Having had a reasonable stint in the school rugby arena last season, the Antonians go into this year’s Singer Schools’ Rugby League confident of at least a top 3 finish.
Blast from the past
St. Anthony’s College boasts a rich history in the game. Though they started rugby in the 1950’s it was only in 1961 that the enthusiasm was created and rugby received a big boost and backing from all quarters. Since then St. Anthony’s has been one of the most consistent teams in the Sri Lankan schools rugby arena and have been a real threat to other schools on the field. They have produced some of the finest players to grace the sport in the island. Out of all the Antonians to don the national jersey, Priyantha Ekanayake stands tall above all, being the first Antonian to captain the Sri Lanka Rugby Team.
St. Anthony’s biggest achievement in Rugby, came in the year 2001 when they were crowned champions of the U-19 League Tournament under the captaincy of Tikiri Dissanayake.
Last year
The 2016 season had many positives for the Eagles where they were able to secure wins over Dharmaraja and Kingswood to qualify for the second round in which they won a close game against Wesley. The first half of the season proved more productive for them than the latter part of the campaign.
The team combination has hardly changed for the boys from Katugasthota this year, compared to the last. It’s a dawn of a new year for the St.Anthony’s rugby side this year with the luxury of some excellent and skilled players in their line-up.
Players to watch out for
Dinuk Amerasinghe: Playing his 5th and final year of 1st XV rugby, Dinuk is tall, well-built lad who is known for his speed and flexibility as a center. Dinuk is more of a play making center rather than a finisher and his ability to make quick decisions has earned him the captaincy of the team. Amerasinghe was also a part of the Sri Lanka Under 18 Sevens team that also won the Asia Under 18 Sevens series last year as well.
Samuel Maduwantha: He was the highest point scorer in the last season, securing a total tally of over 100 points. Being the place kicker of the team is a huge responsibility which falls squarely on his shoulders but Maduwantha has proved time and again that he is someone who is good under pressure.
Jehan Seelagama: Jehan is mainly known for his speed and finishing skills and on his day, has proved to be a match winner. Last season he failed to make a huge impact but the hope of the Antonians is that he will fire this time around to boost their chances of winning the title.
Dinesh Rodrigo: The big prop forward is also their vice captain and the leader of the pack. Last season he was seen making huge tackles on the opposition players and also some very threatening pick and runs close to the try line. He will play a vital role in the scrum, with his weight and technique.
Coaching Staff
St. Anthony’s will be coached by the experienced Viper Gunaraththna and the current Kandy Sports Club backs coach Nalaka Weerakkody, who will be second in command.
Squad 2017
