Dubai-based Sri Lions emerge champions on debut

Sri Lions, a Dubai-based team formed just three months ago, created history at the 10th HARFA ‘Tens’ rugby tournament when they emerged champions in the Open segment defeating a team from Avissawella 12-10 in a thrilling Cup final at Racecourse stadium in Reid Avenue on Sunday.

It provided a fitting finale to the 10th anniversary celebrations of HARFA (Hisham Abdeen Rugby Football Academy) with a rugby extravaganza that featured children as young as under eight and veterans over 40 providing top class rugby entertainment throughout the day. Although the intermittent showers upset the day’s schedule, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of players and spectators with most of the finals being played under lights. It was clean, hard rugby at its best without dirty play - sizzling runs, dummies, power play, bone-jarring tackles - with an abundance of young talent on display from HARFA and other academies such as Kandy, CH and FC and schools such as Vidura College, Pannipitiya, President’s College, Maharagama, and Dutugemunu MV from as far as Buttala in Moneragala district. The carnival atmosphere that prevailed was akin to a mini-Dubai Sevens as HARFA looks set to grow bigger having the laid the seeds for juniors, in particular from non-rugby playing skills, to showcase their hidden talents. No wonder former Sri Lanka prop forward Hafeez Marso, former referees Tony Amith, Roshan Deen and Sri Lanka Rugby Council member Shamrath Fernando, among other honoured guests watched the proceedings with keen interest until the final whistle was blown.

Everyone who participated in the tournament and adhered to the principles of the sport upheld by Sri Lanka rugby legend and HARFA director Hisham Abdeen, contributed to success of this popular rugby extravaganza which has become an event to mark in the national rugby calendar. Although the ultimate objective of any team is to win, it was also about enjoying the game epitomized by kids who were seen running around on the sidelines playing with empty plastic bottles in place of the oval ball.

In fact when Sri Lions were trailing at half time, instead of admonishing the players what Kelum Sujith told them was “let’s enjoy the game”. “Our boys are not that big. We got a good team which work as a team. They have team spirit. That’s what we want,” said Sri Lions president Sujith who has ambitious plans to make it a premier club not only in Dubai but also in Sri Lanka.

“We have registered to take part in the Gulf Men’s Open segment of the Dubai Rugby Sevens this year. This is our first participation in a tournament and our first ever trophy,” said Sri Lions team manager Upul Jayalath.

The tries for Sri Lions led by Thusitha Samaratilleke of Havelocks was scored by former Isipathana and Havelocks three quarter Shanaka Kumara, including a classic kick-and-chase grubber for the matchwinning try which broke the defence of Avissawella. Lanka Lions star Ameen Jamail, is also a key member of Sri Lions, which is comprised of expats based in Dubai.

Sri Lions president Sujith lauded the concept of HARFA tournament. “This tournament was well organized. There should be many such tournaments like this. That will be a good opportunity for junior and senior players on the fringes to keep their momentum going,” he said.

HARFA led by Thomian winger Triyan Wanduragala won the Under 18 Cup final with a 20-0 romp against President’s College, Maharagama. Skipper Wanduragala, Josephian Ashan Fernando and Wesleyite Rigesh Muralidharan (2) were the try scorers for the winners who also had players like Shaveen Jayawardena of Wesley, Ejaz Cariappa, Thangiah, Roshendra de Silva, Dansath Senanayake and Malinda Pinsara, all products of HARFA who were feted for having represented their school in rugby.

“My son (Triyan) won’t be playing top level rugby if not for the panel of coaches at HARFA. When he joined the academy at the start, he did not how to catch a ball or run with it. When they play for school, coaches believe giving supplements is the key. But at HARFA, Hisham always gives nutritional foods. The most important lesson they are taught is discipline. He instills discipline more than anybody else. Respect for the game and the opposition. Win or lose they should treat other players and referees with respect,” said Rukshan Wanduragala, father of Triyan.

The other highlight was Dutugemunu Vidyalaya winning a hard-fought battle 7-5 in the Under 16 Cup final against Kandy Rugby Academy.

“We come from a place where conditions are harsh and facilities are limited. But there is plenty of rugby talent. We were semifinalists in the All Island ‘B’ division tournament last year. Our triumph in this tournament has boosted our confidence to go for the title this season,” said team coach S.M. Thameera Ananda, a former Army player.

Sanuka Salvatura, Chamidu Prasad, Deveen Chandira, Akash Emal and Duleep Lakshan, are some of the key players in the side.

Under 14 Cup – HARFA White 10 Mahanama 5, Plate – RPF 10 CH Red 5

Under 16 Cup - STC Prep 17 HARFA White 5

Under 18 Cup – HARFA 20 President’s College 0

Plate – Palians 12 Kandy Rugby Academy 7

Open Segment 2

Cup – Sri Lions 12 Avissawella 10

Open Segment 1 (Under 21)

Cup – HARFA (champions) Kandy Rugby Academy (runner-up)

Over 40 Cup - Jawatta (champions) OWSC (runner-up)

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.