Battle of the titans ends in a whimper

Sports

The 2009 rugby season has reached a decisive stage in most corners. The club season has seen the end of the first round. A winner has been virtually found with a close second following. To take away the cup from Kandy would require something special. This will not come from CR alone. It has to be from the rest who are way behind and have no chance of getting to the top. Not unless a miracle takes shape and the leading contenders lose more than a match. The schools league has left Royal close to the winning post with just one week of rugby remaining.

On the interim path we hear of a consensus being reached on the changes that have to be made in the constitution. A sore point that has been festering to the point of being a cancer now sees a possible cure being administered. This was not seen as possible in the reason past. The Interim body must take pride in them for being able to get all the constituent parties together and producing a workable draft.
At least there is hope that a new constitution will be in place for the elected body to assume office. Even if all else in rugby fails we will have a new constitution in place. I hope this will see the light at least at the end of the year. Many have whispered expectations that the Annual General Meeting will be held in the next month or two. It is a long shot as the Sports Ministry has to accept the draft which will be after the legal aspects are cleared by the Attorney Generals Department. While we need to be optimistic the reality of the practical world should be considered.

In spite of the action shown in this picture the Club’s big one between CR & FC and Kandy, the game in real was a lack luster affair. (Pic Pradeep Dilruckshan)

The much awaited clash between the Titans, Kandy and CR ended with lots of questions unanswered on the quality of rugby. To me there was hardly any back division move that could have been described as befitting when giants meet. Similarly play never went beyond a second phase move at most times. A school match between equally balanced teams produces more second phase play than was seen at this match. An important question is on what happens to all those movers of the ball at school level once they come to play rugby at the higher level.

The battle of the best can better be described as a tussle more suitable for the last and one but the last teams of the league first round. Somebody did win though it seemed nobody deserved to. If this was the game dished out by the two top teams what hope do we have for the National Team. Yet one garrulous jingo at the helm of affairs was heard to comment on the referee when there were many unforced errors committed by both sides. If you cannot catch, pass or tackle how in the world do you expect to win games.

The sides not only let down the clubs they represent but also the fans who would have got more worth for the money they spend. That is by watching a schools match between better known teams.
Those who opted to be at home and watch the game on the television was more than satisfied of the decision they made. That does not have to drive to a venue and then go around finding a parking space far away and walk to witness neither a game that had shining stars nor rugby that made their trip worth while. It was in this rugby mess that was on display that Kandy went through as an unbeaten team.

The second round of the league starts in the week beginning 10th July which cannot be expected to give any excitement that is more than what we have seen so far. It is now for the rugby hierarchy at club level to get more from their players who are virtually semi professional. The players must be made to understand that more is expected from them than what they are giving at present. This is required not only to keep the game alive but also to keep home fires burning. It is time the clubs who have heavy expenditure committed has to ask for more. What has happened to the flare and attractive rugby produced by most when they played at school level? Probably the commitment was greater and the sense of belonging was prominent as payment to play was not a factor. The better known teams have got the better talent that have come out of the schools. They have coaches have more exposure to rugby having come from the better rugby playing countries.

Yet the performance does not merit to be recognized as being guided by the better ones. Yet again I would say even if you have the coach of the world cup winning team with you it would not be useful unless the attitude is right. That is to get on the field and enjoy the game and be committed to belong to a winning side.

Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB

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