Lakala to lead CH

The Colombo Hockey and Football Club which had been in the forefront of club rugby for over four decades had a disastrous season last year. An exodus of players to other clubs resulted in the Maitland crescent club finishing in seventh position in the overall standings in the Caltex 'A' division league registering just three victories in 10 outings.

But next year the CH and FC are bound to give a much better display with the return of three of their stalwarts Dilanka Wijesekera, Sajith Mallikarachchi, Tuan Shamrock and Sashika Cooray.

Former Sri Lanka skipper Dilanka Wijesekera who missed the entire season last year being away in Doha, Qutar makes a welcome return to the side and should be a source of inspiration to his team-mates with his fiery loose play. He will form a formidable third row with ex-police skipper and Sri Lanka flanker Nilusha Fernando and return Asanka Thalagalarachchi. The seasoned duo of Dinesh Sanjeewa and Chaminda Herath will bind down in the second row. The front row has been weakened with the exit of two key players Sathya Ranatunge (who has joined the Navy) and Tharindu Hasaranga who has crossed over to CR and FC but they have been compensated by the return of veteran Sashika Cooray.

The lads from Maitland crescent will have a superb halves combination in young Tuan Shamrock and the experienced Sajith Mallikarchchi. Two hard runners and solid tacklers Avantha Hetiarachchi and Shane Dissanayake will play as centres once again.

Sri Lanka ruggerite Lakala Perera who has been playing for CH and FC for the last four years has been entrusted with the leadership of the club next year. He will man the wings with young Ameen Jameel (who had a good season this year). The last line of defence will be occupied by either Indika Udayakumara or Indika Wickremanayake.

(RS)