Science College is a story of accomplishment; they showed the rugby fraternity that all Rugby needs is heart by storming into the top league of the schools a couple of years ago.
The entire school and old boys coming together to dig themselves a rugby grounds was a start and having got basic facilities required for top level Rugby play, they went on become giant killers and holding their own against the more affluent schools adding an exciting dimension to schools rugby.
History of Science Rugby
The name Science was changed from Sathissara in 1984. The very first victory in Rugby was in 1980 when they beat the neighbors S. Thomas. With the help of the strong 2011 side, they became Champions in the Inaugural Zahira Sevens Tournament, continuing their winning streak to last year as well. In addition Science College produced great players to play for the Tuskers in the likes of Nazeem Mohamed, Hilmy Syed, Damith Jayawardane and the most famous Sanjeewa Jayasinghe one of the best wingers to play for the national team.
Recent Flashback
It was Nazeem Mohamed the Sri Lankan 7’s & CH & FC Captain and some other loyal old boys who came together to pull their college from Division B group to play with the top lads in the ‘A’ group. It was an utterly remarkable effort by the boys from Mt. Lavinia and the priceless support of their old boy’s made this dream come true in 2011. Last year they had the biggest support with Rohitha Rajapaksha the current Navy captain taking over Science physical and rugby development duties which surely benefitted the college in terms of his experience and knowledge of rugby. However, Amila Chathuranga who is now in charge is well focused for the season of 2014.
Last season
They finished at the fifth place last season and they beat the mighty Royal College and drew with Kingswood. Thilina Thilanka (Costa) and Richard Dharmapala who went on to play for Kandy SC were outstanding for Science last year. Their loss however is a big blow and they hope to do the same and and pull off some more surprises this season.
Coaching team
Amila Chaturanga the head coach who played for Science College 1st XV in 2005 has taken the reigns since he left school. His passion for Science rugby is tremendous and he has been very effective since he took over the coaching. This year he believes they have a strong unit which includes a very mobile pack and a fast track three quarters.
Vaughn Meredith is the technical director from England, who played for Canterbury and Kent under 21’s and he is not only working with the first team but giving his knowledge and experience to all age groups at Science rugby.
Players to watch out
Lasindu Ishan
The big and strong No. 8 played for Sri Lankan under 18 last year and he will be leading the pack this time. He is very mobile with ball in hand where he is capable of beating any defender and he is a very brutal tackler too. His performance blossomed last year and he will be hoping to cement it yet again.
Prasad Malinda ( C )
Fourth year coloursman skipper Prasad will play the key role as a scrum half and he is capable of playing in the outside centre position as well. His decision making in the scrum and set pieces will play a big role and he is a class act in taking the quick taps on penalties taunting the defending team to ‘catch me if you can’.
Chathura Gomes and the young brigades
Vice captain Gomes will be playing his fourth year in the first team and he is a very organized and structured centre three quarter. His influence will be an added advantage for their speedy line especially for young Thanuja Maduranga who is playing next to him as outside centre on his first year. Moreover, the fresher flanker Nirosh Udyanga and Prop Charith Janitha coming to the side will give the team a big boost said coach Amila.
The Squad
Props:
Charith Janitha / Dilum Randika
Hooker:
Sunanjana Hansamal / Sajith Lahiru Iroshana / K. Mithum madhusankha
Locks:
Roshan Abdulla / Charith Saranga / K.A. Sajith Irusha / Daminda Lakshitha / B. Ravindu Sampath Kulatunga
Flankers:
Udesh madushanka / Nirosh Udayanga / Bhanuka Dhananjaya / Shifan Irshad / Janith Laksara
No. 8:
Lasindu Ishan
Scrum half:
Prasad Malinda / Himash Madushan / R.A. Vinura Nirmal
Fly half:
Sahan Induranga
Centres:
Chathura Gomes (VC) / Thanuja Maduranga / Thanuja Sandalanka Jayaweera
Wingers:
Harsha Kumara / Krishantha Jayanath / Sajith Roshan / Harshana Pathum / M.G. Hashan Madushank / Kavindu Malhara
Full back:
Prince Chamara / Ravin Fernando
Quotes
“We have trained hard we want to win the first round matches and dominate the group. We have good replacements in this year’s squad and definitely we will use them all in order to claim success” Said coach Chathuranga.
“Science will make history winning the silverware in this year’s league” said skipper Malinda.
Science College Rugby 2014 – Prasad Malinda (Captain)
Science College Rugby 2014 – Amila Chaturanga (Coach)
ThePapare wishes them good luck!
