Lanka field young side for Carlton Sevens

Dilanka MANNAKKARA

The Sri Lankan rugby selectors surprisingly made just one change from the Asian Games squad for the Carlton Sevens squad which was selected at the last minute.The relatively young Sri Lanka Sevens team displayed a pathetic performance in the Asian games and had to be satisfied with a dismal sixth position overall.

Interestingly the Rugby selectors headed by Michael Jayasekara had not given players like playmaker Fazil Marija, utility player Saliya Kumara and the Weerarathne Brothers all from Kandy SC a look in for the all important Carlton Sevens. The inexperienced Lankan side will face the herculean task of playing against the New Zealand legends,the speedy South African Vipers and the ever improving Chinese team who are all part of the group along with Sri Lanka. China hammered Sri Lanka at the Asian games by 26 - 05 and would be licking their lips to repeat the same.

The team will include just one change due to injury. The CR and FC power house Dhanushka Perera will make an appearance as he will replace the injured Charith Seneviretne. Dhanushka who is better known as 'Gertha' will be making his 1st appearance in the national side for this year after leaving the team at the beginning of the year.

Gertha who is known for his powerful tackles and ruthless defence will be a huge asset to the side. Dhanushka was also the captain of the CR and FC sevens squad which won the Inter club sevens earlier this year.

The rest of the team remains the same squad that has been playing together for the last couple of seven tournaments doing relatively well at times and badly at others. Skipper Radhika Hettiarachchi has led his side steadfastly well and the selectors have continued to show faith in his ability. The speedsters in the side Sajith Saranga, Vishvamithra Jayasinghe and young Anuruddha Wilwara have fared relatively well against stern opposition. Srinath Sooriyabanadara was the highest try scores of these latest outings while Saliya Handapangoda has contributed persistently. 'The towering Shenal Dias has had a mixed couple of tours. Bilal Hassen has dashed his way into the side.

The Sri Lanka squad

Radhika Hettiarchchi (Captain), Sajith Saranga, Vishvamithra Jayasinghe, Anuruddha Wilwara, Shenal Dias, Bilal Hassen, Mohamed Sheriff, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Chanaka Chandimal, Dilan De Soysa, Saliya Handapangoda and Dhanushka Perera.

Glittering Trophy

The Carlton 7s trophy is created by 4.75 kg of Silver, studded with 4820 pieces of Almandine Red Garnets (Sri Lankan gems) and a base made of Mahogany lined with Ebony this glittery masterpiece would truly be worth contending for.

Prize money

25,000 US$ winner

15,000 US$ runner-up

5,000 US $ losing semi finalists

Participating teams and pool:

Pool A: Digicel Fiji Barbarians, Spain, Korea, Malaysia.

Pool B: Kenya Shajuu, Australia Legends, Germany, Chinese Taipei.

Pool C: Samoa Barbarians, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan.

Pool D: New Zealand Legends, South Africa Vipers, China, Sri Lanka.