Galpaya M.V. boys and girls show keen interest in rugby football

By Jatila KARAWITA

RUGBY: With a view to spreading rugby football in the outstations, and through a personal initiative of the Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Dilroy Fernando, a one-day coaching camp for around 60 schoolboys and girls was held at the main sports complex, of Pallebadda, Galpaya Maha Vidyalaya, in the Ratnapura district on December 15 (Monday).

The coaching clinic held under the supervision of International Rugby Board (IRB) accredited referee Dilroy Fernando, was a successful one with the keenness and enthusiasm towards rugby displayed by the students, being a notable feature, the SLRFU Executive Director Fernando told Sunday Observer

Fernando, noted that despite numerous hardships faced by the schoolboys and girls of Galpaya Maha Vidyalaya, their willingness to learn the finer points of rugby during the coaching camp has been most commendable.

He said that besides giving a basic introduction to rugby, a drill session incorporating the techniques of the game had also been conducted for the rugby players of Galpaya MV.

Galpaya MV, a school which comprises around 500 schoolchildren with minimum of facilities for both sports and education, has been excelling in women's rugby in the Eheliyagoda electorate since 2007.

In 2008, in the All-Island Under-14 Women's 'Sevens' the school emerged as runners-up in the Plate Segment, while in the 'Cup' championship, in the Under-16 category, they were runners-up.

Besides rugby, Galpaya MV has also made an impact in sports such as Netball, Volleyball, Softball Cricket and Athletics.

Up-and-coming referee A. C. Tennekoon and Sabaragammuwa Rugby Football Union Secretary and Rugby Development Manager K. S. P. Karunaratne has also contributed his might to make the one-day coaching camp at Galpaya Maha Vidyalaya a success, Fernando added.