Vidyartha ruggerite causes protest in match against St. Sylvester's

By S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen, Kandy Sports Corr

RUGBY: Another school playing a ruggerite who was not eligible to remain has surfaced on a protest by St. Sylvester's College, Kandy, against Vidyartha College in Singer Shield Segment 'B' schools rugby tournament which the Sylvestrians lost 7-34 at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy.

Master-In-Charge of rugby at St. Sylvester's College Mr. A. K. B. Dodanwala said that they had lodged a complaint with the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association alleging that Vidyartha College fielded a ruggerite who had failed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination twice.

This ruggerite was their match-winner.

The team of Vidyartha does not indicate this player's name, date of birth and his signature in the relevant ages provided for 22 players for the match. But his name is indicated separately at the bottom with no details given.

He becomes the 23rd player and the rule is there should be only 22 players - 15 on the field and 7 on the bench.

These two schools are traditional rivals and they play their 'Big Match' at cricket too.