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Friday, 20 March 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
Kandy Sports Club showed their superior class in local club rugby when they safe kept the league trophy for the sixth successive year. For a club which had never won a single trophy until 1992, this is a remarkable achievement.
The first trophy, the Clifford Cup, was won under Maurice Joachim. It took another two years for the up country outfit, by then under Indrajith Bandaranayake, to account for the league trophy for the first time.
This year the champion outfit was led by Nigel Ratwatte, the former Trinitian, as they not only won the league but also remained unbeaten. This was also incidentally their 21st league title since 1994.
Kandy’s title win was also brought forward after Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) had decided to cancel the Super Round after clubs voiced concerns about continuing in the midst of the coronavirus. In any case, as Kandy had won all 14 of their encounters their lead was unassailable even if the Super Round had taken place. Kandy will now be eying the double when the Clifford Cup knockout kicks off next month.
One of the main reasons for Kandy’s success could be attributed to the structure of the club, its sponsors, as well as their rugby promoter, Malik Samarawickrama, who moved his business towards the central region. Cargills was their Premier sponsor and Mobitel too chipped in later on in their season.
The other reason is their die-hard supporters who turn up in numbers wherever the game is played. And despite being the only outstation club in the league, Kandy matches are packed to capacity and so are Colombo games as well whenever Kandy plays. President Mahesh Weerasinghe and his team are also always behind the team supporting in many ways.
Led by Ratwatte and coached by Fazil Marija and forwards coach Viraj Prasanna, Kandy did the hard work not only on the field but off it as well. The Kandy bunch was full of discipline and working as a team. They were looked after by Rugby Chairman, Lasantha Wijesuriya and Team Manager and former Isipathana player, Kapila Silva.
They had their injury worries early in the season with Danushka Ranjan, Anurudha Wilwara, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe ruled out for periods, while losing out on Thilina Wijesinghe was also a major blow for the club. They never panicked however, as their replacement at times were top class.
There were two locally grown lads Kavindu Perera and Tharinda Ratwatte returning to the Central Hills where they learned their basics. In fact signing up of Tharinda made skipper Nigel’s job much easier than expected; he was arguably the best fly half in the club this season.
Nigel’s leadership too was spot on as he commanded the troops magnificently. Even with an injury he played the last three matches, which speaks highly towards his prioritisation of the team over his personal goals.
Nigel speaking to Daily FT said: “I am glad I had the privilege to play for the Kandy Sports Club wearing the jersey that brought us the championship once again. I am honoured to say that I could not have had a more successful year without the constant support of the coaches, committee and the boys under my leadership.
“It was sheer hard work, punctuality and commitment of the boys that made this year a successful one for me. I would like to thank them for having faith in me during my injury when I was off the field. They gave me a reason to play the sport I love and for being able to bring victory for the Kandy Sports Club for not only the sixth year in a row, but also remain unbeaten. Without our sponsors Cargills and Mobitel this dream is not a reality. Cargills was our premier sponsor and Mobitel chipped in the later stage of the tournament.
“Not forgetting the KSC fans and all the players’ families for helping make this a victorious year. It is a pleasure to see so many Kandy fans watch the boys and me play, giving us the love and support where ever we play. Not only at home but even when played in Colombo our die hard supporters were there in numbers to support us. Without our supporters we wouldn’t have achieved this feat.
“Unfortunately we are unable to celebrate the victory due to the prevailing situation in the country for the moment. Let’s all be safe and help one another.”
Kandy SC Squad:
Nigel Ratwatte (Capt), Roshan Weeraratne, Shashika Jayawardena, Damith Dissanayake, Danushka Ranjan, Heshan Kalhara, Lavanga Perera, Oshan Perera, Tharinda Ratwatte, Danshka Dyan, Uchithra Jayasuriya, Lasitha Attanagoda, Tharindu Chathuranga, Yakoob Ali, Buwanaka Udangamuwa, Kavindu Perera, Jason Dissanayake, Shehan Pathirana, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Sayuru Anthony, Anuruddha Wilwara, Ganuka Dissanyake, Ashan Darling, T Ranaweera, Heshan Jansen, Bawantha Udangamuwa, Malitha Rashmika, Lahiru Daulagala, W Madushanka, R Chandrarathne, Mohamed Shabeer, Tharaka de Silva, Diluksha Dange, Sanushka Abeywickrema, Charles Praveen, H Perera, N Priyarathne, Kavishka Lakshan, WSoysa, M Yaswanth, T Hilmi, K Bandara
Head Coach: Fazil Marija
Forwards Coach: Viraj Prasanna
Rugby Chairman: Lasantha Wijesuriya
Team Manager: Kapila Silva
Administration Manager: Asela Wickremasinghe
