A most enthralling 2014/15 Dialog Rugby League ended with Kandy triumphing with the overall points difference being the decider over Navy to bag the championship. Although foreigners appeared in the league and there were some outstanding players like Christopher Cloete, Apisai Naqaliva and Robbie Malneek, there were some top local talent on display as well. Below is the pick of the local players, the league’s best XV picked by ThePapare.com
Front Rows
Henry Terrance (Navy)– Scored 3 tries this season and remains a huge force to the Navy pack. Terrence has loads of experience under his belt and played 80minutes in the most important games. Undoubtedly, he is the most impact prop in the island.
Ganuka Dissanayake (Havelock’s)– As a club rugby debutant, coming from Isipathana College who were the triple champions last year, Ganuka played extremely well in the young Havelock’s pack, he is a reliable player adapts to the conditions quickly. Havies lost four Sri Lankan forwards who went to play Navy at the start of the season and Ganuka’s presence in the front- row did compensate adequately. Not a single hooker was consistent this season from any of the clubs. Therefore, he deserves a spot in the front row.
Kishore Jehan (Kandy)– Most experience front row player from Kandy played his part tremendously well this season. He started most of the games in the second half and added some valuable tries to the Kandy team. In the main games he was in the starting lineup and any team would want a player of Jehan’s caliber to start.
Second Rows
Kalana Amarasinghe (Navy)– had a fantastic appearance with the Sailor’s this season. Fast, furious and determined, he also showed a great hunger to attack and defend. His 6’ 4” frame is surely suited in the Tusker’s outfit. He was a missing factor for Navy’s poor lineout receiving in the later part of the season.
Danushka Perera (Navy) – A strong defender and probably the man with the biggest success rate in turnover’s for Navy. A ‘wall’ that kept Navy’s driving maul stable and while pushing for great yards.
Third Rows
Sasanka Ariyarathne (CR)- Surely an unsung hero in the club arena. Sasanka played extremely well this season for the Reds. He was very mobile in attack and was a driving force to the Longdon Place team this season.
Sudarshana Muthuthantri (Havelocks) – Not hugely built but indeed a warrior, never afraid to tackle low any player no matter what the size. A master in turnovers and supreme in defense, no matter whether it is 7s or XV he also has some pace to finish off his running in the score line.
Sajith Saranga (Navy) – Took over the leadership and led the Sailor’s well. His injury in Borneo 7s was in vain; nevertheless he was an additional X factor in the Navy’s pack. He was out of the show for two years with injury but this season he found his rhythm and was phenomenal with 5 tries under his name.
Scrum Half
Roshan Weerarathne (Kandy) – Surely, still the best scrum half in the XV’s format despite the fact that his kicking was an utter disaster in the final game against Navy. Nevertheless, Roshan’s game management and decision making is excellent for a number nine. And his combination with Fazil Marija has been the best in this season. Roshan’s box kick is better than any other one else in the position, gaining territory and putting opposite backs in trouble.
Fly Half
Fazil Marija
Needs no introduction, still the best number 10 in the island his game awareness is simply incredible. Whenever he breaks the opposite line there is always a try under his name. Fazil mastered his playing through his experience.
Wing
Vishwamithra Jayasinghe
Probably the fastest 100m running winger in Sri Lanka. He was astounding as a replacement when Chamara Dabare got injured early in the season. Navy, surely could have stalled conceding a losing bonus point if he was playing at the wing. His injury kept him out of the final that Navy won by a point.
Center
Dhanushka Ranjan
He is the best center in the island at the moment. He welcomed the Fijian legend Rupeni Caukaou of Army to Sri Lanka with two mighty tackles on him, which was an epic show by Ranjan. He did not let foreigners run past him, and his attack was a fearsome to watch to any opposition. Whether it is 7s or XV’s he is able to change and adapt to the condition quicker than anyone. Scored 8 tries this season with two hat-tricks.
Kanchana Ramanayaka
Great performance this season 8 tries, 6 conversions, 11 penalties and overall 87 points under his name which is sensational. That performance earned him to debut at the Borneo 7s. His performance for CR&FC enticed the national selectors and as a result he did have a decent time at the Boreno 7s too.
Wing
Lavanga Perera
Certainly has vastly improved from last season also have built his muscles, increased his pace and enhanced his tackling skills. Scored 7 tries this season and made some try saving tackles. Playing much better in the XV’s format than 7s.
Full Back
Dulaj Perera
The leading points scorer of the Dialog Rugby League 2014/15 with 4 tries, 32 conversions and 19 penalties and an overall points of 141 under his name. Deserves a spot in the best XV. Last season he did not start due to Niroshan Fernando’s appearance but due to Niroshan’s injury Dulaj made 13 starts this season and played all the minutes which is a great club rugby achievement.
You are all welcome to send in your comments and choices as well.
