Defending champions of the national schools Rugby league, Dharmaraja College Kandy is well under preparation to defend their title this year.
Rugby in the college which had hitherto been an arguably forte and a nonfeasance at the same time, emerged a resounding success during the last couple of years demonstrating a predominant era for Rajans Rugby.
History
The oval ball game has placed itself on the Dharmaraja soil in the 1920s, albeit it was embarked in a systematic way only in 1972. The game seems to have been deserted since a player sustained heavy injuries during a match. While driving a gentle path, partakers were able to bring about a barely adequate rendition by 1976. Rejuvenation of Rajans rugby may be accredited to former Thomian late Lal Kumarasinghe for his competent admonishment playing the both vital roles as MIC and Coach. Rajans with their plausible resources have marched an adventurous journey until the creation of history in the Sri Lanka schools rugby last year.
Last Season
Rajans stood on cloud nine last season as we witnessed the astounding revelation of aptitude while they conquered unbeaten, the A division championship trophy. This compelling escapade virtually portrayed their command in the game from those antecedent matches a year earlier in the B division followed by the victory in schools sevens.
On their way to the crown last year, Rajans led by skipper Rochana Hettiarachchi encountered two hair-racers against Trinity and Royal which ended 34-all and 17-all respectively securing their unbeaten tag in the latter. All must be chewing over the idea if Rajans would exercise their sovereign power this season too?
Players to Watch out for
Vihanga Nawalage
The skipper Vihanga Nawalage, a youngster of great stature is to lead the Rajans side. He stands tall in the aspect of seniority being a driving force in the locks. He started his first XV pursuit as a key second row player in 2012. He has adroitly displayed his mastery in the game playing central province last year and representing the Sri Lanka youth national squad.
Viraj, Pasan and Hasmitha
The team comprises players from the last year including several seniors. Viraj Weerasekara who was selected for U20 national sevens side and being a top try scorer as a winger last year will run in good lines to step and swerve as a centre. Number eights Pasan Bandara and all-rounder Hasmitha Karunathilake who typified in central province will bind a decisive superiority between the locks and back of the scrum.
Dilantha, Ishanka and Heshan
The hooker Dilantha Hiyarapitiya is a versatile player capable of winning possession for their team during open play. With his speed and skill to join in the backline attacking moves, all-rounder Ishanka Wimalasooriya will play as the full-back while scrum-half Heshan Pilapitiya will be a clever link between the forwards and the backs. As a team all the players portray a tender longing for a striking smash.
Hettiarachi as Coach
Veteran Radhika Hettiarachchi as the Head Coach of the team has played a major role in breeding Rajans rugby into its present status since he took over the coaching duties. Being a product of Dharmaraja College, he has ably relished his remarkable career in Kandy SC and Sri Lanka national team. He states that he is pleased by the support rendered by the college authorities and the past pupils.
Suboda Kalube is working as the Asst. coach while Samantha Rajapaksa and Kumara Herath serve as the physical trainer and gym instructor respectively. Dr. KGB Kumbukgoda is assigned as the Physician while MIC Saliya Alexander and college authorities support with various administrative assistance.
Dharmaraja College will launch their campaign against St. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia at home which will kick-off on 22nd of March. No wonder that there is trepidation in the hearts of the Rajans young and old about the conquest in this year’s league being the unbeaten champions the previous year. It is inevitable that the players must enter into the 2014 season as a stalwart force backed by their rhythm in order to secure their well and hard earned pride.
Full squad
Props
Dhakshika Amaeasinghe / Romesh Ananda / Chamod Kulatunga
Hookers
Dilantha Hiyarapitiya / Muditha Meththananda / Heshan Gamage
Locks
Vihanga Nawalage (C) / Chalindu Wijesinghe / Panduka Udangamuwa / Chalindu Wijesinghe
Flankers
Manushka Kumara / Manula herath / Suchira Weerasinghe / Hirantha Abeykoon / Adeepa Kadupitiya
N0.8
Hasmitha Karunathilake / Pasan Bandara
Scrum Half
Prabath Hurigulla / Heshan Pilapitiya / Malinda Kumara / Dhanushka Wickramasinghe
Fly Half
Hasunil Edirimanna / Maneesha Pawan
Centres
Viraj Werasekara / Sanka Subasinghe / Tharaka Rathnayake
Wingers
Chamika Perera / Pradeep Bandara / Rasanjana Helanji
Full Back
Arjuna Ranasinghe / Santhusha Karunathilake / Ishanka Wimalasooriya
Quotes
. “Although we have a moderately experienced side, our hopes always stand for dominance in this season. We are going to reach our target match by match and I’m quite satisfied of our confidence” said Vihanga Nawalage the Rajans skipper to ThePapare.com
“The exertion of strenuous efforts by the young lads is admirable. It’s none other than the supremacy bound with great discipline that we are seeking to achieve” stated Coach Hettiarchchi in his conversation with ThePapare.com
ThePapare.com wishes them all the very best!!!
