At Trinity the oval shaped game celebrates its 109th year. Following the age old legacy of over a century, the Lion breed from the hill capital, commissioned its 109th outfit to wear the prestigious colors of Red,Gold & Blue of Trinity College Kandy.
A bit of history
It has been 109 years since the first day an oval shaped rugby ball was witnessed kicked within the playing quadrangle of this institution. Since the beginning of such a journey, the journals of the college history reads that the sport has been the livelihood of the youth who walk through the many corridors of this school. From the first encounter in the year 1906 against home town rivals Kingswood College, Trinity has been famed for the unique style of play which they have contributed to the game.
The lawns of Pallekelle, to which Trinity calls home continues to be the proving grounds for the hundreds of by-goners who have lived the Trinity dream. The greats of the past such as the Late General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Imthi Marikkar ,Harris Omar and Dilip Selvam all donned the sacred jersery in their youth.
On paper the Lions have been the most consistent team over the past four years ending among the top three in the last four seasons. The treasured possession of rugby in the country; the coveted Bradby Shield being retained for the last four years in the hill-capital testifies to this statement. The arrival of All Black Neil Footie transformed the Lion outfit to a champion bunch to which Trinity owes a debt which cannot be repaid. The baton passed on from Murad Ramzeen in 2011 till Tarinda Ratwatte in 2014 where Trinity went on to end up as runners up, losing only to Isipathana and taking home the Bradby Shield as well. 2014 produced six players to the national grid making a notable contribution to the sport in the country.
The Driving Force
Fifth Year Coloursman Isuru Rangala to Lead – Having played the sport over four years, Isuru Rangala will play his fifth and final year in a much responsible post as skipper. Having represented the Sri Lankan U20 side last year, Rangala has been termed as a warrior for his combination of strength and speed. He has played in various positions but this time Rangala goes back to his favorite position of Lock forward.
Speedster Saranga Gunathilake – Playing his fourth and final year for college, Saranga Gunathilake is Trinity’s key to success. As full back, his place kicking ability puts him on top of his league. Gunathilake will take duties of his outgoing skipper, Tarinda Ratwatte in kicking whilst he has been beyond par in performance as full back. This was evidently witnessed in Trinity’s first outing and much will be expected from this lad in the weeks to come.
Center Combinations -Trinity’s experience lies within their quarter backs. The center combination of Sachintha Dissanayaka and Ryan Weerakoon will be crucial as the duo will have to play a key role. Ryan Weerakoon comes back to play in the place of center having played scrum-half last season while Dissananayaka has been Trinity’s regular since last year.
The Samarasekara heritage-Rajith Samarasekara will take the place of his brother this year as Flanker for the Trinity outfit making it the second generation of his family to play the sport in college. His attacking playing style will help his side in the scrums and interceptions.
Men behind the scenes
Former Ireland Lock forward Eric Miller will take on duties as coach of the Trinity College 1st XV outfit for the year 2015. Having had a successful stint for his national side from 1997 to 2005, Miller has worn the colours of Leicester, Ulster, Barbarians and the British Irish Lions prior to taking up coaching. This being Miller’s first consignment beyond Europe, it will be interesting to see the expertise he brings into this youthful Trinity side. In Miller’s assistance would be Trinity alumni and coach Thushitha De Silva. Trinity will retain the services of their fitness expert Serj Khajadourian for yet another year.
In their own words
Played four years under four captains, I’ve understood what it takes to become great. As I lead the 109th rugby team of Trinity College, I know the path ahead will be one of the toughest challenges I have faced in my life. With the Lions having a four consecutive Bradby wins, I hope we could enter the books of history making it the fifth and aim for the greater glory. In achieving my vision I know that I have 23 brave men to support me and we share a common dream Ísuru Rangala’
The 2015 season will be about consistency as Trinity will be hoping to keep hold of their league stance and of course retain the most precious Bradby Shield. Never has there been any instance where the shield had been in one institution for more than four years over the past two decades and Isuru Rangala and his men will give all out to make it happen this year.
Squad
Props
Dhirendra Ratwatte/ Ghazali Ismail / Shaveen Ekanayaka / Pubudu Amunuthuduwa / Melan Maleesh / Shalendra Alahakoon
Hookers
Nethmal Sakalasooriya / Nathan Lee Wei
Second Rows
Isuru Rangala/ Anjana Bandara / Pasan Samarawickrema / Rishane Madena / Shadi Deane / Rahul Karunathilake
Third Row
Anjana Bandara/ Rajith Samarasekara / Aveesha Priyankara/ Rukshan Dhammapala
Half backs
Anuka Boyagoda / James Peiris / Rashen Bandaranayaka / Dave Dias
Stand Off
Thushila Perera /Ayesha Edirisinghe /
Centers
Sajana Sangasinghe / Ryan Weerakoon / Sachintha Dissanayaka / Lashen Wijesuriya
Wings
Shermal Wijewardena / Diluksha Dange / Geshan Pethiyagoda/ Manushka Wijethilake / Isuru Rathnayake / Naveen Dewdasan
Full Back
Saranga Gunathilake
