Navy top contender for 'A' division Rugby Title

By Ranjan Anandappa

RUGBY FOOTBALL: Sri Lanka Navy seems to be the top most contender for the Dialog 'A' Division League Rugby plum after the league first round matches.

The Sailors led by third-row forward Rohitha Rajapaksa remained the only unbeaten team with impressive wins over Air Force, Police, Army, Up-Country Lions, Kandy Sports Club, CH&FC, CR&FC Havelocks and Hambantota Sharks.

They consist of a well-knit combination with a powerful set of forwards and a diligent bunch of runners. Skipper Rohitha Rajapaksa ,along with Danusha Perera and Bilal Hassan form one of the best third row along with Sathya Ranatunga, Namal Rajapaksa, Achala Perera and the latest additions to the team Sajith Saranga and Jason Dissanayke. The Sailors have outplayed their counterparts in almost all the matches in the league.

With the experience of Suranga Pushpakumara and Chanaka Chandimal the halves combination could rattle any opposition. Sri Lanka representative Chula Susantha and Figian Ratu Taniela are top centres, and also are two energetic runners. On the wing prolific try scorers Danushka Chaturanga and former Havelock player Lee Keegal are two good sprinters.

Nuwan Hettiarachchi has proved himself as a tower of strength manning the last line of defence with his safe collections and judicious kicks to touch. Hettiarachchi's place-kicking which has contributed immensely to the side's success during the tournament.

The Sailors finished third last season behind Havelock SC and Kandy SC and are determined to clinch the league title this year.

Having given their best in their re-entry into 'A' division rugby in 2009, in 2011 Navy came very close to taking the Clifford Cup the richest prize in local rugby going down fighting to Kandy SC 11-26 in the final at Bogambara amidst a packed audience.

The team is coached by former Havelock SC and Sri Lanka assistant coach Leonard de Zylva assisted by Figian Stefanowith Motilal Jayatileka doing a fine job as physio putting the players in fine shape.