While the Island readies itself for the most anticipated rugby season of 2013 which will kick start this week, the rightful heirs of the rugby crown in the sporting arena are making the adequate preparations in their den to avenge the battlefield this weekend.
In an institution where the sport is engraved to its age old traditions where it runs through the veins of all of its subjects, requires no introduction at all to the rugby arena. The great institution up on the central hills of the island, the school where River, Lake and Mountain meet Trinity College Kandy will be entering the rugby arena this year celebrating their 106th year in succession in true spirit of the game.
Early History
Trinity College Kandy, commonly known to be the Lions of the game, was at the forefront when the sport was embraced by the school community in the island. Creating the milestone in the history, rugby saw its birth in 1906 and the first encounter was played against their home town rivals Kingswood College Kandy. This encounter yet exists and continues to hold the title of being the oldest existing rugby fixture.
Since its inception, Trinity College has trodden through a long passage to what it stands at present. The pathway of over a century has consisted of many landmark milestones as well achievements that are spoken of even at present. The light of 1945 marked the beginning of another great encounter which in no time became the cream of the schools rugby season; The Bradby Shield. Bonding the two institutions Royal College and Trinity College together, it took the level of rugby to a whole new plateau.
Moving fourth towards the 21st Century, Trinity’s glory times in the rugby field were kept high as they fielded in a high standard of rugby. Reaching its pinnacle of success in 2009 prior to last year’s performance, Trinity College commenced its voyage of supremacy under the reigns of Murad Ramzeen. At a time where standards were on the brink of leveling down, it was Ramzeen’s leadership that steadied the Trinity ship and sailed it towards glory. A resounding Bradby victory in the second leg in 2011 ended Trinity being league runners-up in 2012 missing out the golden opportunity to grab hold of the league due to unavoidable reasons. Trinity College took home the Bradby Shield for the second consecutive year in 2012 even though it was over-turned subsequently while ending finalist in the K/O’s
2013 Approach
The Lions of the Hill-Capital are the team that no one under estimates in the rugby league. Having a well balanced and competitive side has been the usual forte of the gentlemen from the hill-capital and they have lived up to it as they field in another balanced equation this time as well. The approach towards 2013 has been an even one for the Lions as they did not participate in the sevens format of the game which was concluded recently but have progressed well in the pre-season warm up games between the Soldiers and in the Old Boys game though it ended up in favor of the Old Boys. This year’s team compromises of five colors-men and includes players who have been playing in the college jersey for more than three years.
Footie and Nilfer continue for the third year
When the duo Neil Footie and Nilfer Ibrahim took up duties to coach a side in 2011, they wouldn’t have had the slightest idea that the start which they gave would end Trinity College Kandy to regain its supremacy in a matter of two years. If one requires to give credit to the success of the Lions, it should definitely go to these two who have been the driving force of Trinity College Rugby.
From being a stranger to the rugby format of the country, he has gone all way in becoming a veteran in the Sri Lankan Rugby format. The Twickenham rugby representative and internationally applauded coach Neil Footie will be driving Trinity College Rugby for his third successive year. He himself has been a trademark for the team as well as the main source of inspiration and to most players going thru his hands he has become a person more than a coach to a mentor.
There is no person more versed in the Sri Lankan Rugby format other than this person. Since the time when he wore his college jersey two decades back, he has been in action in the Rugby field as a club player and presently as a coach. Nifler Ibrahim who is presently the coaching the Trinity outfit for his third successive year will be aiming to make this year yet another memorable one. Having previously coached his alma-mater to glory, Ibrahim might be the only person in the rugby arena who possesses such a capability.
Along with these two, Trinity College will be having their newest coaching member who hails from the United States, namely Serj who would be assisting the team in fitness which includes cross-fit training.
