The 45th Mercantile 7’s concluded as MAS holding defended the title for the third consecutive year.It is a shame as there were only five teams to compete in the Cup segment namely MAS A, MAS B, Access, Dialog and John Keells.
All these teams enriched with star studded players with many having worn the Tuskers shirt. However, it was won by the team who had most of the experience in playing this fast moving game.
ThePapare.com came up with its best seven of Mercantile7’s :
1) Gayan Weerarathne (C) MAS – Had an outstanding comeback after his injury from the last year’s club XV. MAS ‘A’ captain and ThePapare puts him down as captain of this dream team. Gayan has been a regular member in the Tuskers sevens squad. Last year he made some scintillating runs and tries in the Asian series. He has maintained his fitness and made some sparkling runs at Merc 7s to take MAS to triumph. He also deservedly earned the player of the tournament in the 45th Merc 7’s.
2) Sudarshana Muthuthantri (ACCESS) – Probably the best versatile player in the country. Last year’s Havelock’s captain is a phenomenal figure in both the XV’s and 7’s format. He made more great yards, line breaks, turnovers and off loads than anyone at Merc 7s. Also started all the matches and played to the final whistle.
3) Shenal Dias (ACCESS) – The tallest man in the field with 6’5 who was studying and training in the US and back here on vacation. Shenal is a much needed player for the Tuskers in both the formats. He has been a valuable asset for the country but his injuries have led him to stop playing for a while. However, he made a great impact last weekend to win many high balls and turnovers for the runner up team.
4) Mithun Hapugoda (Dialog) – The man who is known for his signature leap and the goosesteps was full at full throttle. He was electrifying with his pace and also made some try saving tackles. Unfortunately he had a nasty knee injury before the plate final and perhaps will be out for another 6 – 8 months.
5) Fazil Marija (MAS) – Surely not the best tournament that he had, but his experience was enough to seal the win for the MAS. He knows how to kill time when you lead 10 – 07 it is all about game management and pressure controlling.
6) Rochana Hettiarachchi (Dialog) – Won the most promising player award in the plate segment which is a well-deserved one. Rochana has transformed his skills from playing XV to 7s. CR&FC three quarter did really well in this year’s Merc 7s especially with his attacking and defensive work rate and he showed a great panache.
7) Sandun Herath – Although he did not play full time in some matches, he did the job when it was needed the most for the MAS. Scored the winning try coming from the bench. Tuskers winger played an important role for the MAS team using all his experience.
Super sub – Nigel Ratwatte (MAS) – won the award for the man of the final, Nigel is a player who can perhaps play in any position in the sevens format. Had an ordinary start but in the third day he was up to his mark.
Sevens sensation Srinath Sooriyabandara, Chula Susantha, Richard Dharmapala, Dhanushka Ranjan all from ACCESS could not make a significant impact some due to injuries but winger Kavindu Perera was astounding for the men in stripes. Saliya Handapangoda, Chanaka Chandimal and Vishwamithra Jayasinghe also played a vital role for the runners’ up team.
Last year’s player of the tournament and the iron man Anurudda Wilwara could not make a try fest. That is mainly due to Sandun Herath being in his team. Nevertheless, Wilwara is still in fine form having recovered from his many injuries. Costa brothers and Saliya Kumara contributed to the winning team when it was needed. Roshan Weerarathne no 1 half back at the moment in the XV format also was on song, along with Shehan Pathirana who once again picked up a knee injury.
Mushin Faleel (Dialog) showed some great skills in this format, Kanchana Ramanayake (John Keells) played pretty much a lonely hand for the plate runner-up team.
It will be interesting to see how these players perform in the inter club sevens next month.
