Rugby Carnival 2007

 

 

Rugby Carnival 2007   STC Wins – 4 IN A ROW	>>> Click here to view the event Album

 

Thomian Squad : (Capt.), Gerhard Munaweera, Chian De Silva, Nadeeka Dias, Amila Madullaarchchi, Dilan Perera, Sanjay Perera, Micheal Granville, Rajith Kannangara, Samindra Madanayake, Chamil Walikala, Lasantha, Shamal, Niranjan

 

 

The over night rain, made the grounds softer than usual, it was hazy and overcast, slight drizzle, heavy clouds right around, the Markham Rugby Football Club was abuzz, can STC do it? Four consecutive wins? Yes! They did not disappoint their fans and supporters, they came out winners in grand style, beating Joe/Pete Team (2) in the finals 34 points to nil.

The supporters and players were trickling into the grounds for a 9am start. The individual school Tents started to come up at designated areas. St Thomas, Royal, Trinity, St Anthony’s, St Joseph, St Peters – have registered to field sides, and participate at the 2007 Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Sevens Carnival.

The food stalls are in, Eddie’s Hoppers, Buriyani and Kothu from Colombo caterers, not forgetting the snacks, faluda and short eats provided by Sudev Fernando.

The fans were all wondering if STC can do it – 4 in a row. It will be a huge effort to accomplish this feat. The STC side captained by Amila, a hard tackling fly half with some wonderful moves, which we have seen in the past years, ably assisted by Chian, Gerhard, Dilan, Lasantha, Nadeeka.

Lasantha came down from DC to play in the tournament. We missed the services of a star player Rajiv, due to injury. The squad consisted of Rajith, Raj, Glenville, Sajeewa, Mugsy, Niranjan, Indhiran, Chamal, Chamil and Nilu who assisted the boys with their physiotherapy needs.

Former skipper Gerhard Munaweera, Dad to a new born baby girl, mentioned, that she brought in luck to the side, and Amila. Absolutely! All eyes were on Amila, the MVP of the tournament, who has the ability to initiate moves with sizzling runs to leave the opposition gasping for breath. He delivered the goods one more time, and entertained the crowd. It must be mentioned that even Dilan Perera, moved so well with ball in hand none could match his speed, all enjoyed his taxi runs to the touch line.

Trinity, another well knit side, consisted of Sudharshan, Romesh, Menon, Samantha, Niroshan. Nalin, Prasaad, Rati, Gishan, Roshan, Dilshan, Illanga, Adhi, Fasmin, Ashan, Menon – they played hard and open Rugby, a positive display descending from the hills of Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Royal another star studded side with Sridharan at the helm, a former Sri Lanka player of repute, the squad including, Murali, Jerome, Suku, Kumar Took part with heart. Thanks guys much appreciated.

St Joesph & St Peter – combined two teams were entered, out of which Saints (2) came into the finals. We saw a bunch of young athletes moving the rugby ball with passion and guts. The squad included Viraj, Duminda, Rajeev, the Ragel clan, Chris, Rodrigo.

St Anthony’s – a bunch of sporty rugerites, flew in from all far away places to participate in this annual event. The squad consisted of TK, Sanjay, Kuga, Rohan, Titus, Prem, de Silva, Beumal, Romesh, Jeewa, Yohan, Franco, Shantha and Tharinda. They walked away with the Sportsmanship award for the second year running. Well done guys, your dedication and participation is much appreciated. Good stuff please continue to do so.

The initial round robin tournament, with six sides and two groups saw the following, advancing to the 2nd round with wins, under their belts.

Trinity
Saints Team (1)
STC
Saints Team (2)

The 1st semi final was: Trinity Vs STC, this game was won by STC with a score of 17 points to nil.

The 2nd semi final was an all Saints affair, this game was won by Saints Team (2) with a score of 20 points to nil.

The final was set to start at 5pm – STC Vs Saints Team (2) Although at the initial stages the Saints did show some punch, but after the 1st try was scored by STC, it was all over. STC won by a margin of 34 points to nil.

Talent scouts Henry Dullewe Sam Canagasaby, Inbakumar & Sridharan selected Amila as the MVP of the tournament. Sunil Welikala memorial Trophy was presented by Shiromi.

Runners up Trophy went to Saints Team (2) skippered by Rajiv Wijetunga.

The winners for the 4th consecutive year – St Thomas College.

The joint organizing committee of STC & TCK OBA members wish to extend their sincere thanks to the following: All players for their sportsmanship and clean rugby on the field. All spectators for their participation and die hard support All OBA bodies for rallying round to make this event a success The food caterers, for the fabulous food sold at the grounds. Markham Rugby Football Club and Chris The two referees Allan & Steve for their untiring efforts Sana – MC of the event Rajiv Gnanaratnam – President TCK OBA for the presentations The Joint Committee members who worked tirelessly, to put together all aspects of this event.

Sincere thanks

“DR”