As we edge towards the 2013 rugby season, we recollect those great victories and the cherished moments of last year’s season.
While we speak about the 2012 season, there is one team that comes to our mind at the very first thought. This institution had the glory of contesting under the A Division last year reaching the utmost peak in the sport.
Vidyartha College Kandy who were remarked as underdogs last season went on to create a change in the rugby arena ending up in a top spot beating heavy guns such as Kingswood College, St.Anthony’s and leveling scores with Isipathana who were ultimately league champs. Most critics were impressed with the Vidyartha College run and they drew the entire rugby communities respect for what they achieved in their 2012 run. However the glory and pride of this institution faded off in a sudden twist when Isipathana College lodged a complaint over Vidyartha College playing an over-aged player in their starting team.
Vidyartha College who initially denied such charges against them were finally proven guilty after a thorough inquiry was held in relation to the incident. This caused a major overhaul in the Rugby arena in the Island with a shift of the league title award occurred in this regard. Questions arose as to how such a mistake went unseen by the responsible authorities causing heated arguments on either side that resulted in the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association imposing a one year ban on the institution.
The issue caused Vidyartha to lose their goodwill and image that they had created over the past season due this reason. On the appeal of the Vidyartha Rugby Development Group which is the sole governing body for the sport, the ban imposed on Vidyartha was lifted after reconsidering their cause allowing them to contest once again in Division 2.
Nothing more was spoken on the above case, however rumour had it that Vidyartha College were planning to take legal action. ThePapare was able to catch up with the Secretary of the Vidyartha Rugby Development Group Bharatha Dodankotuwa to get some insight on the true story behind this move.
According to him the punishment given to Vidyartha College is over the limit taking into consideration the fact that they are an upcoming force in school rugby. After the move to cancel their one year ban, Vidyartha once again consulted the Sports Council the governing body for sports in Sri Lanka, The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Association for another consideration for their issue requesting them to allow them back in Division I.
Furthermore he points out that they have been continuously appealing to the respective authorities to ease out their problems. He states that it is with much commitment and contribution that they have been able to bring the sport to the place where it stands right now. Such a move will be not only be beneficial for the current players but for the future of the institution’s rugby.
In such an instance where no proper response has been given, as the last resort under consent of their lawyers Vidyartha went on to take legal action in this regard. Mr. Bharatha notes specifically the point that Vidyartha has been disregarded by the executive committee of the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Association due to the fact that they are a ‘ small school in the hill capital’. He also states such discrimination has been done due to the fact that Vidyartha College is a Buddhist Institution and the higher authorities do not intend to develop the sport in such institutions.
It is hoped that justice will be enforced taking into consideration the facts and for the betterment of the sport.
