Boost for CH and FC rugby

Ranjeeva Seneviratne

The Colombo Hockey and Football Club which is enjoying a fine season this year received a tremendous boost when Harcourts Group came forward to sponsor its rugby team for a sum of Rs. 2.2 million.

The Chairman of the Gymkhana Club Ranjan Kanagasbai speaking at a press briefing at the Club’s Board Room said that the club is fielding a formidable side this year and their aim was to win the ‘A’ division league title which has eluded them for the last eight years.

“Our three quarters have let us down over the last three years but this year our back division has been strengthened by the inclusion of former Sri Lanka fly half Sajith Mallikarachchi and veteran winger Ajit Upawansa which would help us to achieve our ambition.

He said that the club which will be captained by Sri Lanka hooker Achala Perera will once again have a powerful set of forwards spearheaded by former shipper Dilenka Wijesekera and have also obtained the services of ex-Havelocks flanker Sharo Fernando and Royal and Sri Lanka hooker Bilal Hassen.

The chairman of Harcourts group Ahamed Rheyas said that he was a keen rugby fan and his ambition was to sponsor a leading ‘A’ division rugby club and thanked CH and PC for giving him this opportunity.

He said that if the club enjoys a successful season his firm who are the marketeers of Biona will continue to sponsor the club for the next three years. The firm will also have competitions for spectators and provide cheer leaders to create interest among rugby fans.