Kandy opens season on June 10

Hafiz Marikar

The glory boys of club rugby, Kandy Sports club with their ‘never say die’ approach will open the season on June 10 against new comers Up-Country Lions at Nittawela.

The league season kicks off from June 3 and will conclude on August 4, followed by the second round games. Cup and Plate starts on 10 and ends on August 26.

Kandy Sports Club - First round matches

June 10: Vs Up-Country Lions at Nittawela,
June 17: Vs. CH & FC at Maitland Crescent.
June 24: Vs. Sri Lanka Police Sports Club at Nittawela.
June 30: Vs. Sri Lanka Army Sports Club in Colombo.
July 14: Vs. Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club at Ratmalana.
July 21: Vs. CR & FC at Nittawela.
July 28: Vs. Havelocks Sports Club at Nittawela
August 4: Vs Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club at Welisara. .

Kandy Sports Club president Dr. Sarath Kapuwatte said that this time Kandy Sports Club's destiny is in the hands of three individuals, Saliya Kumara the captain, Johan Taylor the coach and Lasantha Wijesuriya the rugby Chairman. All three are knowledgeable in the game. Saliya Kumara, the utility player of the side, who will be leading them this time. He is an astute leader and his inspiring approach and play is drawing players to Nittawela.

Saliya who learnt his rudiments of rugby at Vidyartha College later crossed over to Trinity College can be rated as the best utility player.

Johan Taylor a qualified coach, with years of experience will be there to give the players the correct guidance like he has done in the past.

Lasantha Wijasuriya the experienced man, who is once again the Chairman of the game, was a fast running and dare devil tackler who started his rugby at St. Anthony’s College. According to Lasantha, the players are happy under the guidance of Johan Taylor.

The god father of the club Malik Samarawickrema like in the past is there to give all thesupport to keep the gave alive and kicking. The Nittawela club, have almost all the players, who played in the last year's champion outfit. That team had determination, discipline, dedication and believed in themselves which are the characteristics needed to reach the top.

Kandy Sports Club are the defending rugby triple champions in Sri Lanka. They were voted the Most Favorite Club last year at the Caltex Rugby Awards 2011.

The new season starts shortly and the administration has signed on three foreign players with the approval of the parent body. This time like in the earlier days the governing body SLRFU under the leadership of Asanga Senavirthne has given the green light to all clubs to play foreign players. Kandy Sports Club have invited two top players from Tonga, who are presently playing in New Zealand and one has arrived. He is Edi Etuato Lolohea and the other player Maleko Kioa Mema Latu is expected on Tuesday

Talent and experience have been an interesting feature in Kandy Sports Club's rugby during the recent past. It will no different this season too with a huge difference when the foreign players join the team. Kandy Sprats Club once again will be coached by Johan Taylor, a master tactician and is getting the players into perfect shape with his latest coaching techniques.

The home grounds of the club at Nittawela is looking in good shape. Training equipment is also available within the premises with a fully modernized Gymnasium with access to the grounds.

Kandy Sports Club has won the league 15 times in 18 years since 1994. Today, Kandy Sports Club will be meeting CH FC in a chucker’s game at Nittawela, for which a large gathering is expected.