try to their opponents where they trounced S. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela by 52 points to nil and Lumbini MV by 40 points to nil before overcoming Dharmaraja College in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile Nalanda College annexed the Plate championship defeating Maliyadeva College Kurunegala by 29 points to 9 in the final and Carey College had the better of St. Aloysius College Galle 19-7 in the Bowl championship final.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Three-way tussle for Cup title
Trinity, Kingswood and reigning all-island schools Sevens champs Isipathana are well poised to grab the title this year but only one team will have the privilege to walk away winners when the tournament resumes today at 8.30am at the Royal College Sports Complex in Reid Avenue. Trinity, Kingswood and Isipathana went through their first round matches recording easy wins but will have a tough task when the tournament reaches the knockout stage today.
Yesterday Trinity recorded easy wins against Carey by 54-nil which was the highest winning margin and beat Maliyadeva by 31-7 to qualify for the fourth Cup quarterfinal. They will confront Ananda who beat St. Sebastian’s Kandana narrowly by 12-7 and St. Sylvester’s by a comfortable 24-nil margin.
Kingswood recorded two first round wins beating St. Thomas’ Bandarawela 52-nil and Lumbini 40-nil. They will lock horns with hometown rivals Dharmaraja in the second Cup quarters.
Isipathana with two easy wins against Siri Piyaratana (38-nil) and St. John’s Nugegoda (49-nil) are well set to retain their title. However they will face a tough opponent in St. Joseph’s in the first Cup quarterfinal. The other two teams to qualify for the Cup quarters are Prince of Wales’ and CWW Kannangara MV who created a major upset in the tournament by beating Thurstan by 12-7 after a close tussle.
Today’s match line-up is scheduled as follows: The winners will advance to the next level. Bowl Quarterfinals: 1. Siri Piyaratana vs Dharmapala, 2. St. Aloysius vs St. Thomas’ Bandarawela, 3. Asoka vs Lalith Athulathmudali MV, 4. Carey vs St. Sebastian’s Kandana. Plate Quarterfinals: 1. St. John’s vs Royal Panadura, 2. Nalanda vs Lumbini, 3. Thurstan vs Science, 4. Maliyadeva vs St. Sylvester’s. Cup Qurterfinals: Isipathana vs St. Josephs, 2. Kingswood vs Dharmaraja, 3. CWW vs Prince of Wales’, 4. Trinity vs Ananda
Yesterdays results: St. John’s bt Siri Piyaratana 10-0, Royal Panadura bt Dharmapala 12-5, Nalanda bt St. Aloysius 42-0, Lumbini bt St. Thomas’ Bandarawela 26-0, CWW bt Asoka 38-0, Science bt Lalith Athulathmudali MV 31-0, Maliyadeva bt Carey 26-7, St. Sylvester’s bt St. Sebastian’s Kandana 17-14, Isipathana bt Siri Piyarathana 38-0, St. John’s bt Dharmapala 22-5, Dharmaraja bt St. Aloysius 24-0, Kingswood bt St. Thomas’ Bandarawela 52-0, Thurstan bt Asoka 43-0, Prince of Wales’ bt Lalith Athulathmudali MV 33-14, Trinity bt Maliyadeva 31-7, Ananda bt St. Sebastian’s Kandana 12-7, Isipathana bt St.Jones 49-0, St. Joseph’s bt Royal Panadura 43-7, Dharmaraja bt Nalanda 17-0, Kingswood bt Lumbini 40-0, CWW bt Thurstan 12-7, Prince of Wales bt Science 12-0, Trinity bt Carey 54-0, Ananda beat St. Sylvester’s 24-0.
Isipathana to the fore
The All Island Schools Rugby 7’s which got underway at the Royal Complex grounds in Reid Avenue saw fancied teams winning their games with ease. Twenty six teams around the island divided into eight groups participated in this two day event.
Isipathana who won most of the schools rugby 7’s conducted last season showed that they are a side to be reckoned this year too. They recorded massive wins over weak opponents to remain unbeaten along with Kingswood, St. Joseph’s, Dharmaraja, Prince of Wales, Trinity, Ananda and giant killers CWW Kannangara MMV.
Meanwhile the quarter finalists of the Cup, Plate and Bowl were found. The line up for the Cup category is: Isipathana vs St. Joseph’s, Kingswood vs Dharmaraja, CWW Kannangara MMV vs Prince of Wales and Trinity vs Ananda.
The quarter finals are scheduled to get underway at 8.30 a.m. today with the Bowl category followed by the Plate and finally the Cup. The semi finals are due to be played from 2.00 p.m. and the finals are scheduled to be played from 4.00 p.m. onwards. Bowl QF: 1. Siri Piyaratana vs Dharmapala, 2. St. Aloysius vs St. Thomas’ Bandarawela, 3. Asoka vs Lalitha Atulathmudali MV, 4. Carey vs St. Sebastian’s Kandana.
