Precursor to the Asiad

By Harry Jayachandra

The Caltex Inter Provincial rugby tournament kicks off at Havelock Park this evening. The lung opener features one of the favourites namely Western Province who take on Southern Province. This tournament will act as the benchmark for players to stake their claim for a place in the national team for the Rugby Asiad to be held here in November.

As is the norm these days controversy has arisen even before the first whistle blows. Southern Province coach Tony Amith told The Sunday Times that despite requests for players from the Western and Central Province, none have been forthcoming. “There is a lot at stake for all the players. The provinces that we have requested players from have large squads. Rather than keeping them on the bench, by playing for us they would get a good run out. Both provinces said they would send players, but not a single has turned up. Honorary Secretary of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Fazal Mohommad said that the ruling body had requested the provinces who have extra players to release them. This would enable the players to represent the Southern Province.

Coach of the Western Province Thusitha Peiris in reply to Amith’s outburst stated that the squad had only been finalized on Friday evening. Peiris who is also the coach of Havelocks said that four players from his club alone had been released. “The four players were not selected but they could not travel to Galle as they could not get leave from their respective employers. There are also players from Old Zahirians, Jawatte Lions and even Police who have been told that they may have to play for the Southern Province. All these players have agreed. We have selected a squad of around 25. Other than Central Province we will be giving a run to all the players in our squad. For example players like Asanga Rodrigo and Dilanka Wijesekera will not be playing tomorrow. As far as Western Province is concerned when our opponents arrive today we will discuss who they will be taking,” said Peiris.All controversy aside, today’s game is a classic ‘David versus Goliath’ battle. Western Province

despite fielding a young side have game breakers like Pavithra Fernando, Viran Prashantha and Sajith Bandara to name just a few.