The runners-up of the 2016 Singer schools rugby league S.Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia will be seeking to exceed their previous years performance.
Blast from the Past
Thomas’ College dominated schools’ rugby in the 80’s and 90’s but the early 2000’s were not years they would like to remember. In the year 2009, the Thomians came back strong with stars of the likes of Anurudda Wilwara, Sudarshana Muthuthanthri and skipper Shaveen Kapuwatte to be crowned the league runners up and Milo Knockout champions.
Following the few dismal years, it was their 2013 side lead by Devin Jayasinghe that brought the Thomian team back to division ‘A’ following three disastrous years in the lower tier. His side was unbeaten in the lower division and conquered all their trophy games, the Canon R.S. De Saram Shield vs Trinity College, the Lady Jayathilaka Shield played out with St Joseph’s College and the Michael Gunarathne Trophy which is the Royal-Thomian
Last Season
Pandula De Silva and his band had the complete package of a team; however, despite some brilliant performances the boys in black and blue could only finish second in the league losing out to the ever-present Isipathana college. S.Thomas’ however managed to win the all-island schools sevens tournament after 22 years under Naveen Heenakankanamage’s leadership.
Five players namely Naveen Henakankanamage, Pandula De Silva, Ashwantha Herath, Danuja Wijerathne and Christian De Lile represented Sri Lanka junior nationals team last year.
This year S. Thomas will lose eleven (11) players from the 2016 squad but they have experienced players like Henakankanamage and De Lile to strengthen the squad.
Players to watch out for:
Naveen Henakankanamge will lead the gritty brigade this season. He was the highest try scorer last year and deservedly led the Sri Lanka U18 sevens team for a successful tour in Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. It will be interesting to see where he will start the most this season, whether at the wing or at center.
Christian De Lile, is flanker who played last season with a lot of authority. He made few stunning turnovers at the breakdown, he is also a good first up tackler and he will surely lead the forwards march.
Mayon Jayawardene who was rock solid last year at the full back position. He suffered with a knee injury in the latter part of the season and he will be a Stuart Hogg type of a finisher. His combination with his skipper worked really well in 2016 and will there to see the same this year.
Dion Dias, the little half back has been a match winner. He has made a massive impact coming off the bench previously. A footballer playing the oval shape ball will produce the much needed kicking duties. He will be the catalyst in decision making this year.
Verdict for 2017
“In the previous team there were 11 players left and in the current team there are seven coloursemen, so I don’t think that would be too costly for us.” Captain Naveen Henakankanamage
“The school has managed to get the service of Rahumi Abdeen, who has done a bit of work in Italy.” We came second last year so we want to make sure that we do everything right to make it work and to go one place further” Coach Laga shared his view.
Squad 2017
