The North Western Blacks are one of the most perilous fighters whose intention will be to unleash a winning campaign of the Carlton Super 7s 2014.
History
North Western Blacks are one of the highest flying team with their indigenous skills and have had a significant past from the initial Carlton Super Sevens’. Blacks retained the Champions title beating Southern Sharks by 34 – 07 in the Kandy leg in 2012. In their recent past Blacks have had the services of New Zealand legends, such as, Frank Halai, Joe Webber, Shane Christy, Warwick Lahmert & Sam Dickson.
Captain (Niranjan Wickramaratna)
A proud product of Wesley College, the winger from the newly instigated club Hambanthota Sharks and Sri Lanka Colorsmen, Niranjan Wickramaratna will lead the North Western Blacks for this year’s international segment. Wickramaratna, who represented the Sri Lanka sevens squad for the Borneo sevens in 2009 is an experienced performer who is about to light up the North Western Blacks with his speedy runs goose steps
Coaching Staff & Franchise Owners
A Malaysian owned investment firm, inclusive of highly experienced management and a team of stockbrokers, TKS Securities (Pvt) Limited will be the possessors of North Western Blacks. Former Kandy SC, Navy SC & Sri Lanka scrum half, the current Sri Lanka sevens coach and the gentleman in town, Nilfer Ibrahim will be the head coach of the North Western Blacks. Nilfer guided the Sri Lanka sevens squad for the Hong Kong sevens while making Isipathana College the Colombo’s most talked team by piloting them to win the triple championship in 2014’s season. Blacks will be assisted by Dev Anand whilst Sankha de Silva will function as the team physio.
Foreign Players
North Western Blacks are benefited with the Australian flanker, Jordon Tuapou, who was a part of the Australian 7s side. Jordan’s vast 7s rugby knowledge will be an immense strength for the Blacks and he have the backing of his team mate Andrew Muirhead equally versatile at his trade. The New Zealand forward, Ritchie Ahchons will be another challenge to the rest of the combatants.
Local Players
The nippy performer of CR & FC, Pium Jayasinghe will be the most crucial speedster for the Blacks. He notched up a hat-trick and was awarded the most outstanding player at the Kandy leg of the Carlton Super Sevens in year 2012. The vastly experienced Amjad Buksh will be donning the Blacks jersey for this year. In addition to his ability with the boot, Buksh’s skills and lateral passes will facilitate the Blacks. Mushin Faleel, the full back from Reid Avenue will be another plus point for the North Western Blacks. Lions Winger, current CH & FC player, Kavindu Perera will also give his services to the Blacks to regain the title as will Mohamed Absal former Kingswoodian who turned out for Navy.
Local Leg Performances
North Western Blacks did averagely well in the two local legs. They lost to the Northern Gladiators in their semifinals by 15 – 21 points. Despite this they have been good enough to secure the third place in both of the local segments.
Full Squad
Niranjan Wickramaratna (Captain)
Mushin Faleel
Amjad Buksh
Pium Jayasinghe
Kavindu Perera
Mohamed Absal
Pubudu Kodagoda
Chamara Kumara
Kosala Tissera
Lahiru Mudalige
Jordon Tuapou (Australia)
Anthony Matoto (New Zealand)
Andrew Muirhead (Australia)
Ritchie Ahchons (New Zealand)
