Carey ruggerites looking to build up
Thushan JAYASURIYA
Carey College is in the process of team building with a side studded
with freshers. Their intention is to build up a formidable pack , as
they desperately battle to remain in the Singer Rugby segment one B
division tournament. If they are unable to notch up some victories, they
are likely to be demoted to C division which may be a huge
disappointment for the youngsters in the team..
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Chathuranga
Deshapriya
(Vice Captain) |
Shashika
Chamal
(Captain) |
Last year, they enjoyed one of their best seasons beating Lalith
Athulathmudali (24-22), Maliyadeva Kurunegala (25-05), Bandaranayake
Gampaha (59-11), St.Aloysius Galle (26-22) and Piliyandala Central
(30-24) Colleges. But this time they suffered defeats at the hands of
Dharmaraja Kandy (62 12), Lumbini ( 17 05 ), C.W.W.Kannangara (22
20), Wesley (82 06), S.Thomas Mount Lavinia ( 70 17 ) and
St.Sylvester's Kandy (54 06 ) making it a bitter experience for the
Careyites.They are targeting to win their last two matches against
Mahanama on June 14 and Thurstan on June 21.
The coach of the team Dharmapalage Nimal who is a leading A
division referee lamented that the school is unable to find sponsors
which prevents them from obtaining essentials like jerseys, boots,
nutritious food and medical attention. He said that there is an exodus
of senior players and the team is studded with talented youngsters and
they are in the process of team building. Another drawback they are
facing is a lack of a Ground for practices and matches and they are
compelled to practice at Thurstan Rugby Ground Bullers Road and Cooray
Park Wellawatte.
The team is led by Shashika Chamal who plays for Number eight's
position. Chathuranga Deshapriya will be his deputy. The Props berth
will be powered by Mithusha Wijesiri, Suresh Perera, Ziyad Rahim and
Vikum Wijekoon. Despret De Silva will be the hooker. The players who
could easily fit into Locks are Dulaj Asithekshana, Savithra Gunasekara
and Madhusha Withanage. The Flankers berths will be occupied by Umesha
Madushan, Thisara Wijewickrama and Tharindu Sameera. Captain Shashika
Lakmal and Thilina Chinthaka will contest for Number Eight.
The duo Faiq Meedin and Niran Gomes will play for Scrum Halves berth
while Sahan Sarathchandra and Aaqib Imtiaz will occupy Fly-Halves berth.
The players who are eyeing for the Centre's position are Kushan Perera,
Harshana Peiris and John Dilan. The Vice Captain Chathuranga Deshapriya
supports his side playing for the Winger's berth. But he is facing a
strong challenge from Milanga Samarakkody, Tyronne Aruldas and Pasan
Sarathchndra. The battle hardened Rifham Akram will contest for the Full
Back's position.
They made their presence felt in the prestigious President's trophy
knockout rugby tournament quarter finals in 2002 and they won the Bowl
Championship at the all island seven a side tournament in 2005.
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Carey
College under-19 rugby squad and officials. Pictures by
Nissanka Wijeratne |
The Carey College Rugby Squad:
Props: Mithusha Wijesiri (Captain), Suresh Perera, Ziyad Rahim and
Vikum Wijekoon
Hooker: Despret De Silva
Locks: Dulaj Asithekshana, Savithra Gunawardena and Madhusha Withanage
Flankers: Umesha Madushan, Thisara Wijewickrama and Tharindu Sameera
Number Eight: Shashika Chamal, Thilina Chinthaka
Scrum-half: Faiq Meedin,Niran Gomes
Fly-half: Sahan Sarathchandra, Aaqib Imtiaz
Centres: Kushan Perera, Harshana Peiris, John Dilan
Wingers: Chathuranga Deshapriya (Vice Captain), Milanga Samarakkody,
Tyronne Aruldas and Pasan Sarathchandra
Fullback: Rifham Akram
Coach : Dharmapalage Nimal
Physical trainer: Mohomed Akram Rifa
M.I.C.: U.G.D.M.Jayathilake and Dayananda Perera
Principal: Malathi Bibile.
Remaining Fixtures
June 14 : v Mahanama at Science College Ground, Mount Lavinia at
4.00PM
June 21 : v Thurstan at Science College Ground at 4.00 PM
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