At the beginning of each year, prior to the commencement of the inter school Rugby season, whether being the favourites or the underdogs to the title, the ambition for the boys from Havelock town remains the same; Compete and win titles to bring glory to a school, where Rugby is a way of life, almost a religion. 2016 will not be any different as the Isipathana College 1st XV Rugby team look forward to have another successful season and bring glory to their beloved Alma mater.
Brief History
Isipathana Rugby may have a history of just 53 years but the ‘Greens’ have carved their name in the history books as one of the most successful teams to grace the sport in the country. Taking up rugby in only 1963, Isipathana who are also known as the “Green Machine” have the honour of being the most decorated Rugby playing school in the island having racked up a staggering 62 cup championships in the Under 20 segment alone, while also managing to produce more than 60 Tuskers to the national grid. Isipathana also plays two annual trophy games against their traditional rivals Thurstan College for the Abdul Jabbar Trophy and against Royal College for the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy.
Last Season (2015)
After enjoying a highly successful season in 2014 winning the ‘Triple Crown’, Isipathana had the daunting task of defending their titles. But unfortunately Omalka Gunarathne’s team surrendered the league title to Royal College in their final game which also ended a 23 match unbeaten streak. The “Greens” also came second best in the All Island 7s final as well as the President’s Trophy finals to emerge triple Runner up for 2015. They did have some consolation of winning two trophies in the form of the Zahira invitational 7s and the SLRFU under 21 Club 7s. Further, 7 players went on to represent the Sri Lanka Youth Rugby team, which was captained by Omalka Gunarathne.
This Season
The Green machine excelled at the All Island 7s tournament held in January, outclassing all the opposition to reach the finals for the 4th consecutive year. However it was the “So close but yet so far” story for the Green Machine as they were agonizingly beaten in the last minute by a gallant Thomian side in the finals. A week later they retained the Zahira 7s title for a record 5th time while the under 18 team had the satisfaction of winning the “Plate Title” at the under 18 7’s tourney.
Kushan Indunil Leads the Green Machine
5th year coloursman, Kushan Indunil will lead the Green Machine for the 2016 Rugby season. From enjoying successful seasons in 2012 and 2014, to going through a torrid spell in 2013 Kushan will have plenty of experience under his belt in his long school 1st XV career and he certainly will need to use all that experience to lead a relatively new team this season. Playing in the vital No.12 Position he will have the support of 2nd Center, Sumudu Rankothge who will be his deputy this season.
“We have a comparatively new team this season but that does not faze me or the rest of the team. We have been working hard as a team and we will approach this season match by match and by doing that, we believe we can enjoy a really good season” – Kushan Indunil
Players to Watch
After a having dodgy season last year, due to injuries Vice-Captain of the side Sumudu Rankothge will be looking to “express himself” and display his talent on the field. Playing alongside Kushan, the duo will look to display their attacking prowess while showing their defensive capabilities in center field. Both these players will need to perform exceptionally as well as take up responsibilities in leading the players, if Isipathana are to progress as a team this season. Alongside this formidable center partnership, the ‘Greens’ will have their speedster Ranidu Padmasanka on the wing while Chamod Fernando will slot into the Full Back Position. Fleet footed Gayan Wickramarathne can play as both Fly half and Full back making him an important utility player in the back division. Gayan along with Padmasanka will also share the place kicking duties this season. Senior man in the pack Hasitha Mapitigama and 2nd year players Vageesha Weerasinghe, Devin Gunarathne, and Lahiru Wishwajith will need to perform to the best of their abilities as well as lead the rest of the new set of forwards this year.
Nilfer Ibrahim & Henry Terrence Combine
Since taking over as head coach at Isipathana, Nilfer Ibrahim has guided his team, to 7 Cup championships from 11 competitions which the Havelock Town school has participated in. Despite missing out on the services of 11 players from last year, Nilfer has faith in the current crop of players to go through another successful season. This year, he will be assisted by the former Wesley coach Henry Terrence who has been tasked with molding the new set of forwards into a formidable force. Navindra Dayan will continue his services as the trainer and make sure the boys are fit and well-conditioned to face the challenges in the upcoming season
“We don’t have any star players as such like the previous years but I have full confidence on the current set of players. Henry is a champion coach with plenty of experience so together we can make a change this year as well.” – Nilfer Ibrahim
Overall, Kushan Indunil and his team will go all out to win the League and Knock out title. Even though they may not have star players as such, the entire team will be hoping to achieve their season’s ambitions through commitment and team work as they look to bring back the coveted League to Havelock Park.
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