Kandy SC undisputed kings of rugby

The Kandy SC rugby squad: Srinath Sooriyabandara (captain), Lasitha Attanagoda, Malitha Rashmika, Milan Weerasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Chathura Soysa, Tharindu Chathuranga, Sanushka Abeywickrama, Heshan Jansen, Nigel Ratwatte, Asiri Senevirathne, Dinal Ekanayake, Kavindu Perera, Diluksha Dange, Suranga Tennakoon, Tarinda Ratwatte , Fawmy Wajid, Aruna Perera, Wawala Panditha, Dahan.Wickramarachchi, Dhanushka Ranjan, Rumesh Premathilake, Mohamed Akil, Isuru Bandara, Inoon Ihshan, Udara Dias, DilshanFareed, Nepul Athukorala, Nalan Premanath, Hirusha Sampath, Tharindu Bandara, Viraj Kolombaarachchi, Gayan Perera, Shaheed.Zumri, Kenula Hettiarachchi, Thisanga Dissanayake and Ethan Schneider-Loos. Head Coach: Fazil Marija, Forwards Coach: Terence Henry, Manager: Kapila Silva, Physio: Lakshitha, Trainer: Tharaka Algama, and Masseur: Mobby Perera

By Shamseer Jaleel  

Kandy Sports Club, the only club to play in the ‘A’ division rugby from outstation, clinched the Inter-Club League Rugby Championship for a record 24th time in three decades since their first triumph in 1994. What a moment for the boys as their 1994 skipper and first League winner in the club’s history, former Dharmaraja and national player Indrajith Bandaranayake came all the way from Australia to present the jerseys for Kandy players before the commencement of their encounter against CR and FC at Nittawela Rugby Stadium.  

With one more game left in the season, Kandy SC has already been crowned champions, continuing their dominance in Sri Lankan club rugby. Their consistent performances throughout the season have left no room for doubt, as they secured the league title with a game to spare. Kandy’s powerful forward pack, tactical brilliance, and unmatched speed in the backline have set them apart from the rest of the pack, making them the undisputed kings of Sri Lankan rugby once again.  

Despite some early challenges, Kandy remained unbeaten, displaying their trademark attacking rugby and rock-solid defence. Veteran players combined with young talent have ensured the club’s supremacy, as they outclassed their opponents week after week. Their final match may now be a mere formality, but Kandy SC will undoubtedly aim to finish the season in style, maintaining their perfect record.  

Sri Lanka veteran Srinath Sooriyabandara led the team from the front and they were never beaten a single time this season. Their star-studded three-quarter line with scrum half to full back being national players, were simply amazing to say the least. With ample talent, skills and electrifying speed it was a delight to see Kandy when they got the ball and were unstoppable this season. Senior players Tarinda Ratwatte, Heshan Jensen, Kavindu Perera, Danushka Ranjan, Nigel Ratwatte, Sooriyabandara and Dinal Ekanayake were like ghosts for their opposition teams this year.   

In forwards play too second rower, Thilina Bandara and Dahan Wickremarachchi were outstanding. Diluksha Dange, Asiri Seneviratne and Sanushka Abeywickrema and Dahan Wickremarachchi too chipped in this season.   

Two youngsters who made their mark in club rugby and are the future of Kandy rugby is definitely Dahan Wickremarachchi and Shaahid Zumry both from Isipathana who made their mark for the Hill capital club and are expected to provide their services for the next decade.  

Kandy SC coach Fazil Marija, one of the legends of Sri Lankan rugby read the game well and never over used the boys during training sessions. There were only a few injuries during the season and that helped them achieve their success. Their Forwards coach Terence Henry too played his part along with Kapila Silva managing the outfit, trainer Tharaka Algama, physio Lasitha and ever reliable masseur Mobby Perera were gems for the Kandy outfit working round the clock. All these results were possible due to the sponsorship by Cargills who were the principal sponsor and Crysbro too chipping in for the Up Country club.  

Unbeaten Kandy will play their last league game when they host Havelocks at Nittawela on March 16 and will have to make sure their party is not spoilt. Another packed house is assured on this day as the champion outfit side will be eying for the Clifford Cup knock-out games to be played at Nittawela soon afterwards. That is yet another one to be achieved for Marija and the boys. Gates are opened free for this encounter except Grand Stand, Members Pavilion and the area below Grand Stand.