A whole host of schools’ rugby superstars graced the scene, some for the final time and some to gain valuable experience. From bouncing off tackles to the Fijian style Razzle-Dazzle, the talent on show at the Royal Complex was second to none. We pick seven of the best from the schools’ sevens.
Joes end season in style with maiden Sevens title
St. Joseph’s College beat Royal College 21-12 in the cup final…
- Thulaib Hassan, Royal College (Prop)
Monstrous sized battering ram, Thulaib Hassan, known for his blocking straight runs, displayed his capabilities once again over the past weekend. His ability to shake off tackles and stunning turn of pace which catches his opposition off guard was on show as he even went on to score the opener in the final. His steadiness and ability to break a tackle helps him find a place in the team of the tournament.
- Keshan Kavinda, St. Joseph’s College (Hooker)
Another lad from the potent Josephian back line, Keshan Kavinda, renowned for this brutal left-foot step, was instrumental for the Josephians throughout, even going on to score the vital score just before halftime in the grand finale. The Winger was the main contributor in the semifinal win over St. Anthony’s, scoring the opener and taking the Josephians into the final.
- Ishara Liyanage, St. Anthony’s College (Prop)
The Anthonian speedster, Master of the show & go, Ishara Liyanage drove his team from the centers. His wide strides and sidesteps, added to the sublime dummy meant the youngster was unstoppable when he got his hands on the ball. His desire for work was obvious as he found himself near the ball time and time again going on to score invaluable tries for the Anthonians. His team may have fallen short, however, he makes the cut for his immense work both in attack and defense.
- Suhail Waseem, St. Anthony’s College (Scrum Half)
The diminutive heart and soul of the Anthonian lineup, Suhail Wassim played an instrumental role in the Anthonian’s journey to the semifinal. The nippy halfback was phenomenal in the group stages and his snipping breaks down the short side to score in the quarterfinal against S. Thomas’ guided his school into the semifinal. His prowess as a sweeper was apparent and his all-round halfback play wins him a spot in the team of the tournament.
- Tharindu Hettiarchchi, Vidyartha College (Fly Half)
Vidyartha spun a web around the holders, keeping them scoreless, going on to win the plate segment. Tharindu Hettiarchchi was the orchestrator of that stunning win as he controlled proceedings from the onset. Decisively and expertly pulling the string, he made the Thomians run in circles. His master class shown not only in the final, but throughout the tournament wins him a spot in the dream team.
- Janidu Dilshan, Royal College (Center)
It is hard to single out one player in the dominant and hugely experienced Royal sevens team, however, influential center and the most outstanding player for the Royalists in their League winning season, Janidu Dilshan continued on his merry way leading them to the runner up position. Their first defeat in the season, unfortunately their final loss, however, his sublime performances throughout the two days wins him a place in the team of the tournament.
- Gemunu Chethiya, St. Joseph’s College (Winger)
The highest try scorer of the League season, Gemunu Chethiya was the Linchpin in the Josephian title winning outfit. He was omnipresent, running out at first receiver, center and even on the wing. His goose-step and rapid change of speed and direction caught out opponents time and time again. He brought out the Razzle-Dazzle which was missing in the President’s Trophy final, carrying the Blue & White to their maiden all Island Division I Sevens title. Chethiya’s terrific pace and his ability to step off both feet have no doubt helped make him become one of the most dominant players on the schools’ circuit throughout the past season.
