Saliya Kumara tipped to lead Kandy SC

S M Jiffrey ABDEEN Kandy Sports Correspondent

Former Sri Lanka, Vidyartha, Trinity, Havelocks Sports Club and CH & FC ruggerite Saliya Kumara is tipped to lead the champion Kandy Sports Club rugby team in the forthcoming inter-club rugby season.

It was Saliya Kumara's turn to lead the Kandy Sports Club but he had to step down after he was tested positive for a banned drug after the match against Arabian Gulf last year.

Saliya Kumara an attacking fullback first played for Vidyartha College before going over to Trinity College when he excelled.

He first turned for Havelocks Sports Club before returning home to represent Kandy Sports Club. He could also play as stand off and is a reliable place kicker. He has represented the country on a number of occasions.

During his absence from the field of rugby Kandy Sports Club dearly missed his services especially in manning the last line of defence where they had to use a winger and also a scrum half to fill the berth.

They also lost valuable points at kicks at goal. Saliya Kumara's suspension is due to expire in March 2012 and his return to the side will make a world of difference in the last line of defence.