Schools Rugby could be more exciting if not played under such pressure
View(s):Schools Rugby is gathering momentum and spectator interest building as games become competitive and closely contested. The scenario was marred by violent behaviour, as match officials were accosted and targeted for physical attack. Isipathana College, who were hosts, playing much better than they have done in previous matches, should have taken a lesson from the book of JO and the NCM, “We win, if we win and we won when we lost, as we have more numbers than the numbers of the JO.”
The column understands that the culprit who attempted to manhandle the Assistant Referee, is a parent of a junior Ruggerite. What an example to be set by a parent. The flipside of the story is that the Asst. Referee had returned the compliment and the old boys had to rescue the alleged assailant who was held in wrestling grip and shouting in pain. He was ‘rescued’ by the old boys and taken care of.
True, the more sensible-thinking old boys regret the incident. The damage is done and to repair it takes time and effort. The looming question is what processes were in place to ensure security for match officials, as well as supporters. It is advisable for all concerned to read the tournament manual, which has laid the expectations from a host team, and also the aspects of security for crowd control and safety. The contents of the manual are important, as it lists details and of match officials of host teams who are recognized for day duties.
On the St. Anthony’s Kandy vs Kingswood match being abandoned, it was a case of nobody being interested to mark the lines, despite the Referee bringing this to the notice of the Match Commissioner, who in turn informed the host team officials. Here again, a team must understand their responsibilities as well as who the Match Day officials are. There is no room in the document for an OBA President to be involved in pitch inspections or other related matters. There are listed Match officials on Match Day and they should be the point of contact and management. It is best for all concerned to read the manual more carefully, as areas such as misconduct can lead to graver punishment, which may include forfeiting match points.
The week was expected to raise thunder and dust at Havelock Park, as the unbeaten teams in each Group were meeting at the Park. The two incidents which included misconduct and abandonment of a match has taken centre stage. Once again, in Kandy, the Man in Blazer, has been trying to abuse the Referee, and this monkey never seems to understand he is another spectator.
The thunder and rain held back, while the parched pitch raised the dust. The uprated Joes gave the opportunity for a Royal win, not having possession and also losing the line-outs at least on 7 occasions. It was crooked throws, as they tried to exploit the half-metre gap of either side of the line of touch. They did not understand the Referee saying this is the mark. The reality is that the ball must be thrown along the line of touch, even if you widen the gap. The original line of touch remains and a throw to a newly created centre, as crooked. They also failed to capitalise on the lenient interpretation by the Referee, of the hind most foot and loitering, which they got away with, but failed to exploit. None committing at the breakdown, as has been the history, allowed Royal to secure ball and run it through the centre. When the call is late, and if committed, it may have been difficult for Royal to get quick ball.
Royal, on the other hand, kept their nerveon the field, while there supporters kept chanting the prayer ‘offside’. There was a sizable crowd that filled all sides of the ground and made me wonder why there is no such following for the bigger game, which is replete with bonuses for doing less.
The crowd included many from other schools who wanted to see a good game of Rugby. They did get something for the time and money spent, but fell short, as both teams seemed to play under pressure.
The other game between Isipathana and St. Peter’s added another post in the pages of notoriety, than to be remembered as a hard fought game between two sides. Once again the ground were almost packed. When these two teams meet it is rivalry at its best, and Pathna, who went in as underdogs, rose to the occasion. There will be one more week of Rugby after the break, including the much fancied Royal-Trinity match, which can be the only barrier before the end of Round I, that can prevent the upward march to repeating the League performances of last year.
The Zahira-Wesley game was interesting in the first half, turning to be a fast paced game and tactics and methods changing, as Wesley looked more aggressive when playing with the backs. The rain that poured during half-time reduced the game to one of many handling errors and slips that would have required a change of plans. After the rain, Zahira played with the forwards and played close. Wesley kept the wet ball moving to hands and was difficult to collect, given the conditions. A chip or kick to space and attacking from there would have been more appropriate. Wesley, with two wins, secures a place in the first 4 for the next Round, while having 2 more games on hand.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, Coach and an Accredited Referees’ Evaluator IRB