Police rely on their forwards

Ranjeeva Seneviratne

The Sri Lanka Police which ended up in fifth position in the Caltex ‘A’ Division League tournament last year are determined to give a much better performance this year as they have the services of several seasoned campaigners and talented youngsters.

Last year the Policemen began the season with a sensational 12-11 win over the formidable CH and FC and notched up four more victories over Air Force, Havelocks, Old Zahirians and Army in their 12 outings. They also went down fighting to the mighty Kandy SC by 11-29 after leading 11-8 till 15 minutes before the final whistle.

This year Police have lost the services of Sri Lanka centre Chula Susantha but have been compensated by the inclusion of three talented youngsters Havelocks flanker Mohamed Izzadeen, centre D. Samaratilleke and Anandian Lahiru Gunasinghe.

They are also fortunate in obtaining the services of former Havelocks and Sri Lanka sevens coach Nishantha Chanaka who is taking great pains to mould them into a formidable outfit.

Former Kingswoodian and Sri Lanka fly half Harshana Wijeweera has been entrusted with the task of captaining the Police team this year. His booming kicks to touch has given them territorial advantage and also piloted them to victory on many occasions with his accurate place kicking. He is an utility player who could either play as fly half, centre or full back.

Once again the forte of the Policemen will be their power-packed forwards. Sri Lanka prop forward Charaka Hewawasam will bind down in the front row with T. Sivadason. National player Nishantha Welagedera is the other player who could fit into the front row. Malith Hettiarachchi who is a tireless player in the loose will be the regular hooker with Akmal Hossan making a determined bid to oust him.

Sri Lanka player Pradeep Wilson, a fine line out jumper is assured of one lock forward’s berth while Dinesh Kumara, Nalin Archarige and Ashan Dias will fight it out for the other position.

Sri Lanka ruggerite Nishantha Welagedera who is a terrific player in the loose and a fine cover defender will fill the No. 8 berth. Former Havelocks player Mohamed Izzadeen is the other player who could fit into this position.

That fierce tackler and tireless player in the loose T.D. Seneviratne will be one of the flankers with Mohamed Izzadeen and Gemunu Indrachapa battling it out for the other berth.

Skipper Harshana Wijeweera will once again occupy the pivotal fly half position and will pair off with either young Milinda Bandara or former Airmen Ajit Herath. Ex-Anandian Lahiru Gunasinghe too could play as fly half if the need arises.

The experienced Champika Thushara, a hard runner and a solid tackler will be one of the centres with ex-Havelocks player D. Samaratilleke and Priyantha Ekanayake fighting it out for the other position.

Two powerful runners - the experienced Danushka Pubudu and Ranjith Kumara will occupy the wings with Viraj Devasurendra making a determined bid to oust one of them. Young Jeevan Amaradasa who has stood out with his safe collections and booming kicks to touch will be once again manning the last line of defence.