President Mahinda Rajapaksa the Chief Guest...:

Observer – Caltex Rugby Awards on March 8

By Ranjan ANANDAPPA

OBSERVER – CALTEX RUGBY AWARDS:The Sunday Observer – Caltex Rugby Awards ceremony the only occasion which has been recognising the outstanding performance of ruggerites in the domestic rugby arena over a decade, will once again kick-off on March 8 at 7.30 pm at the Galle Face Hotel, under the patronage of the sports loving President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

One of the most talented and outstanding forwards produced by the country in recent times, CR&FC’s skipper and Number 8 and former Sri Lanka skipper Dushan Lewke has been deservingly rewarded by the readers of the Sunday Observer for his excellent performance in the Caltex League and Clifford Cup Knock- Out Championship this year by being voted as the Most Popular Ruggerite For the Year 2011. While the Navy which came up with some bustling performances to end as runners-up in both league and knock out versions of the tournament, has been voted in as the Most Popular Rugger Team.

It should be a memorable occasion for the Navy skipper Yositha Rajapaksa when he receives the trophy from his father on behalf of his team while Lewke will be receiving the coveted award for the second occasion. Most of the ruggerites who have been picked as the Most Popular Ruggerite have gone to represent the country with distinction. This contest serves the purpose as a great encouragement to enhance the players performances in the following year.Last year CR&FC’s promising fly-half Nigel Ratwatte and Kandy SC received awards after being winners in the contest at the same venue in March 2010.

In 2011, Most Popular Rugby Players contest, Dushan Lewke received 57,103 votes while Navy’s fly-half Dev Anand (54,361) and Kandy’s fly half Fazil Marija with 49,104 votes were placed second and third respectively.

In the Most Popular Team Contest Navy was placed first with 52,481 votes while CR&FC (50,994) and Kandy SC (50,277) were placed second and third respectively.