Vidyartha turned disaster to success

Vidyartha turned disaster to success

Chris Dhambarage

They had to pay a heavy price for violating tournament rules last year and as a result they were penalised and were compelled to compete in the lower division during the concluded inter-school rugby season.

However, ultimately it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Vidyartha College Kandy as they created history by running down some massive scores on their way towards emerging unbeaten champions in the Singer Under-20 Division Two League tournament.

They followed up their success in the league championship and went on to clinch the Milo Schools Chairman’s Trophy Knockout Tournament as well to complete a grand double and a memorable inter-school rugby season.

Even then it was a nasty shock for the ruggerites of Vidyartha College at the beginning of the season to realise the fact that they will be playing in the Division Two tournament this year alongside a host of weak opponents.       

          

“No doubt it was hard for the boys at the beginning of the season to play alongside the division two teams but I think they realised the situation and adjusted themselves both mentally and physically to play some outstanding rugby,” commented Anil Jayasinghe coach of Vidyartha College.

The veteran coach and reputed former referee observed that the players were even more determined than ever before to prove their class and authority in their attempt to rebuild their image which was somewhat tarnished during last years tournament.    

“I think the boys have really given more than one hundred percent on the field and the manner in which they have won all their matches shows their character and the will to succeed.

“Even though the team was competing in the lower division their commitment and the determination were the same and they kept up the momentum throughout the season by winning the Chairman’s Trophy as well.”

In fact Anil Jayasinghe believed that the present team with their oozing talent and potential would have easily brought down few of the schools which competed in the current season.

“We wanted to prove that this team has the potential to match any side in the current ‘A’ division tournament and this is exactly what the boys did by running up some massive scores during the league championship.

“I think if this present outfit had the opportunity of playing in this year’s ‘A’ division league tournament they would have certainly made their mark and I am sure they would have finished among the top three schools.”

The Vidyartha College coach further noted that the team was able to transform their disappointments into pleasure by playing some brilliant all round rugby while in the process creating many records in schools rugby.   

  

“Looking at the overall performances of this team I am really satisfied because everything has gone according to plan and we were able to send a message across to the authorities that we deserved to be among the best rugby playing schools in the country.”

In fact Vidyartha College had the distinction of piling up a record-breaking huge tally of 190 points including 20 goals and 10 tries in their last match of the league tournament against Talduwa Buddhist School.

Altogether Vidyartha College went on to accumulate a total of 819 points with the help of 72 goals and 63 tries while conceding only 12 points (4 penalties) to their opponents.

Another significant feature of their performances this season was the fact that their goal line was uncrossed in any of the six league tournament matches.

In the Milo Schools Chairman’s Trophy Knockout Tournament semifinal Vidyartha College trounced Zahira College Colombo 83-7 and went on to outplay Dharmapala MV Pannipitiya 66-8 in the final encounter.        

   

Among the individuals fly half Ashan Bandara had the unique distinction of contributing a total of 207 points while scrum half Chamath Fernando was equally good with 174 points.

In addition full back Isuru Lakshan (148), skipper Danushka Talwatta (143) wing three quarter Viduranga Ramawickrema (64) and Samitha Salinda (57) also had an outstanding season for Vidyartha.    

The Vidyartha College Kandy First XV Rugby Pool:

Prop forwards: Ashan Fernando, Ijaz Ahmed, Navin Alexander

Hooker: Dilshan Gunaratne, Samitha Salinda

Second row forwards: Lahiru Attanayake, Thivankara Priyankara, Eranga Samarakoon

Flankers: Dinushan Bandara, Sithijaya Abeyratne, S. Ethulgama

Number eight: Harsha Silva, Manoj Paragahawatta

Scrum half: Chamath Fernando

Fly half: Ashan Bandara (vice captain)

Centre three quarters: Danushka Talwatta (captain), Dilum Deeshana, Chatura Chandrasekera

Wing three quarters: Damitha Salinda, Viduranga Ramawickrema, Yohan Fernando

Full back: Isuru Lakshan

Coach: Anil Jayasinghe/Nimal Fernando

Trainer: Vijitha Bandara

Master in Charge: Prabath Ranasinghe

How Vidyartha College Kandy fared in the Singer under 20 Division Two league tournament:

OPPOSITION           G                     T                      TPF                 TPA

Asoka MV                 19                   9                      178                 3

Kegalle MV               14                   13                   163                 3

Moratu MV              7                      15                   124                 0

Zahira                        4                      10                   78                   6

St. Aloysius              8                      6                      86                   0

Talduwa BMV          20                   10                   190                 0

                                    ---------------------------------------------------------

TOTAL                        72                   63                   819                 12

                                    ====================================

Note: Tabulated under opposition, goals scored, tries scored, total points for and total points against

Caption:

The champion Vidyartha College rugby team in a jubilant mood after they annexed the Milo Schools Chairman’s Trophy after defeating Dharmapala MV Pannipitiya 66-8 in the final played at the Royal Sports Complex (Pic by Madushanka Siriwardena)

End.