As a sporting year comes to a close, third year player and coloursman Tarinda Ratwatte has been adjudged to lead the Trinity College Rugby contingent from the hill-capital for the upcoming year of 2014
At the conclusion of each year, it makes the sporting fans think of what they can expect from the upcoming year and the appointment of the captain is always sparkling news for any enthusiast.
Ratwatte who hails from a sporting family will be creating a milestone in the books of history as it would be the third instance in which father and son had the privilege of captaining the Trinity side. Two decades back, a Ashan Ratwatte captained the Lions’ side to a remarkable year and had the opportunity of leading the side at the centenary Bradby fixture.
Third year player and coloursman Anuradha Karunathilake will be Ratwatte’s deputy for the upcoming season. Having had experience on the field both local and overseas representing the Sri Lankan U20 side this year, the duo would be the perfect combination in the positions of skipper and deputy as they are claimed to be the most experienced duo in the school rugby arena which will kick start next year.
Speaking to ThePapare, Ratwatte shared these views,
Q: What is it to be the captain of Trinity College Kandy?
A: It has always been a long standing dream of mine to wear the prestigious Trinity jersey ever since I started playing rugby and I’m overwhelmed on the appointment as captain. It is a daunting task to take the reigns as captain but being appointed as skipper, I will make it a duty to live up to the dreams and wishes of those who look up to me and my team.
Q: You’ve come a long way ever since you took up the sport, any special individuals you would like to mention?
A: I started representing school from the under 12 team and I wouldn’t have come thus far if not for my coaches who inspired me to be who I am today. The coaches from U14,16 & 18 have always been the forms of motivation for me and not forgetting my present coaches Neil Footie and Nilfer Ibrahim whose courage and motivation kept me going even at desperate situations. My parents have always been supportive of my playing and have always encouraged me at all times.
Q: With the season due to kick start in four months time, what are your goals and objectives?
A:Trinity has always produced a balanced side in almost every season. As always the lads from the hill capital will be opting to play the game in true spirit of sportsmanship and on those grounds what we achieve is inevitable. I hope to maintain the high standards set by my predecessors and I hope me and my team would attempt to achieve greater heights.
Q: The next year’s season will be a different layout when compared to the previous years. Will it hinder your team’s performance?
A: Though the next season will be played on a group stage basis, we will stick to our normal routine and get act together and play our normal game and at the end of the day, the best team would definitely win.
Q: Final words?
A: Captaining the rugby side at Trinity is a rare opportunity received to someone who enters the gates of Trinity. I have been blessed with a unique set of individuals who are gleaming with talent and together with the support rendered to me from my coaching staff, school administration and the Scrummage I would be able to give in my fullest effort to do whatever it takes to conquer the Trinity Dream. After all wearing the prestigious Red, Gold & Blue jersey is all what any Trinitian yearns for!
ThePapare.com wishes him all the best!
*Photo Credits Amila Alahakoon
