Kandy Sports Club (KSC) which was in the doldrums in the 1980s, achieved the breakthrough in 1992, when Ananda Kasturiarachchi’s team won the Cup. Success has bred success and over the last two-and-a-half decades, they have invariably won most of the titles. In 2016-’17, they lost (inexplicably) to the Air Force and the Navy, but [...]

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Kandy SC expect to kick off from where they left

2018-'19 Club Rugby Roundup
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Richard Dharmapala will lead Kandy this season - File pic

Kandy Sports Club (KSC) which was in the doldrums in the 1980s, achieved the breakthrough in 1992, when Ananda Kasturiarachchi’s team won the Cup. Success has bred success and over the last two-and-a-half decades, they have invariably won most of the titles.

In 2016-’17, they lost (inexplicably) to the Air Force and the Navy, but came back in style to thrash both of them in the 2nd Round. Last season they rode the crest of a wave of success. They had some close calls but ultimately, class prevailed.

What does the 2018-’19 season, which begins next weekend, portend. Basically, they have the same players, but the absence of the dynamic Fazil Marija will be badly felt. The “Marija Magic” rescued the team from some tricky situations. His calmness and expertise ensured that KSC somehow came out on top.

Richard Dharmapala, a product of Science College, follows in the footsteps of another brilliant winger, Sanjeeva Jayasinghe, in leading KSC. His fine, committed play has been rewarded by the authorities. A regular member of the National team, Dharmapala plays, primarily, as a Wing-three-quarter, but is not out of place as a Centre. He has speed, is difficult to bring down and is adept at taking on the defence.

More often than not, it is KSC’s dazzling Back division that churns out the tries. To have a National player or two in the Back division is a great asset. But what does the opposition do when a team has a surfeit of them. Gayan Weeraratne and Danushka Ranjan will be the Centres, with the skipper moving in as and when he deems fit. Youngster Lahiru Ranaweera is on call.

To speak of the Wingers is mind-boggling. How does one pick two out of Anuruddha Wilwara, Danush Dayan, Lavanga Perera, Vishvamitra Jayasinghe and the skipper himself.

Nigel Ratwatte, who can really turn it on when needed, mans that vital No.10 spot. He is quick off the mark, has an eye for gaps and is also there when the defence needs him. He fits in seamlessly into the Full-back’s berth, too.

Roshan Weeraratne, a former skipper, and Srinath Sooriyabandara will go head on for the Scrum-half’s berth. Weeraratne was injured for much of last season and Sooriyabandara, the National 7s captain and specialist, fitted in more than adequately. Heshan Jansen should get some games.

Tilina Wijesinghe, the Full-back was very prolific the previous season. He wasn’t at his best in 2017-’18. He’s too good a player to remain in the dog-house for long.

The Back division provides the thrills and the excitement once they get good ball from the Pack. The stand out player in the Pack is the No.8 Buvaneka Udangamuwa. A terrific worker in the loose, he generally needs the attention of 2 or 3 opponents to bring him down. Certainly, an asset to KSC!

Former Royalist Shehan Pathirana is another glamour player. He fits in either as Lock or Flanker. Suhiru Anthony works hard and gets involved in many a scrap. Yaqoob Ali, the ex-Anthonian, had a fair season last time. He doesn’t shrink from a battle and is a very handy player to have.

No.8 Jason Dissanaike works hard in the line-out and is good at backing up and finishing the moves. His talent was spotted by the Havies who had a hard time retaining him. Powerfully built Heshan Kalhara is the hit-man. KSC turns to when they want someone to crash through.

Uchita Jayasuriya will be the Hooker. He was not found wanting last season. As for the Props, ex-Havelocks players Ganuka Dissanaike and Ashan Darling could be the 1st choices.

Happily, KSC has had an influx of talent from an unexpected source. Under-19 poolists Ishara Herath, Lahiru Daulagala, Harsha Dhananjaya together with Rushmika Madushanka are the lads from Maliyadeva who have thrown in their lot with Kandy.

There are quite a few former Sri Lanka players working with the team. Ex-Trinitian Sean Wijesinghe, the Coach, has ensured that the team stays a notch or two above the others. Marija will assist him. Former Isipathana player Kapila Silva will continue as the Manager.

Former Anthonian and Sri Lanka Centre Lasantha Wijesuriya is in charge of all matters Rugby at the Nittawela Club.

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