Air Force out to fly high this season
Ranjeeva Seneviratne
RUGBY: The Sri Lanka Air Force which played in segment two of
the Caltex 'A' Division League Tournament last year enjoyed an excellent
season winning 13 matches out of 14 losing only to Police to end up as
runners-up.
They continued their fine form in the Clifford Cup knock-out
tournament and went down fighting to the mighty CR and FC by 11-21
having led 13-11 at the breather. Their fine performance has earned them
a promotion to segment one of the 'A' Division League this year.
The man who brought about this remarkable change in their fortunes
was former Thomian and CH and FC prop forward Wazil Hafeel who took
great pains to mould them into a strong outfit.
The Airmen will make their entry to segment one of the 'A' Division
League with a formidable pack and a fine set of three quarters and with
Hafeel being available to guide them once again they should emerge as a
force to be reckoned with and give the reputed clubs a run for their
money.
The Airmen will be led by lanky flanker Pradeep Kurukulasuriya a fine
attacking player and a fierce tackler. He will play in his accustomed
position of flanker with either Pathum Ediriweera or Sri Lanka poolist
Sirej Niranga occupying the other berth with former Trinitian Dinesh
Weeraratne playing as number eight.
Former Air Force skipper Saumya Silva and the experienced Kosala
Ranasinghe will bind down in the front row with Duminda Vitharana
filling the hooker's berth. Prasanna Soysa, an excellent line out jumper
and a tireless player in the loose and newcomer Kodagoda will be the
lock forwards.
With last year's scrum half Ajit Herath having left the Air Force
young Pradeesha Seneviratne will operate from the base of the scrum and
will pair off with the experienced Nalin Sirisena who will perform the
dual role of fly half and place kicker.
Ruchira Fernando a hard runner and solid tackler will once again
occupy a centre berth and will play alongside fresher Charith
Seneviratne. Former Sri Lanka poolist Suranga Arunashantha who has stood
out with his powerful runs down the flank and Pradeep Heenkende will man
the wings with an attacking full back in Rohan Fernando who has a knack
of joining the line to form the overlap.
The Airmen will confront the formidable CH and FC in the curtain
raiser of the Caltex 'A' Division League at Maitland Crescent on May 18.
The Airmen will be coached for the second successive year by Wazil
Hafeel who is being assisted by ex-Air Force centre Irshard Cader.
The ruggerites are receiving all the assistance and encouragement
from Chairman of Air Force Rugby Air Commodore Saranath Rambukwella and
Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke who turned out
for the Airmen as a flanker in the early 1980s. |