Plate QF: 1. St. John’s vs Royal Panadura, 2. Nalanda vs Lumbini, 3. Thurstan vs Science, 4. Maliyadewa vs St. Sylvester’s
Cup QF: 1. Isipathana vs St. Joseph’s, 2. Kingswood vs Dharmaraja, 3. CWW vs Prince of Wales’, 4. Trinity vs Ananda.-MSA
Schools Rugby Sevens today and tomorrow
The draw:
Group A : Isipatana, St. John’s and Siri Piyaratne MMV
Group B : St. Joseph’s, Royal Panadura, Dharmapala MV
Group C : Dharmaraja, Nalanda and Hindu College
Group D : Kingswood, Lumbini MV,
S. Thomas’ Bandarawela
Group E : Thurstan, Kannangara MMV, Asoka MV
Group F : Prince of Wales, Science College,
Lalith Athulathmudali MV
Group G : Trinity, Carey, Maliyadeva
Group H : Ananda, St. Sylvester’s, St. Sebastian’s,
Kandana.
************ **
The all island schools under 20 seven a side rugby tournament organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association and sponsored by Y FM will be worked off today and tomorrow at the Royal College Sports Complex in Reid Avenue.
Isipatana College are the reigning champions having defeated Ananda College 42 nil in last year’s Cup final encounter.
Isipatana College have already bagged the Western Province seven a side tournament while overcoming S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia 31 nil in the final.
Isipatana clinch Western Province RFA Sevens trophy
Isipatana college, Colombo, celebrating 50 years of rugby, opened the season with a bang, defeating S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia, by 31 points (3 goals, 2 tries) to nil, at St. Peter’s College Grounds on March 8 in front of a appreciative crowd.
During the course of the tournament, no team was able to cross the Isipatana line.
At lemons the score was Isipatana 14 and S. Thomas’ nil.
After the turn around three more tries were planted by Isipatana, who recorded a resounding 31-0 win.
The try scorers were, Shanaka, Vishvanath, Dilshan, Ashan Gallage and Devendra, one each.
During the Saucer semi final between Zahira and Lumbini College, a brawl took place between the players and the spectators just after Lumbini had defeated Zahira.
Four Lumbini players were injured and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The Officials of the WPRFA declared Lumbini and St. Sebastian’s College (Kandana) as Joint Champs in the Saucer.
More than 300 participants from 24 schools took part in this Inter Schools Rugby Sevens, conducted by the Western Province Rugby Football Association (WPRFA).
The chief guest was N. J. Mudannayaka, who has served the game of rugby for 25 years, while J. G. Amarajeewa (President, WPRFA/Principal, Lumbini College), Dr. K. A. D. Punniyadasa (President, Sri Lanka Schools RFA), Prasantha Ranaweera (Treasurer, WPRFA) and Susantha Mendis (Secretary, WPRFA) also graced the occasion.
Results:
Cup - Isipatana beat S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia by 31 points to nil.
Plate - Ananda College beat Wesley College by 19 points to 5.
Bowl - St. Joseph’s College beat Mahanama by College 24 points to 10.
Shield - Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, beat C. W. W. Kannangara, College, by 17 points to 5.
Suacer Joint champs - Lumbini College and St. Sebastian’s, College, Kandana.
The Cup final was officiated by D. Nimal.
Isipathana clinch Western Province RFA Sevens Trophy -
Last year's Sevens champions Isipathana opened the season with a scintillating performance to beat the formidable S. Thomas College, Mt Lavinia by 31 points (3 goals, 2 tries) to nil in the final of the Western Province RFA Sevens Tournament which was played at St' Peter's College Grounds on 7th and 8th March.
The Pathana lads played a superb game excelling in all departments who beat all the schools they confronted without conceding any points to the opponents. The Thomians in the final played with some hard tackling with weight and height advantage came to Pathana 25 metres on several occasions, but the Isipathana players were quick enough to defend and tackle them which prevented Thomians going for tries. Before lemons the score was 14 in favour of Pathana and Thomians nil.
After the turn around three more tries were planted by Pathana, who won with a resounding 31 points to nil. The try scorers were: Shanaka, Vishvanath, Dilshan, Ashan Gallage and Devendra, one try each.
During the 'Saucer' Semi finals between Zahira and Lumbini College a brawl took place between the players and the spectators just after Lumbini had won against Zahira, where four of the Lumbini players were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The officials of the WPRFA declared Lumbini and St. Sebastian's College, Kandana as Joint Champs in 'Saucer'. More than 300 participants from 24 schools took part in this Inter School Rugby Sevens, conducted by the Western Province Rugby Football Association (WPRFA).
The chief guest was N. J. Mudannayake, a great rugby official was the chief guest.
Results: Cup - Isipathana beat St. Thomas College 31 points to nil, PLATE - Ananda College beat Wesley College 19 points to 5. Bowl - St' Joseph's College beat Mahanama College 24 points to 10. Shield - Prince of Wales beat C. W. W. Kannangara MV 17 points to 5. Saucer - Joint Champs with Lumbini College and St' Sebastian's.
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