Last week it was the show of the corporate giants who graced the Mercantile Rugby Sevens which was held for the 40th time. A well organized event with action of thrilling rugby dished out. The M’ 7s was an occasion for gathering and cheering by the fair ladies who support their office teams. The glittering silks made a vast difference to the atmosphere that was becoming bland in recent times.
This was a big attraction of the rugby year 2010. Absent by desire were the politics of the game used by many and draws energy and attention to what is not needed.
The tournament displayed sportsmanship and rugby spirit with the showing of the yellow card being rare. It was indeed a great occasion for rugby. Given the opportunity and interest the organizers should think of having the sevens at least twice during the year.
The corporate is a vital ingredient in the game of rugby in Sri Lanka. For that matter it is in almost all parts of the world. Given the current scenario there is an important role for these companies to play. Companies love lending their names to winning teams. That is an opportunity for talented rugby players to settle in life. Similarly companies would not like its name mixed up n any form of controversy or want to be part of unfair play and practice. This will lead to greater discipline and could help the national team too.
Action at last week’s Mercantile rugby 7s. Pic by Ranjith Perera |
MAS won the cup final for the first time beating John Keels. Both are well known and sought out originations. Similarly many of the teams that played in the championship league are teams that have a place of pride in the business world.
The better known mercantile firms played in the tournament. Rugby is still a popular game with many leading men of the commercial world taking investing in time and men. School leavers could expect recognition and employment. This was seen as many of the recent school boys wearing the corporate colours of well known firms.
The final between MAS and JKH was a thrilling game in which JKH led to the last minute. On that Saturday, Dialog stunned the strong MAS group by forcing a draw. Access however had to be satisfied with the plate. The plate proved to be bitter for some who hoped to take it home. The expectation of some was a fake losing in the quarters of the Cup and to get to the semi final of the plate. Little did they realize that the plate was a final with the two losing semifinalists taking part? This lead to the real third place being found as against the fifth getting the plate.
Young Bilal Hassen was adjudged the man of the final despite that he was in the losing team .Bilal with his performance in this tournament has caught the eye of the national selectors. He will be part of the Sri Lanka team that will play at the Asian Games.
From Mercantile Sevens to Asian Games and back in Sri Lanka for the Carlton Sevens to be played in the week end beginning the 27th. The Asian games contingent sees two new faces in young Bilal Hassen and the seasoned campaigner Sheriff. Sri Lanka will play in Group B with, Korea, India and China. This group has only four teams and they are assured a place in the quarter final games. What is important for Sri Lanka is to try and be table leaders so that they have a good go when they will meet the teams from Group ‘A”, with Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand in the first group it is a must that we come among the top two.
While we are in waiting for the Asian 5 Nation Series the attraction is the sevens which brought a new dimension of the game across the world. This is because the shorter version is faster, exciting and provides more thrill to the spectator. The crowds for these games attract more attention than a 15-a-side club game. While we have the skill to make it to the top in Asia the game also provides an opportunity for revival of the spirit among the spectators. The focus should be to encourage the shorter version of the game and to make it more a carnival atmosphere.
The Carlton Sevens which will be played during the next weekend is another event that will add momentum to the game. This is the second in the series Carlton Sevens. Recognized by IRB /ARFU the event should be showpiece to make it a regular event as an IRB sevens series. Taking part alongside Asian giants will be teams from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and, Kenya. The cynic should be not taken seriously as it is the pastime of some to condemn whatever that takes place. The word spread is that these are not national teams. As we saw last year those who came had the skills capacity and the rugby to make it a game that is more than worth to watch live. This year too it will be rugby that is worth watching.
Two days of rugby action is in the process and to be enjoyed. The stadium, I am told by those involved, will be a place of action and it will be rugby action that will be on show.
Vimal Perera is a former
Rugby Referee, coach and
Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
E-mail
