Kingswood College, the first school to play Rugby in Sri Lanka is in search of their killer instincts as they set forth to play A Division with high expectations.
Having entered the field of rugby 122 years back, Kingswood had a fair seasons in 2011 under the captaincy of UvinAriyarathna where they came across both ups and downs. Kingwood who played their first interschool rugby match against Trinity College which ended up as a draw, produced quality rugby being the team to beat for a long while. in the recent years Kingswood has produced some rugby legends; former Sri Lankan captain FaizalMarija, the legendary kicker NalakaWeerakkodi, Weerarathna brothers, AmjadBuksh, Achala Perera, are some of the great products of Kingswood.
Recent Past
Last decade can be considered as the Goldenera of the Kingswood Rugby as they won the league title 4 times, three of them consequently. In 2003 under the captaincy of Surawimala, in 2004 under FaizalMarija, in 2005 under Eranda Weerakkodiand 2008 Gayan Rathnage.Kingswood is the only team that has had the distinction of winning the league title thrice in a row. More over they were runners up in 2006 and 2010 and they won the knock-out title in 2000,2003, 2004 and in 2005. It is remarkable that they were unbeaten throughout all 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Last Season
Kingswood recorded overwhelming victories over Anthony’s (30-15), DS ( 52-14) as well as Science College (16-10). They lost to Trinity (26-25), Royal (24-20), Joes (43-38) after tight games.Even though they lost to Isipathana and St. Peter’s with heavy margins, finally ended up in 5th place.
The coach
One of the great personalities behind the great success, Mr. Ananda Kasthuriarachchi again takes duties as the head coach. A member of the 2005 league winning team, Akram Rifa and Rohitha Medis will assist Mr. Kasthuriarachchi.
Speaking to ThePapare Mr. Kasthuriarachchi said,
“Normally there are five teams playing quality rugby in Division A. Isipathana, St. Peter’s, Trinity, Royal as well as Kingswood are the five teams who could dominate in the school rugby throughout past few years. Unfortunately during last couple of years we could no display our classy play. We lost some crucial games and couldn’t maintain our possession within the top five teams. None of our players could occupy a place in National Squad.
Our main target in this season is upgrading our play upto the usual standard which we had during the early stages of the decade. We do want to promote four or five players up to the National level. If we play quality rugby within topfive teams, winning the league title won’t be a big deal for us”.
Asela Wijesinghe takes duties as the skipper
Former ruggerite D.M Wijesinghe’s brother Asela takes duties as the skipper for the upcoming season. With over 10 years of experience he had added over 20 conversions to the total throughout the last season. Speaking to ThePapare the captain said that they are determined to do their best in order to win the league and the knock out cup as well.
Asela and Aruna strengthen the Kingswood line
Skipper Asela and Gayan Jayathilake are the centers while Jalil and Buwaneka are the two wings. Mighty Kosala himself scored over 30 runs throughout the last season which kept them far above from their opponents. Kingswood try scoring machine will be based on Aruna-Asela running department.
The Kingswood Squad :
Props – M. Priyankara, N. Premathilaka
Hookers – J.C Amarasinghe, R.S Paranagama
Locks – Nisal Perera, MahelaSingharachchi
Flankers – R. Premathilaka, Tharu Chathuranga, DhishanthaLakshan, Chinthaka Kumara
Number 8 – RavinduIlangangedara
Scrum Half – S. Saleh, F. Ali
Fly Half – Aruna Perera
Centers – Asela Wijesinghe, Gayan Jayathilake, HimanthaJayathilake
Wingers – T.I. jalil, BuwanekaWijebandara, R.I.P Kumara, Thiwankabandara, U.D Atigodage, A.D Themiyapala
Full backs – R. Raffaideen
