S.Thomas’ College are back in top flight rugby after a two year hiatus.
History
Thomian rugby has a rich and tradition laden history that spans over five decades. The sport was born in College in 1955, when S. Thomas’ joined St. Josephs, Trinity, Royal and St. Peters in the schools rugby fray. The Thomian outfit was first captained by K.S Anandan, and was coached by Mahes Rodrigo.
Over the years they have gone on become a force in schools holding a spot in the A division until their relegation two years ago
Last season
2013 was a year of redemption for S. Thomas College Rugby. Having spent a couple of years languishing in the B division, the Thomians had an excellent season, destroying the B division and remaining undefeated to ensure their comeback to top flight schools rugby, capping it off by winning the traditional Royal Thomian encounter after a seven year lapse. The scenario that they will face this year is going to be a lot different to the one that existed before their demotion.
For starters, they will be facing an entirely new league system. Fortunately, they won’t be alone in this, as this is the first year that this new system is being implemented. It remains to be seen if this system will affect the preparations of teams, but as a team that has just re entered the A division, the Thomian outfit has some adjusting to do anyway, and will hope that the new system will serve to make their life in the league easier.
That is not to say that they should by any means expect a cakewalk. The gap in quality between the A and B divisions is quite large, and the level of competition in the top tier is significantly higher. Adapting to this won’t be as difficult to the Thomians however, as they played and won a number of Trophy Matches against A division teams last year. This season will also be less demanding in that sense, as a number of league games will double as traditional trophy encounters, meaning that they will have to play fewer games this season.
Players to watch out for
Personnel wise, there have been only a few significant changes in the Thomian roster. The biggest loss that the Thomians face is that of last year’s skipper Devin Jayasinghe. Jayasinghe was a key component for the Thomians success last year, and his kicking in particular will be missed. Last year’s deputy Hashaka Senanayake (Centre) has stepped up to take over the captaincy this year, and the impressive season that he had last year indicates that the job is in good hands. He will be leading a squad that consists of 15 coloursmen, whose experience will be greatly advantageous to the team.
The line will be the strong point for the Thomians as they have the services of most of last year’s backs, along with some talented new faces. Skipper Senanayake, Eeza Ibrahim and Nayanesh Jirasinha are all players to watch out for, having established their credentials already last year. The likes of Kasun Jayasuriya and Naveen Henakankanamge also look very promising in the wings, adding greater depth to the thomian lineup.
Coaching camp
Queenslander Grant Dwyer remains their head coach following a successful stint last year and is assisted by Dhanushka Boteju. The Thomians are in good hands as former Thomian First XV captain Jeewan Gunatilake who went on to captain the Sri Lanka U 19 side to the World Cup is also involved in coaching the side.
Final words
As this is their first year back in the top tier, winning the league would probably not be the foremost ambition for the team. S.Thomas’ need to re-establish themselves in the A division first. Any aspirations with regards to winning the league can be considered after the first phase is completed. Their main ambition this year will no doubt be to retain the Michael Gunaratne trophy when they play Royal College. The fixture schedule means that this game will take place sometime in the second half of the season, giving the Thomians time to prepare and adapt to life back in the A division.
The boys in blue and black won’t get to ease themselves into the season gently, as their campaign kicks off against defending champions Dharmarajah College. On the basis of their performance last year however, the school by the sea will be considered a serious threat by all opposition. As they should be.
Quotes –
“We’re going to take it game by game” is what skipper Senanayake says, and it is a sound policy.
“Last seasons results are history now. we have to reestablish ourselves as a first division club and build from the beginning” Coach Grant Dwyer refuses to take things lightly after a successful run last year.
Thomian Squad
Props:
Malinda Deshapriya / Indraraj Gunasekara / Nisan Samsara / Chinthaka Kumara / Eranda Deshapriya / Thulith Bandara / Maneesha De Alwis Seneviratne / Chirantha Abeywickrama / Shenal Bhavan / Thivanka Hapugoda
Hookers:
Pandula de Silva / Dhanuja Wijeratne
Locks:
Hashith Senanayake / Shehan Udawatte / Kathesh Handy / Kevin Luke De Silva
Flankers:
Sarindha Silva / Naveen Eriyagama / Malinda Hidellarachchi / Wayne Mack / Manuja Gunadasa / Shaniv Ahangama / Salman Jhan
No 8’s:
Shanel Perera / Sachitha Jayathilake / Tehan Perera / Migara Gunaratne
Scrum Halves:
Harith Ferdinando / Senal De Silva
Fly Halves:
Ashwantha Herath / Praveen Ferdinando / Hans Walpola / Dheeraka Fernando
Centres:
Hashaka Senanayake (Captain) / Nayanesh Jirasinha / Sharith Nanayakkara
Wings:
Sanjaya Abeysinghe / Asanga Ranasinha / Naveen Henakankanamage / Pravir Goonewardene / Kasun Jayasuriya / Dineth Wijewardena / Richard Samuel / Sithija Abeysekara / Shaarya Karunaratne / Chamath Surasena / Teran Gunaratne / Raveen Manickam
Full Backs:
Eezaa Ibrahim (Vice Captain)/ Shakila De Silva/ Ryan Jansen/ Lushantha Dabare
Grant Dwyer – Head Coach
Jivan Gunathilake – Coach
Dhanushka Boteju – Assistant Coach
S. Thomas’ College Rugby 2014 – Hashika Senanayake – Captain
S. Thomas’ College Rugby 2014 – Grant Dwyer – Coach
ThePapare wishes them good luck!
