Having the privilege of being the first ever institution to have inaugurated the oval shaped ball game to the island of Ceylon, Kingwood boasts of a rich heritage to Rugby even though the team has not performed to reputation lately.
History
Rugby which runs deep down the veins of this great institution, Kingswood College is regarded to be the institution responsible in introducing the sport to the island. History books date back as far as 1906 where the first ever rugby match was played in the field of Bogambara between the two sides Kingswood College and Trinity College. The institutions rugby timeline encountered with a series of pauses at its premature stages but with the passage of time, the brand name Kingswood evolved to be the representation for the sport in the country. Kingswood has no doubt been the proving grounds for aspiring young talent whilst it had been the very place in which Sri Lankan rugby stalwarts such as Nilfer Ibrahim, Nalaka Weerakkoddi and Fazil Marija nurtured their basics. Kingswood’s contribution to the nation is indeed worthy of praise as the nation owes this institution a mighty debt taking into account the number of players who represented the nation after donning the Kingswood jersey.
The bygone decade can be regarded as the golden era for the Kingswood as they were conferred with three A Division Rugby league titles in the years 2004 under Fazil Marija, 2005 Eranda Weerakkodi and in 2008 under the captaincy of Gayan Rathnage. It is also noteworthy to mention that they emerged Knock Out champions in the years 2003,2004 and 2005 while they remained unbeaten in all three years.
Last Season
Kingswood’s last season was not the best they’ve encountered as they ended up in the middle tier in the league table. Their wins came against fewer known schools while their final match against St. Anthony’s College ended up without any result given.
Veteran coach and rugby specialist Ananda Casthuriarachchi will continue his term as coach for Kingswood this year as well. Favored by his field name Castro, he mentioned that this year, the team will bring in a new strategy of play which they would enact in the upcoming league. ‘Coach Castro’ firmly believes that the team which he possesses has potential to reach out to the top trio this season and that would he be his main target this season.
Players to watch out for
Asela Wijesinghe
Center back and third year player will continue in the position of skipper for the second successive year for Kingswood. Last year he received the honor of being the youngest player to lead a side in the rugby league. Even so he and his team did possess the energy to finish top draw. A boisterous and powerful inside center for Kingswood, Asela has been a key playmaker for the Kings over the past two years shouldering the hopes of thousands. With much expertise gathered, Asela will take the field this season with hope of yielding high with a side with a better chemistry this season.
The Kingswoodians have always been speedsters as their strength lies in their three quarters. This season too, the Kings field in a team where their strength lies primarily on their back division players.
The Shezan Saleh & Indika Kumara Combination
Having played side by side with his skipper; Saleh is the player to look forward to when it comes to free running and strategic play. In his third and final year in the Kingswood jersey in the position of scrum half, he has proven vital for the Kingswood three quarter combination. Though small in size his, this lad will opt to give out his 100% this season and would be a player to watch out for.
With Saleh at scrum half’s position and Indika Kumara in Flyhalf, these two compile a perfect combination between agility and speed together with place kicking. They have been working hand in hand last year in the same positions and at many instances, they have succeeded in executing set plays and much will be expected from these two this season.
These two would receive the aid of skipper Asela Wijesinghe at inside center, UD Ariyagoda in the outside and Jaleel on the corner wing.
Paranagama to Drive the Forwards
R.S. Paranagama, will be playing in as No 8 for Kingswood and being the only experienced person in the pack, he would be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team at the forefront with senior man J.S Amarasinghe. The Kingswood pack will have lot to prove this season amongst their counterparts as they field in a freshmen front row.
‘Coach Castro’
Veteran coach and former Kingswood captain Ananda Casthuriarachchi will continue his term as coach for Kingswood this year as well. Favored by his field name Castro, he mentioned that this year, the team will Ananda Kasthuriarachchi bring in a new strategy of play which they would enact in the upcoming league. ‘Coach Castro’ who has captained Kandy SC and represented Sri Lanka has also had a stinct in New Zealand which makes him an all-rounder in the fieldof Rugby. firmly believes that the team which he possesses has potential to reach out to the top trio this season and that would he be his main target this season.
Conclusion
Kingswood College is renowned for its excellence in the oval shaped ball game but over the past two to three years, they have not been successful in reaching the peak in the sport. With Kingswood compiling an experienced outfit this season, the likes of them reaching the top tier is highly predictable.
Kingswood Squad :
Props
NR Premathilake / JC Amarasinghe / LVB Maliyadde
Locks
MA Priyankara / AC Weerasinghe
Third Rows
S Jayasundara / TM Thewadana / DAK Charunda
Scrum Half
S Saleh
Half Back
R.I.P. Kumara
Centers
A Wijesinghe/ U.D. Ariyagoda
Wings
M.F. Ali, T.I. Jaleel
Fullback
K .J. Chanaka
Quotes
Speaking to ThePapare, skipper Asela mentioned that he had once led his side to a victory in the Under 16 tournament and he would hope repeat this feat once again in the Under 20 format.
Coach Ananda Casturiarachchi firmly believes that the team which he possesses has potential to reach out to the top trio this season and that would he be his main target this season.
ThePapare.com wishes Kingdwood rugby all the very best !!!
