'Merrie Men" in the scrum again

Badulla sports corr.

RUGBY: After a lapse of nearly 4 decades the "Merrie Men" of Uva will play in the "A" Division Segment II Caltex Trophy Rugby tournament this year.

Rugby in Uva came to a standstill when the "Brown Sahibs" left the country during early 70's. However several attempts made by the planters in the area proved futile as they could not field a side continually. It was only in 2005 that Rugby was introduced to schools in Badulla and from then onwards several tournaments were conducted among schools. In the same year Uva participated at the Singer Professional seven-a-side Rugby tournament.

Then the Uva Province Rugby Union was inaugurated and with the initiative of the President Nilantha Silva, a rugby tournament was conducted in Uva where 8 teams participated.

With the centenary celebrations of Uva Club around the corner (in 2008) the "Merrie Men" are hoping to go places in the "A" division tournament this year. For the first time in the history a non-planter - Hareen Fernando will lead the "Merrie Men of Uva".

Josephian Hareen Fernando will captain and play in the centres and he is confident that his men will go places in their first attempt in the "A" division.

Five to eight players from the Military Academy will also represent the Uva team along with former Wesley Captain Nalin Dolewatte, Sujan de Mel, Dim/Dick's players Sasika Wickramasinghe and Nishan. Thurstanite Gayan Lakmal and Shenon Rodrigo will add strength to the team.

Uva will play against Galle, Petersons, Kelani Valley, Jawatta Lane, Dim/Dicks, and Kurunegala in their first round tournament this year.