Isipathana raises Lanka Lions stakes with historic triumph

by Allaam Ousman

Dubai: Old boys of rugby playing schools from Sri Lanka resident in the UAE raised the bar at the 11th Lanka Lions Inter-School Tag Rugby Sevens tournament with Isipathana's maiden triumph providing the icing.

A record number of 24 teams from 21 schools made it the most competitive ever with the presence of 18 foreign players adding spice to it. Former Sri Lanka great Roger Rodrigo was overwhelmed seeing his school win the Championship named after him.

The Lanka Lions stalwart hoped the surfeit of talent on display could translate into success at the forthcoming Dubai Rugby Sevens.

"The talent on display was good. We will do much better this time and in a month's time lift the other Cup, the main one," said Rodrigo who founded this tournament as a talent search to boost Lanka Lions for the Dubai tournament.

"It (tournament) is improving every year. By bringing players from Colombo, the standard has become very high. This year there were 18 club or national level players from Colombo. In the future this tournament can only get better," observed experienced Sri Lankan referee D Nimal who officiated the Cup final between Isipathana and Trinity.

"It is pretty intense. It has got very competitive compared to the last few years. It gets tough on everyone," said Ijaaz Bohoran who represented Royal for the second time in this tournament. However, like most of the 'foreign' players who came down for this tournament from Colombo, Bohoran will not be available for Lanka Lions.

"I was called by Lanka Lions last year for practice but could not make it because I had to go. After I complete my exams (in business management) in December, I'm looking forward to come next year," said the former Police and CH three-quarter.

Isipathana's star performer Kavindu Costa, a last-minute replacement for Sri Lanka player Ashan Costa who had a groin injury, was another player who showed willingness to play for Lanka Lions but has to find a job here for that.

"It is a good tournament for old boys who have played rugby for schools back home. Isipathana was more focussed than previous years," said Costa, who scored the match-winning try in the final.

Isipathana epitomised the seriousness with which schools have taken this competition with their newly formed Old Boys Association deciding to field one strong young team.

Even Roger Rodrigo opted to hang up his boots after 26 years of playing in Dubai, which perhaps ignited the young guns led by Dulanka Gunasekera to take over the baton.

Isipathana did not have all going for them in the pool stages with Trinity edging them out 7-0 but took sweet revenge in the final.

Four-time winners Trinity notched the highest score of 66-0 against Carey.

Wesley came close to knocking out defending champions Trinity but for a try by former Havelocks player Hilmy 'Bebo 'Mohammed in the dying seconds of the Cup quarter-finals.

"We have improved a lot. Wesley is rising. Lanka Lions last year had four (Wesley) players, the most number by any school. We are hoping to do our best for Lanka Lions and play our hearts out because we really need the Cup this time. We will give our fullest support to the captain and committee as well," said Wesley skipper Zalique Jayah, a former CH and FC centre.

Wesley's foreign player, Doha-based Lahiru Prasad, 20, was amazed by the high standard of competition. "It was a very good opportunity for us to come and play.

It was very competitive. All teams were of a high standard and the tournament was well organised," said Prasad.

St Peter's featured in two thrilling clashes which went to the wire to clinch the Plate with Madisha Silva scoring the golden try on both occasions against Wesley and in the final against Thurstan.

"It was like an international tournament," said Lumbini's Thusith Dushan who bagged the Best Player award after scoring 11 tries in the pool stages.

CR and FC centre Gayan Liyanage said the tournament provided players an opportunity to showcase their skills. "It really is a wonderful opportunity for local boys because they don't get a chance to go abroad and play. It's very competitive not like those days. It's a good opportunity for everyone to develop their skills," said Liyanage.

Lanka Lions will miss the services of Mahdi Samat who has decided to return to Sri Lanka to pursue his academic career. Nonetheless, Lanka Lions skipper Madisha Silva felt they were spoiled for choice.

"I found so many talented players. I informed them to come for practices. The tournament is getting better every year but most of the schools are bringing club players who are going back," said the former CH and FC centre.