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| Sunday, 9 November 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Army to provide 'shocks' next year too Sri Lanka Army who were voted as the "Most Popular Rugby Team 2003" at the Observer-Caltex Rugby competition will continue to provide the "shocks" next season (2004) too as they did this year, and will also continue to sign on a few overseas professionals as well in attempts to climb further in the local rugby ladder. Army led by Colin Rodrigo finished in fourth position behind Kandy Sports Club, CH & FC and CR & FC in the Caltex League Championship. They lost to Havelocks (16-18), Kandy SC (23-37) and CH & FC (28-29) in the first-round and again to CH (17-69), Kandy SC (27-38) and CR (34-35) in the 'returns'. Then in the Clifford Cup, Army lost to Havies again (48-64) in the quarter-finals and once again to Havies (32-34) in the "semis" of the Premier Champions Trophy. Army's Ajith Pieris was also voted as the "Most Popular Ruggerite 2003." Warrant Officer P. G. Gunawardene, though retiring from the Army a few years back, continues to serve them with dedication and was their coach for most part of the season. He said: "I will continue to serve the Army, who have done so much to help me in my career both as a Soldier and rugby player. Asanga Seneviratne was our coach first, but after a while he stopped and I took over. Then Colonel Sunil Ranasinghe handled the side later. Gunawardene, who represented the Army as a daring flanker from 1977 to 1994, also played for Sri Lanka in 1974, 1975 and 1976. He said that the Soldiers trained right throughout the year and will continue in this fashion. He also said that the foreigners who wore the Army jersey this season are very keen to come again next season and play for them, but, a firm decision has not yet being taken. He said: "Edwin Shimanga, the Kenyan was Army's 'star' player among the overseas recruits. He broke his leg during the season. Pascal Watuheka was the other Kenyan while One Okaesone from Samoa too, turned out for the Army." Gunawardene thanked the Army Commander Lt. General Lionel Balagalla, Major General Lohan Gunawardene (Chief of Staff), Major General Krishnaratne (Chairman of Army's Rugby Committee), Major Dhammika Gunasekera (Secretary of Army's Rugby Committee) and Army's hierarchy for all the assistance and co-operation extended to the team. He also thanked the team sponsors - Caltex, and hoped that they will continue to do the good work in the future too. L.G. |
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