Lack of competition keeps spectators away - Kishu

by Lal Gunesekera

RUGBY: The lack of competition among the clubs prevents spectators from attending matches with just one outfit dominating the local rugby scene year after year for the past seven years, but Caltex will continue to sponsor the League and Knock-Out Championship till 2010.

This was the candid statement made by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Managing Director of Chevron Lubricants, Kishu Gomes, at a media briefing at the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) headquarter's, at the old Race Course last Wednesday evening to announce the start of the Caltex League Rugby Championship which kicked off last Friday.

"As sponsors, Caltex, would like to see other teams reaching the top, but Kandy Sports Club has been dominating the scene which makes the season of big farce," said Gomes, and commented that there was a contrast in spectator attendance in club games and schools matches.

Gomes also said that it was the responsibility of clubs to provide better facilities for the spectators and improve grounds and vehicle parking facilities.

SLRFU President, DIG Nimal Lewke, said that with better performances by the service sides (particularly in the recent 7's), there could be an improvement in the standards of the game and those services outfits could give a "good fight: to the top match teams like Kandy, CR & FC, CH & FC and Havelocks.