Kingswood in process of team building

Kingswood College, Kandy which was the first school to introduce rugby to schools with a history dating back to 1901 will be in the process of team building this year as most of the players who did service for them will not be available.

The team is being captained by third year colourman Jananath Dharmawardena who will play as a centre three quarter but is a utility player who could fit in as a No 8 or flanker if the necessity arises. Centre Oshan Perera is one of their key players who scored six tries against S Thomas' which they won 63-61 and followed up by scoring four tries against Royal which they lost 25-33.

The vice captain of the side is another third year player Chamila Abeygunaratne who will play as a hooker. He has been in topping form along with his skipper this season. Much will depend on this duo to deliver the goods.

The team is being coached by former Kandy Sports Club and Kingswood College skipper and Sri Lanka ruggerite Nalaka Weerakoddy who is one of the finest place kickers this country has seen and best remembered for his drop kicks at crucial stage of the game which has often changed the complexion of the game. Twin brothers Levange (fly half) and Oshan (centre) should play a vital role. Nalaka Weerakoddy said that ours is a very young side and we are learning from our mistakes this season. We lost to Trinity College as we had to concede against a heavy pack. We lost this game badly. But the side has beaten Thurstan, Dharmaraja and S Thomaes by comfortable margins. They went down to Royal (25-33) and Science (19-20) in the last two matches. Last year Kingswood College emerged champions of the schools (A) Division segment one league tournament.

The pool is as follows:

Props: Rukshan Fernando, Isanka Samarakoon, Kasun Herath, Ravindu Illangakoon.

Hookers: Chamila Abeygunaratne (vice captain) and Kasun Herath.

Locks: Ramesh Prematillake, Supun Withanage, Udara Kastthuriarachchi, Achira Medagedera, Chinthaka Kumara.

Flankera: Uvin Ariyaratne. Chathura Piyasena, Neville Jayasinghe,

No 8: Ashan Silva. Jananath Dharmawardena.

Scrum Halves: Adil Borham, Sajith Piumal, Kosala Perera,

Fly Halves: Lavanga Perera, Duminda Bandara.

Wingers: Saminda Karunaratne, Mohammed Nasry, Layan Chathuranga, Buwaneka Wijebandara.

Centres: Oshan Perera, Jananath Dharmawardena (captain).

Full Back: Tillina Weerasinghe, Duminda Bandara.