D.S. Senanayake College has been an emerging name in the recent past by producing some talented players. A systematic failure by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) resulted in a court decision allowing the Dons to play in the top division, which was lawfully correct.
Blast from the past
It was in 1980’s the Dons started their rugby and since 2010 they were sandwiched in C & B divisions. However, in the last two years they contested well in the plate segment in the top tier. The old boys have been trying to set up a strong infrastructure for the Dons to remain in the top division and to produce some good rugby players. The Dons have some experienced players who played last year and that will add some value to coach Sumeda Malawana’s team. Buddima Piyarathna was an outstanding product of D.S. Senanayake College, who played for Sri Lanka U20’s and is currently playing for the Navy SC team.
Last year
We saw Mohamed Ashraf’s team winning two games, with one draw and one loss in the plate segment. Having played their first game this year with a 54 – 25 defeat at the hands of St. Anthony’s, they have enough talent to survive in the top league.
Players to watch
Captain Gaveen Perera is a 5th year coloursman and a vital player at lock and at No8. With a height of 6.1 and weighing over 100kg his experience will be tested.
Inura Samarawickrama is a hard attacking flanker who’s playing in his 4th year and is another senior player in the team.
Mohamed Shimar will fill in the boots of last year captain at the pivotal fly half position. His decision making and game management will also be another crucial part for the Dons.
Coaching staff
Former national player Sumedha Malawana stated last year that all they want is to survive in the top division which he delivered. This year he will be eyeing an extra mile with this team. Havelocks fly half Niroshan Fernando has assumed duties as the assistant coach and he will work with the backs to counter the opposition.
Squad 2017
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