Kandy clinched the Dialog inter club rugby 7’s 2015. ThePapare.com have picked the seven of the best performance during the weekend.
Rochana Hettiarachchi – CR&FC
Former Dharmaraja captain and the center of CR&FC has immensely developed in stature. He has transformed his ability in playing both 7’s & XV’s really well. He was rock solid in attack and defense for the Reds also won well-deserved, the player of the plate final. Scored 5 tries last weekend and his performance without a doubt will inspire the national selectors for the Tuskers ahead of the Asian 7’s series in September.
Nigel Ratwatte – Kandy SC
The man of the final in the Mercantile 7’s showcased how good he is in support play and how important that is in terms of scoring tries. Nigel scored two tries in the final against Havelock’s, one came from the chase off Marija’s kick and the other supporting Richard Dharmapala. Although he scored only 3 tries in the tournament, he delivered the best when it was much needed in the final.
Sudarshana Muthuthantri – Havelock’s SC
Probably scored the best try of the tournament; collecting the ball in the air and going straight under the post beating three defenders. Even in the finals, the versatile forward was remarkable making some good yards. Although he did not have a significant impact on day one, he was back to his rhythm on day two. Muthuthantri also scored 3 tries in the weekend.
Richard Dharmapala – Kandy SC
His try-saving tackle on Dhanushka Ranjan made the difference of winning and losing for Kandy SC. Was simply outstanding in the finals with his work rate with defense and offense. Also he reads the game well and tries to create space drawing two defenders from the opposite side. Richard scored 6 tries but the best of them came in the final.
Fazil Marija – Kandy SC
He is approaching his 30’s still he is running handsomely. Did not have the best of the game on day one, but in the semifinal his two tries were the winning formula against the competent CR&FC. He marshalled his troops politely and playing center he created more chances to Anurudda Wilwara and Vishvamithra Jayasinghe to score. His experience was clearly the catalyst for this sevens glory. Marija scored 3 tries in the tournament.
Dhanushka Ranjan – Havelock’s SC
Probably the man of the tournament as he not only scored the most number of tries (8)he was equally brilliant with his input for the men in Pink. Tuskers first choice center has blossomed out during the recent past in both formats of the game locally as well as internationally.
Sandun Herath – Havelock’s SC
Since his historic try against Australia in the Commonwealth Games last year, Herath has improved with his attack and defense. Using his upper body strength when it was necessary, he also made a text book tackle to stop Anurudda Wilwara going for a try in the finals. This position was the hardest to pick as Wilwara, Dinusha Chathuranga and Vishvamithra all played superbly. Despite his 6 tries in the tournament Sandun seemed to have a bit more mojo throughout the weekend than the rest.
Super Sub – Dinusha Chathuranga – Navy SC
Chathuranga led the inexperience Sailor’s unit for the bowl victory. He did not have much of a choice but he was outstanding with his dazzling footwork and his individual brilliance. He scored 4 tries in the weekend but the try against Havelock’s in the cup quarter final was scintillating.
