Last week got off to the worst possible start, with the sad news of the demise of Sajith Mallikaarachchi, one of the best rugby talents to be produced by Sri Lanka. Although I did not know Sajith that well personally, I was a huge admirer of his ability & natural flair.
He was one of those big chaps playing in the three quarter line, with stylish guile for his size, which unlocked defenses and set the ‘threes’ in motion. He first caught my eye when playing in those great Isipathana sides of 96, & 97. I thought he was exceptional in 96, when they beat S.Thomas’ in the league final. In 97 they were even better, as that Pathana side swept aside all in their path to be crowned champions once again. I was fortunate enough to find myself on the same rugby pitch with him five years later, though in the opposition camp. I was playing for CH&FC, and ‘Sajja’ (as he was popularly known) was the linchpin in the mighty Kandy backline. I remember thinking to myself, ‘if he comes at pace off the line out, how am I going to tackle this chap’. I thought I did rather ok, even though Kandy romped home and eventually did the domestic double. Sri Lankan rugby has lost one of its brightest stars of recent times.
In terms of the schools rugby season, round 4 saw some cracker games take place. I was in Kandy, to witness the high riding Thomians, buoyed by the ‘Royal slaying’ attempt to wrestle back the Canon R.S De Saram shield from Trinity. And in a game in which many a twist and dramatic turn made up for a lack of rugby quality, the boys from Mount Lavinia eventually succeeded. The game started at a frantic pace, with the Lions calling all the shots. The first twenty minutes of the game was played entirely deep in Thomian territory. However, a lack of finishing touches deprived Trinity of many a scoring opportunity. Yet, they found themselves comfortably placed at 15-3 come the midway point.
One would have expected them to go on and win the game from there. However, some moments of madness, and sheer indiscipline saw the wheels come off the Trinity chariot. First the madness. Skipper Rahul Karunathilake has only himself to blame. He first received marching orders for repeated infringements, in the first half. But then, the turning point in the game came when Sachitha Jayathilake charged through following a quick tap. Karunathilake swung an arm and caught Jayathilake high. Referee Rankothge was left with no choice but to brandish a second yellow, which automatically results in a red card. Till that point Trinity were well in control. I kind of feel for the lad. Not easy to get down and tackle when you’re literally two meters tall. Not only did he more or less cost his side the game, but he also pays the greater price of viewing the first leg of the coveted Bradby shield from the stands. A double whammer! Another player was also given ten minutes in the ‘cooler’ and S.Thomas’ were away.
Though Trinity played a significant part in their own undoing, a huge chunk of credit must go to this Thomian outfit. A hallmark of a great side is to be able to win games, despite not always being at your best. S.Thomas’ were not at their best against Royal, nor were they were very efficient at the start against Trinity. But they absorbed the pressure and hung on, 
never losing the belief that they can still win. This was epitomized by an audacious drop goal by Centre Sharith Nanayakkara when the scores were deadlocked at 15 apiece. From then on, it was the Hena’kankanamge show. Dubbed the ‘Thomian flash’, Naveen danced his way to another couple of tries, that put paid to any chances of a Trinity comeback. Trinity did score in the dying stages of the game, but the deed was done. The Canon was being prepared for the long journey back to Mount Lavinia. Kudos to skipper Pandula De Silva and the way he marshalled his troops. S. Thomas’ remain unbeaten as they head into the last game of the first round. Up next, is the ever improving Wesley outfit – a potential banana skin? The Campbell Park School cannot be taken lightly. The game will be played for the Sir Oliver Goonetilleke shield, on offer for the second year in succession. There’s a bit of added spice in the fact that Jivan Goonetilleke, a Thomian who coached the Mount side last season, is now at the helm of Wesley. There probably won’t be any love lost there. It promises to be an entertaining game.
The highlight of this weekend’s fixtures is undoubtedly the first leg of the 72nd Bradby shield encounter. As stated, Trinity will be without their inspirational skipper Karunathilake. But, Royal College have their own problems. After losing to S.Thomas’ they were almost upstaged 
by the lowly but spirited S. Josephs’ last weekend. In the end, they did remarkably well to claw back from 10-27 down, to tie the game at 27-all. Their execution of the rolling maul is the best you would see by any team in the country. The issue for the Reid Avenue team is that there does not seem to be much else in their arsenal. What’s more, their backline defensive play is very poor. The Bradby encounter is likely to be a case of Royal forwards against Trinity backs. I cannot see Trinity losing this. In an ironic way, I think S.Thomas’ have done them a favour. They will be hurting, and hungry more than ever for success. Royal may have to pay the price.
There are still two other undefeated teams in Isipathana, and Science. I have (perhaps unfairly) not credited these two teams enough for what they’ve achieved thus far. It has to be said though, that group ‘B’ looks the weaker of the two groups. For me, Isipathana are head and shoulders above all in this cluster. They go into today’s game against Science having systematically dismantled St. Peter’s 36-21, scoring six tries in the process. Science are a good side. They have an excellent scrum half who runs the play, and their flanker Janith Laksara, dubbed the local ‘Betsen’ is simply outstanding in the loose. But I believe the ‘Green shirts’ are a more complete side. They play at a very high level of intensity, and do not let any side settle into a groove. It promises to be a fast open game, but it would take a brave man to bet against Isipathana maintaining their unbeaten run.
So, week 5 serves up another feast of rugby. Stay tuned to the ‘ThePapare’ should you be not in a position to make it through the gates for any of the key games. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
