The pioneer institution which introduced the oval shaped game to the Ceylonese islanders, Kingswood College Kandy ready their cavalry for their conquest to take possession of the much revered league title.
The book of history reads that it was the school on RandlesHill, that incarnated the Web Ellis dream in the country during their founder E.L. Blaze’s reign. Ever since the sport saw light within the walls of this institution, it has evolved to be a way of life for many who walked through them. The first ever rugby game dates to the year 1906 where the institutions of Kingswood and Trinity met at Bogambora turning a new page in the sporting journal of the country. From humble beginnings, Kingswood College has evolved to be the sole representation for the sport in the country playing a key role in the development of the game. Names such as FazilMarija, NalakaWeerakkody, Nilfer Ibrahim that we remember when we speak about the sport, embraced the oval shaped sport at this institution.
Their contribution to the national grid is a reflection of their achievements in the past decade. Over the past 11 years, Kingswood had been the proud contender of three rugby titles which were in the years 2004, 2005 and 2008. The Kingsmen boast of their unbeaten streaks in the years 2004 and 2005 which were captained by FazilMarija and ErandaWeerakkodi respectively. The last year’s season for the Kingswoodians takes the top spot in their performances for the last three years as Kingswood under the leadership of Asela Wijesinghe ended up third in the league.
2014 was a glorious year in the Kingswood journal as the success of the ’14 season was continued to this year under Reeza Raffaideen as Kingswood retained Blaze trophy for the second successive year under last Sunday beating Wesley College 19-17 in a close encounter.
Reeza Raffaideen in Charge
Fourth year player Reeza Raffaideen will take the captain’s duties this year for the Kingswood outfit. Raffaideen who has been a regular in the side in his favorite position of wing three quarter was an impact player last season as Kingswood were famed to be the team that scored through their wing-three quarters. Reeza who will be playing in a more responsible role at Fly Half this year will look to steer his team through thick and thin. Raffaideen will play key in their set-moves with his aggressive pace, he would be a man to look out for.
Coach Castro holds another term in office
Veteran coach Ananda Casthuriarachchi will take charge of this young Kings side for the third consecutive year. Better known to the people by “Coach Castro”, he can be named as one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced coaching persons. An alumni of Kingswood, Castro had a successful stint at Kandy Sports Club before he took on duties. With experience in coaching both local and overseas, Castro has been a resourceful individual who is primarily involved in moulding teams to be winning outfits and it will be interesting to see as to how he would implement his strategy this year. Mohamed Jabbar Former Kingswoodian and Kandy winger will assist Castro.
The Kingswoodian outfit this year composes of young blood and give senior players.
The Center Combo; Wellangiriya and Udawalahitiya
Narada Wellangiriya and Udawalahitiya will form the center combinations for the Kingswoodians this season. The duo who would be playing their final year in the college jersey have been impact players over the last two seasons. Wellangiriya’s aggressive pace and his counterpart’s strength will play key in the Kingswood quarter attacking combinations.
Faris Ali & Rafaideen
Last year’s threatening paceman Faris Ali will be taking on duties of being the Full back this year moving from his usual position of wing-three quarter. The Reeza -Ali combination which brought in the points for the team last year through the wings will continue to live on, but this time in a different combination. A combination to what Kingswood will always resort to at any point.
Front line
Kingswood’s front line compile a mixed experienced outlay with Kasun Wimalasiri being the key in the forward play. Playing in at Flanker, Wimalasiri’s experience and advice will come in handy in the pressurized situations and in forming rucks.
Kingswood College has always been the highlight in the rugby of the country. Their passion about the sport is beyond measure. The chant which the Kingswood team preach after a conclusion of their game, known as their own model of the haka quotes “for college we do, for college we die..” , Reeza Rafaideen and his Kingsmen will come all out for the title for college and die trying.
Squad:
Prop -Adeeb jibran/ Sanoj Malaka/ Kanishka madhushan / Rashmika Chandrarathna/ Kasun Wijesooriya / Hirusha Anuranga
Hooker – Senesh Kaushika / Channa Keshara / Madushan Nuwan
Second row – Chamara wijesooriya / Akila Madushanka /Sameera Madhushan / Pradeep Lakshan
Flanker – Srinath Wimalaweera / Janith Athauda / Aflal Saleem /
No8 – Hirantha Manamendra
Scrum Half – Heshan Jansen / Ranga Mayura /Mohamed Fazlul
Fly half – Faris Ali / Rumesh Tharindu
Center – Ravinath Udagalahitiyawa / Narada Wellangiriya
Wing – Tharindra Chathura / Imesh Siriwardene / Praveen Marabage / Lakshitha Podiarachi / Piyal Ranjith
Full back – Reeza Raffaideen (C) / Chathura Senavirathne / Ruchira Ekenayake
Kingswood College Kandy Captain Reeza Raffaideen
Kingswood College Kandy Coach Mohammed Jabbar
