Vidyartha College Kandy hasn’t had a long history as the rest of the pack to boast about, but they have had a huge impact in the arena of top division rugby. After having being demoted to the C division in the 2012 due to an incident regarding an over aged player, this is the first time in 5 years they have had the opportunity to get back to the top and compete as they are usually known for.
Vidyartha boasts of players in the caliber of Radeesha Seneviratne, Kavindu Perera, Chanaka Chandimal, Jason Dissanayake, Ashan Bandara and Anurudda Wilwara (who later moved to S. Thomas’). Vidyartha have been known for their heroics in the Athletics field which they bring into their Rugby game as well.
This Season
This season they have managed to secure three wins losing the only match to Kingswood College at Pallekalle where they were beaten rather comprehensively. They started off well scoring heavily against their arch rivals Sylvesters and won a close game against Ananda at Bogambara to secure the all important second position to come into the plate championships.
Vidyartha 55 – SSCK 0
Vidyartha 20 – Ananda 18
Vidyartha 16 – Maliyadewa 12
Vidyartha 13 – KCK 50
Players to watch out for
Channa Jayasinghe is a versatile forward who has the ability to either play at number 8 or flanker but his preferred and more complacent position has been at flanker.
Pawan Hiruwinda is a bulky center and has been playing particularly well this season. Making some clean breaks off the line, he will be a tough customer to handle for the opposition.
Chanaka Dilantha has been their best performer this season. He plays at the right wing where he shows plenty pace and flexibility running around defenders.
Coaching Staff
Vidyartha will be coached by Anil Jayasinghe and Dhanushka Pushpakumara will be his second in command. They are both experienced and have done a good job in the lead up to the season but their work at Vidyartha is only half way done.
Final Say
Having had a reasonable first round they head to the Plate division with hope of going to the Cup segment for the next season to come.
