CH hope to play better this season - Shiran Anthony

By Lal GUNESEKERA

RUGBY: In recent years, we have failed to make much headway, but hope to change it this season (2008). We will make a difference - play the game well. We are there to help you in every aspect, but you, too, must give something back to us in return.

So said the Secretary of the CH & FC, Shiran Anthony, on Wednesday night at the club house, where the sponsorship package for CH’s rugby this season was handed over by Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hutch, Lasantha Perera, to the Chairman of CH & FC, Shammi Silva.

Speaking further, Anthony, said that Hutch were ‘energising’ CH’s rugby for the third consecutive year. He said that Lasantha Perera (Deputy CEO of Hutch) brought in his company personally and hoped that CH could give them better mileage this season.

He said: “Someone is accountable for every cent and we at CH will give Hutch all support, with the players totally motivated. We have a young side with some experience and the players are determined. Veteran coach Tony Amith is in overall charge, assisted by Hishan Abdeen with Chandrashan Perera behind the physical side led by Jayantha Ranaweera.

Deputy CEO of Hutch, Lasantha Perera, said that it was a pleasure to be associated with CH’s rugby. He said that there were many questions that had to be answered before they signed up with CH, but the “seventh suggestion” worked and thanked Hutch’s Manager Public Relations and Promotions, Mrs. Zaharin Rahaman Hameen in particular.

He went on to say that CH did not enjoy one of the greatest seasons last year (2007), but it did not make any difference where the sponsorship was concerned. He said that CH were the only side to give Kandy Sports Club (reigning champions) a tough time at Colombo and Nittawela.

Among the others who were associated in Wednesday’s handing over of the sponsorship package were P. Wimalasena (Convenor of CH Rugby), Shammi Silva (Chairman of CH & FC) Shane Dullewa (Deputy Chairman of CH & FC) and Sanjay Senerath (General Manager - Marketing, Hutch).