The most popular 7 a side Rugby tournament will kick off once again in Sri Lanka with Dialog eZ cash sponsoring the local segment of Carlton 7’s which is scheduled to be held on the 28th & 29th in St Anne’s College grounds Kurunegala, June and 5th & 6th July in Beliatta.
Access group owned Central Kings team will be led by Rohitha Rajapaksa this year. Central Kings last became champions in 2011 in the International segment and finished 4th in last year in the local segment. Nigel Ratwatte, Saliya Handapangoda, Lasantha De Costa are among the top players in the Kings team. Eastern Eagles sponsored by Nation Lanka PLC will be led by the talented Shenal Dias who leads a team with some speedy sevens players. Samantha Lakshan, Lakith Perera and Eranga Weerakkody are some experience campaigners. Last year Eagles finished second in both leg 1 and 2 in the local segment. Jaffna Challengers owned by Environmental Resources Investment PLC, finished bottom in the table last year despite winning the international segment in 2012. However, Saliya kumara will lead the side this year for the local segment Rehan Weerakoon and Sajith Saranga’s experience will assist him in the tussle for the top spot.
Last year’s local tournament results
North Western Blacks owned by TKS Securities (Pvt) limited finished on 7th position overall. The Blacks were the joint champions with the Challengers in 2012 international segment. This year they have some exciting players who excelled in Mercantile 7’s a few weeks back. Danushka ‘Gertha’ Perera will captain the side whilst the player of the tournament award winner in the club 7’sMohamed Sheriff, Lee Keegal and speedster Lavanga Perera is a part of what looks like a formidable line up.
Northern Gladiators sponsored by Cargills Ceylon Ltd finished 6th overall last year. Gladiators had a silent outing last year but this year Sri Lankan 7’s Captain Fazil Marija will lead the team again and have the services of some experience in their ranks. Pradeep Liyanage, Sudarshana Muthuthantri, Mithun Hapugoda and Dhanushka Ranjan to name few.
Uva Vipers owned by Rank Holdings (Pvt) Ltd finished 8th last year in the local segment. All blacks 7’s captain D.J. Forbes played in this team in the international segment last 2 years. Shehan Pathirana will lead this week end in Kurunegala . Mushin Faleel, Sharo Fernando, Rizah Mubarak Ashen De Costa will strengthen the Vipers.
North Central Typhoons owned by Avant-Garde have had a fairly decent outing so far and finished overall 3rd last year in the local segment. Player of the tournament in the concluded Mercantile 7’s Anurudda Wilwara will lead the side while Sandun Herath, Roshan Weerarathne, Shanaka Kumara will make the Typhoons a stronger unit.
Western Warriors owned by Entrust Securities PLC finished 5th last year. Last year’s highest bid holder Yoshitha Rajapaksa will lead the Warriors once again. Randika Alwis, Bilal Hassen and Dilan Zoysa are familiar names in the national circuit.
Southern Sharks owned by East West Information System are the defending champions in the local segment. Lankan 7’s stars Dinusha Chathuranga will lead this side over weekend. Sensational 7’s star Srinath Sooriyabandara, Chanka Chandimal and Mohamed Sashan will no doubt help the Sharks to defend the title.
Sabaragamuwa Stallions owned by Vallibel Finance PLC finished 9th last year in the local segment despite performing well in the first edition of the Carlton International 7’s. Chula Susantha will be leading the side while Richard Dharmapala, Banuka Nanayakkara and Prasad Devinda will add diversity and talent to the Stallions.
