Police's rugby on the rise

Ranjeeva Seneviratne

RUGBY: The Sri Lanka Police which earned a promotion to segment one of the Caltex 'A' division league tournament by emerging champions of segment two last year came up with a stupendous performance in their very first outing of the 'A' division league to beat the formidable Havelocks SC by 16 points to 12 at Havelock Park on Sunday.

The Police forwards came up with a power-packed display while the three quarters too gave a fine performance. They ran the ball at every opportunity to make the maximum use of the 'good ball' which came their way.

The man who has brought about this remarkable change in their fortunes is their dedicated coach M. D. Ifthikar the former Isipatana and CH and FC flanker who has taken great pains to mould them into a formidable outfit and emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the club rugby scene once again.

The Policemen have been strengthened by the return of ex-Sri Lanka fly-half Harshana Wijeweera and full-back Danuskha Pubudu and the entry of last year's Air Force scrum-half Ajith Herath.

Several talented youngsters have also joined the Police which is determined to regain its past glory when they reigned supreme in the club rugby scene winning the 'A' division league title for a record six consecutive years from 1984 to 1989 and again in 1991 after withdrawing in 1990 half way during the league tournament when the North East war broke out in June 1990.

That period can be considered as the golden era of Police rugby during which they clinched the rugby triple twice (1985 and 1989) and also bagged the double twice (1987 and 1991). But in the mid 1990s there was an exodus of their ruggerites to other clubs while several others hung up their boots which brought about the downfall of Police rugby.

This year's Police team is a blend of youth and experience. The Dark Blue Shirts will be led by lanky, lock-forward Pradeep Wilson, an excellent line-out jumper and a tireless player in the loose.

The other lock forwards berth will be filled by either Nalin Arachchige or Asela Gunaratne. The Policemen will field a formidable pack. Sri Lanka prop forwards Charaka Hewawasam and Nishantha Welagedera will bind down in the front row with young Chaminda Silva occupying the hookers berth.

The experienced Tuwan Nizam will play as No. 8 with two fierce tacklers and terrific loose players Asanga Dias and Gemunu Indrachapa filling the flanker berths.

The Policemen boast of a fine halves combination. Ex-Airman Ajith Herath will operate from the base of the scrum and will pair off with former Sri Lanka fly-half Harshana Wijeweera.

Strongly built ex-Sri Lanka player Nilusha Fernando a hard-runner and a solid tackler will play alongside Priyantha Ekanayake as centres. Young Hasith Nilanga (who had an excellent game against Havelocks) and the experienced Champika Thushara will man the wings. Ranjith Kumara is the other player who could fit into this position.

Danushka Pubudu who has returned to the side after a lapse of two years faces a strong challenge from former Nalanda skipper Jeewan Amaradasa for the full back berth. M. D. Ifthikar has been entrusted with the task of coaching the team and he is being assisted by Sri Lanka Sevens coach Sudath Sampath.