Air Force SC will look be the giant killers of the Dialog Rugby League 2016/17 as they strive to achieve a top four finish in the upcoming season.
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In 1961 Air Force SC, together with Division ‘B’ teams from Police SC, Army SC, Navy SC were permitted to play alongside the Division ‘A’ clubs. Since then Air Force SC has been playing in the top division in Sri Lanka and have produced some exceptional players who have gone on to don the national colours. The Airmen were in their prime in the 80’s as they won their first Clifford Cup in 1986, however, they have been unable to replicate that kind of form ever since.
Recent
In a disappointing season last year, Air Force finished in 7th place, just ahead of CH & FC. It turned out to be a good learning curve for the Airmen, however as they improved immensely by the end of the League tournament. They proved this when they finished their season on a high, beating NAVY SC 38-18 in the final of the Defense Services Rugby Championship 2016 and will look to carry forward the good work in the upcoming season as well.
The squad
Gayan Iddamalgoda will lead the Airmen from Ratmalana this season and will play a crucial role as scrum half or fly half, depending on the team combinations. No matter where he plays, the team will look to him as the man to control things.
Charith Seneviratne, the long serving Air Force centre will look to add his experience to the three quarter line of Air Force as they look to make an impact this season.
The one advantage Air Force has going for them is that it’s the team that has retained the most number of players from last season’s team. It may turn out to have a telling effect in the matches to come. Coach Leonard De Zylva mentioned that they will look to play fast, open rugby this time as it will enhance the team’s capability to win matches against stronger opponents.
Young blood
The only notable new signing for Air Force is former Royal scrum half Ashok Wijekumar, who will be making his club rugby debut this season. Wijekumar had the excellent school season with the Royalists as he exerted immense control in all the games as scrum half and lead the almost unstoppable Royal rolling maul.
The back room staff
Leonard De Zylva will guide the Airmen this time around as well and will look to build on the momentum the team gained during the latter part of last season. Saumya Silva will be the assistant coach for the Airmen.
The goal for the 2016/17 Season will be to finish in the top four with this improving lot of players. If they are able to achieve this, it will be a phenomenal effort by the Airmen, who have what it takes to upset a few big teams this season.
Squad 2016/17