Dynamo Halique Wadood to Lead the Lions
If you ever had the privilege of witnessing Trinity College play during the past two seasons, you surely would have not missed him. Standing 5”2 tall you might wonder what on earth does this lad have to do in the land of giants in a first XV side. Halique Wadood has been given reigns to lead his side which has the full potential to rise to the very top. Playing his third and final year clad in the prestigious Red, Gold, Blue jersey mystery man Wadood is the living iteration for the fact that physical appearance or size is not a hindrance to the skill which one person possesses.
Halique did not understand his potential until the last season where he was given the slot in the starting XV as fullback. That indeed turned tables for this lad and he rose to be one of the Islands dynamic three-quarters. He may be the shortest person in the rugby league but he is also the person with the largest heart. Leading a team with huge exposure, Halique will be opting to repeat what his predecessors achieved and aiming to go beyond the mark what Kaneel Seneviratna had left.
Anuradha Karunathilake driving the forwards
Having acclaimed to be the driving force in the forwards last season, the hefty Anuradha Karunathilake will power Trinity’s front row this year as well. Karunathilake popularly known as ‘Basu’ will be the player to look forward for in the Trinity forwards. To his assistance will be Sanka Athulgama and Kishin Siva who will be shouldering him with Nethmal Sakalasooriya who will play hook. From Ramzeen’s time the Lions forwards have earned a reputation of being boisterous and the will look at holding on to that.
Impeccable Singalaxana
Trinity’s deputy Skipper Shahim Singalaxana who is running his third year will be the sensation to watch this season. Often referred to be the warrior of the side for his aggressive abilities, he would play a key role when it comes to scrums and open play. In open play he is going to cause trouble for his opponents and stopping him would be a hard task for the opposition.
With him will be his partner in crime; Umesh Samarasekara at the other end aiding him at all possible times. In addition Ashan Perera would be the team’s No8 in the third row together with Singalaxana and Samarasekara in the third row.
In the locks would be Isuru Rangala and Pasindu Madushan with replacements consisting of Aaqif Rasheed and Nipun Alahakoon.
Trinity has always fielded the best possible three-quarter line up during all years. The three-quarters of Trinity College has always been at the top most standard showcasing that they all had earned the prestigious jersey which they wear with pride during the game.
This year the line consists of the greatest out of the great of the Trinity camp. Skipper Halique Wadood will be playing in his newly found place as full-back since it is the position in which he could perform to his maximum possible level. If the situation persists there is a possibility for him to switch as half-back in the No9 position.
Much Expected from Girihagama
Last year’s sensation and enthusiastic Lochana Girihagama will be playing in his favorite position as Wing-Three. The talented Girihagama will be all out to prove himself this time around and with his well-built physical as he has the opportunity to tear through the oppositions defense line as he wishes. On the other end of the line will be Saranga Gunathilake who missed out last year’s season due to an injury.
The Shiek-Aluwihare Combination
Trinity College has always been the side which had consisted of the professional and the dynamic centers over the past few years. The reputation which the last year’s giants Kaneel Seneviratna, Thisila Karunathilake built as centers will be that this year’s two Sanchana Shiek and Dureka Aluwihare will have to safeguard. Sanchana Shiek, the team’s most senior hand playing his third year will be all out to build up on his current status with Dureka Aluwihare.
If Trinity needs to perform at the highest, the stand-off will be gilded with the responsibility of playing a crucial game throughout the season. When it comes to responsibility Trinity has the right lad for the flyhalf position; Tarinda Ratwatte. Having completed one season as the starting Stand-Off he will be playing this year with much composure and experience.
Danesh Perera and Dushan Perera will be the team’s options when it comes to the choice scrum-halves and Trinity will be having a complete strong outfit in the bench when it comes to replacements. Rukshan Sasmin, Dinuk Ratwatte, Nishan Handunge will be the options on the bench for the line.
Conclusion
Having a fully pledged side would be Wadood’s plus point this season and Wadood would clearly have taken out the word ‘defeat’ out of his vocabulary.
Trinity College Kandy will definitely be the biggest contender for this year’s title with prospects of them becoming the league champions is most likely to be one of the occurrences. Trinity would start off their season this Sunday against Dharmaraja at Pallekelle.
