The eagerly anticipated Schools Rugby League is just a few days away from the kick off. Before the commencement of the 2013 Singer Schools A Division season ThePapare.Com had the chance to meet up with the Giant Killers from Science College.
The old days….
Looking back in time, the first victory came in 1980 to this school when they managed to beat the neighboring Thomians. Reaching the quarter finals in 1990 and then being the finalists of the School Rugby Tournament in 1997 were some of the pinnacles that Science College achieved in the earlier stages of the game. With the help of the strong 2011 side, they became Champions in the Inaugural Zahira Sevens Tournament, continuing their winning streak to this year as well.
The turning point of the rugby history came back in 2007 when they were placed in ‘C’ Division. Under the leadership of former Sri Lanka and CH Captain, Nazeem Mohammed, many loyal old boys joined hand to bringing the school rugby to a better level. Setting themselves a target of stepping into the A Division in just a minimal time of three years was quite surprising and a smirking matter to most of the other schools in the league. However they managed to put a firm hold to all of these commoners when their ‘ bunch of lanky youngsters’ broke into the field and made it to the A Division two years back, holding onto the committed old boys target of achieving such in three years.
Mindset for 2013 season
Speaking to these gutty youngsters it is very evident that they will be looking to upset the entire league standings at the end of this season. They are determined to be recognized in the top three ranks by the final weeks play in the league. With the recent support from Rohitha Rajapaksha and his team, the players are much more focused and ready to face any challenge that might be thrown at them.
Chichi takes over
Youngster, Rohitha Rajapaksha fondly known as ‘ Chichi’ in the rugby arena takes over as the Physical and Rugby Development Official of Science Rugby for this season. With the setback of financial aid for the rugby union of this school, the task of maintaining Mohtilal Jayathilaka yet again for another season was very daunting. Nevertheless the service and upbringing that he had rendered to the school and the team over the past two years has been highly appreciated by many rugby fans up-to-date. Therefore Chichi has stepped in very generously along with his siblings who were past Thomian and Sri Lankan captains and members of the first family to help and boost these set of young rugby players so that they will be given their due place in the sports arena at the end of the day.
Kandy also known as Amila has been appointed as head coach for the Giant killers this season,. Having trained with the boys for more than three years now, Amila’s experience will certainly be very handy to the players this season.
Richard the Hulk
4th Year Coloursmen and Junior National Player, Richard Dharmapala will be leading the team this year. He has been the key figure over the past three years making the breaks and scoring the match winning tries to strive forward as a team in the league. He will be leading the three qaurters, playing the crucial position of full back for this season as well.
Final Words….
When looking at the previous years team, Science will only be lacking the services of three senior players. The rest remains the same, looking more aggressive and stronger.It is no doubt that these youngsters will look out beat any opponent, though they maybe bigger in size or better in skill as they have heart and will be focused to achieve the final goal- ‘Winning the league title!!’
Behind the team, there are handful of people who put in all their efforts to support these young lads to come into some place in the outside world. Special mention should be made of all the old boys of Science College who have contiously rendered their services to the betterment of rugby, be it may in labour or monetary means. It is believed that each and every single player that earns the jersey will bear that in mind and make their seniors proud of all their hard work.
Science College rugby squad-
I.R.P.Dharmapala, S.G.T.Gomas ,G.G.H.T.Thianka, E.K.W.S.I.Wejejesiri , S.G.C.D.Gomas , R.S.P.C.Singhe, K.W.I.Viraj, D.M.Silva, J.A.S.Dushan, M.M.C.S.Saumayakara, H.D.C.Silva, G.H.H.K.Sandaruwan, M.R.I.Fernando, M.C.J.Silva, T.K.J.Fernando, K.Imesh Samindu, T.Roshan Abdulla, Himash Madushan, R.A.N.U.Perera, M.Sankaala Anushka, M.K.A.Thanua Maduranga, P.B.U.Mashanka, W.Tharindu Lakshan, D.R.R.De Silva, M.S.Shifan Irshad, R.A.V.Nirmal, D.M.Dilak, K.D.Manoj Deshappriya, T.D.Hewamana, P.L.Abesekara, M.Aslam, H.A.Sunanjana, B.L.I.Karunathilaka, Y.M.Ayeshmantha, K.G.S.Silva
Science College will be playing their first match against Royal College, Colombo on Friday the 15th of March 2013 at the Royal Sports Complex.
The rest of their fixtures look as below.
Date VS Venue
23rd March 2013 Trinity College, Kandy Science College, Mount Lavinia
05th April 2013 Dharmarajah College, Kandy Kandy
27th April 2013 Isipathana Colege, Colombo Science College, Mount Lavinia
04th May 2013 Kingswood College, Kandy Science College, Mount Lavinia
11th May 2013 St.Peters College, Bambalapitiya St. Peters College, Grounds
18th May 2013 Wesley College, Colombo Science College, Mount Lavinia
02nd June 2013 St.. Anthonys College, Kandy Kandy
08th June 2013 St. Joeshps College, Colombo Science College, Mount Lavinia
ThePapare.com wish the lads all the strength
