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..

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.

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