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'Havies rugby has hit a new low' - Aruna
By Bernie Wijesekera
Havelocks S.C. with a cherished rugby history behind them, has hit a new low if one went by their performance in the ongoing Caltex league tournament so far.

Gone are the days to the echo of 'Go Havelocks, Go' when the Park Club produced high octane rugby to their fans, who thronged in their numbers to cheer them.

Imagine the Havelocks losing five matches in-a-row. In their last confrontation against the Airmen leading 25-15, wilted under pressure in the last ten minutes as the Airmen zoomed to a 32-25 victory. The entire Havlocks defence was in total disarray and looked pathetic.

Former Isipathana, Havelocks S.C., and Sri Lanka fly-half, Aruna Uduwelagedera who turned out for the Park Club as a schoolboy in 1983 was bewildered by this tragedy and gave some of his thoughts to the Sunday Times.

Q: What's ailing Havies rugby with the game hitting rock bottom?
A: I am saddened at the performances of the present team. Apparently there are plenty of dents in every department of the game. Lack of basic rugby skills, mental toughness, and players apparently not totally focused and committed. Today the players are offered the chocolate and orange jersey on a platter unlike during my time. Donning the Havelocks jersey was like winning a Sri Lanka tie.

Q: Anything to do with the administration now and then?
A: The players and the officials must work like a halves combination and must be on the ball on and off the field. In 1983 it was my first baptism to club rugby, just after school. I played under one of the finest forwards produced by Isipathana - Hisham Abdeen. He gave his life for rugby. In the team there were the likes of Chaminda Rupasinghe one of the best 'locks' Beverley de Kauwe, Kolitha Gunatileke, Len Silva. Kamal Mahendra, Marco de Silva, Michael Jayasekera etc. Michael a versatile sportsman from S. Thomas’ was a dazzling centre. He was a fine athlete, too. Michael along with P.L. Munasinghe and two others could have made a superb 400m quartet.

Q: Who was the coach and the president at that time?
A: Jeff Rutnam. He was not only a coach, but a counsellor, too. Besides this, he was also a firm disciplinarian. No nonsense on and off the field. He nursed and nurtured the youngsters. The players had to work hard on a schedule. They had to abide by the rules and to be on time for training. No excuses. Otherwise you will have to pack your bags and go home. The players were so committed they did their physical training on their own and built stamina to last the pace unlike at present times.

The late Mr. Julian Grero was like a foster father to the youngsters and helped the needy with men and material and besides being an administrator, he was there to watch the training. In this backdrop nothing was impossible.

Q: Any performances of the Havies team during your time, which has left an indelible mark in your career?
A: Havelocks beat the strong Police SC outfit by 22-18 in the Clifford Cup final. Won the club 7's. Upto 1986 we were invisible 7's champs under Angelo Wickremaratne. Angelo, was another Havies rugby star. The game was very competitive. All clubs were evenly matched. No quarter given, none asked.

The CR and FC - Havies match was much look forward to. It was like running in the Derby. The players and the management worked in unison and prepared ahead. All geared up. In the end we may have lost not by a basketball score unlike at present times. The players go down meekly. But if we lost in the end still we walked out with our heads high. Winning accolades all round.

Q: Who were the others who made an impact for the betterment of Havelocks rugby to emerge as a top rugby club as coaches and administrators?
A: Well, I have to mention some during my era. The players who come to my mind are, Jeyer Rodriguesz, Y.C. Chang Gamini Fernando Frank Hubert and Quentin Israel. They were masters in their own trade. They ran with the ball and led by example, Chang was hard as oak even could scrum down at practices. Quentin, a good reader of the game, soft as a petal he taught the skills with kind words. Gamini Fernando had a whistle with him and was methodical in every way. But he never carried a cane. Even after being elevated as president, still took the field to help the players to brush up their rough edges before an important game.

Apparently not all that popular - because he means business and had the guts to call a spade a spade. It is time that some positive steps are taken by the present hierarchy to uplift the sagging morale of this most popular club who has produced some of the best at national level. Forget about petty issues all must bind upfront otherwise its going to gloom and doom for the Havelocks which has a past to be proud of. No point to huff and puff and lament over setbacks.

Q: Were the players paid, unlike at present times, where foreigners were drafted to strengthen the side?
A: It was an honour to play for the club. We had to find our own gear. Played the game in the amateur era. Realised the value of the fame that one could earn whilst playing for the right reasons which money can't buy. It was Y.C. Chang, who brought me a pair of rugby boots, for my first Asiad in 1984. I am still grateful to him for this kind gesture.

Players were drawn from Royal, Isipathana, S. Thomas', Trinity, S. Peter's, Wesley, etc. All were hell bent to play for the Park Club. It was like playing for Sri Lanka. Practice sessions were oozing with talent. The club could have fielded three teams of even strength. The 'Bambaras' side could have thrashed the present 'A' team.

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