Siblings in sport ; the Maduranga pair from the Science College rugby team is one such phenomena. History relates fables of greatness that brothers have achieved together. The story from Mount Lavinia too has its unique flair.
From the ranks of a not so affluent school emerge the Maduranga brothers carrying on for Science college and delivering through blood, sweat, tears and even more importantly, heart.
Science was placed 4th in the recently concluded league and as this article goes for publishing, the school is breaking barriers coming into the all-important Premadasa trophy finals.
If one has seen the Science boys in action during the past few games, you would not miss the sight of two small-made blokes in the three quarters running circles around the opposition defense. These two speedsters have been the backbone of Science rugby as 80% of the points put on board by the outfit have been by the Maduranga duo.
Our first assignment to find the Maduranga pair was a total disaster as almost the entire sect of Science College surprisingly didn’t seem to know the them. It was later that we understood that the duo; Thanuja Maduranga and Tharindu Maduranga are fondly known in the Science circle as “Loku Sudu” and “Podi Sudu”.
The older of the two, 18 old Thanuja Maduranga relates that his affection to the sport has been with him since the sixth grade. “I was one day looking at my school mates play this sport called Rugger(Rugby) and I thought I should also give a try. The very first day I joined, I got myself into the team (under 14) and later I played one year of Under 16 before 1st XV”
A sportsman of few words, Thanuja says he was the youngest at that time at 15 years in 2013, when the then 1st XV coach asked him to come for practices. He relates that he was given the # 14 jersey right away and he started the first match of the season in 2013“It was a tough challenge for me starting the first game with a lot of pressure. I played my first match against Royal that day. I played at wing three that year and it was a good game and we won.”
Since that day, Thanuja Maduranga had been donning the Science jersey, being a dedicated player for the school all throughout. It was just last year that Thanuja went on to take a lead role in the team by moving to center and taking kicking duties.“I started playing as center last year and I became the team’s kicker. That gave me a boost to take up more responsibility and handle the game. This year, I was able to get my kicks sorted so I think I can keep up to the level”
Thanuja’s statement on his kicking is undeniable when taking a look at his stats for the season. Having scored six tries, kicked 15 conversions and 4 penalties, Thanuja himself has 72 points this season. He says he will work harder for the next season to be a better kicker.
Following the footsteps of his brother, the 15 year old Tharindu Maduranga has been the missing part in the Science puzzle over past seasons. Science has become an unstoppable force in this schools season thanks to this young Spartan.
Playing a first year at 15 years in the shoes of a wing three quarter, Tharindu mentions his brother has been his role model and mentor.“It was a tough challenge to play this year but Thanuja has been my supporter. I played Under 14 & one year of Under 16 before I started playing for the 1st XV team this season.”
‘Podi Sudu’ or Tharindu had the perfect start for a great career in the sport as he reminisced his first match which was against S. Thomas. “I was frightened at first but I played my game that I used to play in Under 16. Got the ball and did my job and I scored a hat trick of tries in my first game itself”
Tharindu mentions that his seniors have been the motivators behind his playing from the first match till now guiding him during games.“The seniors helped me a lot to relieve my stress levels and told me to keep calm and do what I do the best and I succeeded.”
The Madurangas’ didn’t fail to mention that their success is a result of dedicated efforts of the coaching staff. “I have always been guided by my coaches and the support staff, my first coach was Mr. Amila and later Mr. Collin has been our strength” added the older Maduranga.
The duo had something special to say to their skipper Lasindu Ishan who according to them is the ‘pillar’ of their strength. “Lasindu will run around everywhere during the match and talk to us and tell to keep our minds straight. He is the real champion. Even when I take the kicks, it was he who stood by my side at all times even when things didn’t go right. That was my motivation” said Thanuja.
“I was the youngest in the side and every now and then, Lasindu will run to the corner of the ground and tell me it is going to be alright and carry on. That actually made me a better player.” the 15 year old added.
Thanuja Maduranga who has another year of Rugby in the Science jersey articulated that he wishes to someday go up the levels of the sport and make the alma mater that taught him the basics, proud. He mentions he is very grateful to his coaches and his parents who have been supporting him from the start. Thanuja intends to take his rugby to the next stage as his aspirations are to play for Sri Lanka one day
The 15 year old Tharindu has many school seasons ahead and having represented the 1st XV side at 15, he gets another additional four years to play. At his pace of success, the name Tharindu Maduranga will surely be one name which everyone in the country would remember in the years to come.
ThePapare.com wishes them well
