A new season sets the stage for new horizons, last year the Upcountry Lions was the ‘new kid on the block’ but after a gruelling season that saw them earn fourth place, this year they have set themselves new horizons; none other than winning the league itself.
The Lions have consolidated their position as one of the power houses in the current local rugby structure, having retained most of their key players last season, expectations are high for this team to show what they are capable of through their performances this season.
Looking Back at Last Year
A new team, a new stadium and a new face in rugby was introduced last year as the Lions made their debut. Amidst a lot of speculation most people might have not anticipated that a new team could impact on their debut year, but results proved contrary as the Lions were definitely a team that provided much entertainment, eventually getting better in their performances closer towards the end of the season. Having earned themselves 4th place in the league last year, the boys from Nawalapitiya have done an amazing job in consolidating themselves as a top team in the league. Srinath Sooriyabandara and Nigel Ratwatte were the star players for the Lions last season, while Tongan Tevita Taufui and New Zealander Peniasi Tokakece proved to be two important foreign inclusions that helped the Lions in their successes in the league.
‘Soori’ to Captain
Arguably the most exciting player in the Sri Lanka National 7’s team, Srinath Sooriyabandara will take charge this season. ‘Soori’ as he is more fondly known will lead his team playing as the first choice half-back of the side. He is definitely a player to keep an eye out for this season, especially after his prolific try scoring form in the HSBC Asian Sevens Series as he will look to find space with his ambitious punts and audacious bursts of speed that a very few could match.
Speaking to ThePapare.com Srinath believes that this year he has a very good squad under him, and that they will take each game at a time, but their eyes are set on winning the league this year.
The ‘Big Men’ In The Scrum
The Lions have a formidable set of forwards, even though most of their plays are centred around their line the forwards are as important for support. Props Desmond Wilson and Nipuna Devinda will lead the scrum for the Lions, while Arun Kumar and Malith Hettiarachchi will fight for the Hooker spot.
Zaffer Jahn, Wasaba Senarath and Ranga Perera are the second rows available for the Lions, supported by Flankers Sasanka Ariyarathne and Rajtha Abeykoon who will play a key role in the early games. Dilip Selvam who will be out for the early games due to an injury will also enter the setup after nurturing his injury.
Foreigners Joketani Raikabula and Peniasi Tokakece will fight for the extremely important No. 08 spot. ‘Peni’ especially will be a key player for the Lions since he was part of the last year’s team as well and having experienced the dynamics of the local league.
‘Very Very Fast Line’
‘Soori’ will be the undisputed scrumhalf of the side and will be backed by Dilan Soyza, while Nigel Ratwatte and Peri Gibbs will play for the all important position as fly-half. Nigel has grown in stature in the local rugby scene, while Peri who is a new face to the Lions side is said to have a amazing boot that could thump the ball from all parts of the ground.
Tongan Tevita Taufui and the up and coming Kanchana Ramanayake will be the two first choice centres for the team. Again, this partnership was brilliant last year as both players complement each other very well.
Mohamed Sashan and Kavindu Perera are the two speedsters for the Lions. Both these players faired extremely well in the recently concluded Carlton 7s this year, Sashan being one of the highest try scorers.
New addition from Police SC Shanaka Kumara will be the last man on the field for the Lions, and he will also take on the responsibility of place kicking for his team. Shanaka is also known for his blistering pace and will be a crucial element for the Lions in attack.
‘Young Guns’
The Lions have an extremely good set of youth available to them as well. Dharmaraja Captain Rochana Hettiarachchi and Isipathana fly-half Hirantha Perera are add value to this team. Eran Samarakoon, Arun Kumar, Randeera De Silva are all players who could contribute to the side.
Conclusion
Coach Imthi Marikar will look to capitalize on the depth of his squad, and improve on the strengths of the team. Speaking to ThePapare.com the Upcountry Lions manager Mr. Hassen Singhawansa also pointed out that this team in itself has a very young average age going on to show that the future of Sri Lanka Rugby is also showcased within.
The Lions have a very strong line, and the forwards will also pose a formidable threat in support. ‘Soori’ and Nigel will lead in attack ably supported by the rest. It is important to acknowledge the fact that starting of a new team is hard, but winning with a new team is harder. The Lions have the opportunity to defy that myth this year, as they embark on a brand new journey.
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -Francis of Assisi. The above statement seems to be the route that Lions plan to take, having started off last year by setting up a team and thriving to fourth place, this year their aim will be to win the title and display what they are capable of in the league.
Squad
Props – Desmond De Silva, Nipuna Devinda
Hookers – Malith Hettiarachchi, Arun Kumar
Second Row – Zaffer Jahn, Wasaba Senerath, Ranga Perera
Flankers – Chula Susantha, Sasanka Ariyarathne, Rajitha Abeykoon
No. 08 – Joketani Raikabula, Peniasi Tokakece
Scrumhalf – Srinath Sooriyabandara (c), Dilan De Soyza
Flyhalf – Nigel Ratwatte, Peri Gibbs, Rochana Hettirachchi, Hirantha Perera
Centre – Tevita Taufui, Kanchana Ramanayake
Wingers – Mohamed Sashan, Kavindu Perera
Fullback – Shanaka Kumara
ThePapare.Com wishes the boys from Nawalapitiya all the very best!
