“IT WAS THE GREATEST FEELING EVER” – KUMENDRA

Double Champions! Kumedra Lifts the MILO Presidents Trophy in 2012

Two years ago on this day Kumendra Dharmadasa led Isipathana to a memorable triumph.It was a victory against Trinity College, Kandy to clinch the coveted “MILO, Presidents Trophy”. A victory which saw Isipathana Crown themselves as Double Champions for 2012 having already won the league title after a lapse of 12 years.The “Green Machine” had last won the president’s trophy in 2001 under Ranga Perera. Since then Isipathana had reached the finals on 4 occasions but came out 2^nd best on all 4 encounters. But Kumendra’s Chargers finally managed to get that monkey off their back as they dominated a fancied Trinity team and emerge victorious 21-17 to end a 10 year hoodoo. Kings ofRugby got in touch with the Champion No.07 to share some of his thoughts about that historic victory 2 years ago.

·         Going into this tournament what were your thoughts?

I felt the pressure to be honest. But I knew the boys had my back at all times,so that eased off the pressure and I was confident.

·         After overcoming Dharmaraja in the semifinals what were your thoughts, on facing Trinity, who were labeled favorites and who were the only team that managed to beat Isipathana in the league?

Dharamaraja were a good side. But I think we should have done better against them. So after the performance against Dharmaraja, we knew we had to get our act together. I felt we didn’t play as a team in the Semis. It’s never easy against Trinity. So we trained hard and focused on the finals.

·         since we won it last in 2001Isipathana had failed to win the Knock out title on 4 occasions having reached the finals. Did this factor bother you? Or were you simply determined to break this hoodoo?

It did not bother me actually, but we did have that thought on the back of our minds just a bit. My selfand a few of my other team mates played in the 2011finalswhich we lost, to none other than Trinity themselves. So wewere sort of experienced on what thefinal would be like. And I must say rather than being nervous, the boys were excited and up for the challenge.

·         Given the fact that you won the league via a default, was there added pressure on you before the finals?

Yes there was. Because this, was our only chance to prove ourselves. There was a lot of drama going on at that time about how the league title was decided. So we wanted to show that we are worthy champions to all the critics out there and we did.

·         How did the players respond when you reached the finals?  How did they respond during practice sessions?

2012 was all about less talk and more work on the field. We took every practice session very seriously throughout the entireseason.  And the final weekwas something special because I’ve played 1st XV rugby for 4 years. And I have not seen a team train with that much passion and determination.

·         What did the coaches advise you aboutduring the build up to the finals?

They never pushed us. They were very calm and confident. They knew exactly what to do. After the final Practice Session (captains run), All they said was “We are ready”.

·         Could you tell us the game plan for the finals against that trinity team?

Well, throughout the season we kept it very simple and basic. I can’t say there was any particular plan for the finals itself. Initially our plan was to suck in their big bulky forwards by hitting up closer to the rucks. But they seemed well prepared for that.  So at half time the coaches instructed to hit up further to the rucks sucking in the three quarters as well. It meant our Forwards were running into the trinity backs creating a mismatch. That opened up the game a little bit creating more space for our backs.

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4 years of hard work have just paid off. The skipper with the trophy.

·         About the finals; during half time Trinity were leading. What did you say to the boys at the break?

Well mostly it was the coaches’ who did the talking. So in the huddle I only said “Boys, We need that trophy, it’s ours,and we do not give up”

·         Isipathana took over the lead and increased it further when Hirantha Perera put over two penalties with just less than 5 minutes to go. What was your instruction to the boys?  What were your thoughts at that time?

I was thinking that I should, Keep talking to the boys and not let them relax because Trinity Just needed a Converted Try to take the trophy away from us. So my instructions to the boys were “It’s not over, we have five more minutes. It’s the last five minutes of the season. Keep pushing your selves and don’t relax.”

·          What was your feeling reaction/ thoughts when Referee D.Nimal finally blew the fulltime whistle?

I fell down on my knees and couldn’t control my emotions, I Couldn’t stop crying, but they were tears of joy and relief. BecauseI realized finally, the 4 years of commitment and hard work has paid off. 

·          Its 2 years now since that memorable day. You had the honour of leading Isipathana to glory, when you wore the “Green Jersey” for the last time. Looking back at it now, what do you have to say?

It was simply“the greatest feeling ever”, and I don’t think anything will top that. But I also have to say I didn’t bring glory to Isipathana. My team did. And we couldn’t have done it without the support from our Principal, coaches’ Shamly Nawaz &BandulaMallikarachchi,Manager Chaminda Gallage, Trainer Karu sir, Physio’s Supun and Upul, The Rugby Committee, old boys including the old boys living abroad, Friends, and our Families, who helped us. Last but not least I also should thank all of the 180 boys who came in for training at least one day and of course the Diehard isipathana Rugby supporters who were always there for us.

·         So you must be really happy how things ended for you as a school boy rugby player?

I certainly am. I am proud of my team because before the season started there were so many problems we faced. We didn’t have proper ground facilities so we had to adjust accordingly. Things didn’t go according to plan in the 7s tournament and pre-season games. We didn’t perform well. So there was a lot of criticism coming in from all sides. Sadly even some of our own fans predicted that we would be demoted and get beaten by all sides. Many teams had star players in their teams that year. But I was lucky to lead a team who wanted to play as a team and win as a team. As the league progressed, so did the team. And our performances ultimately won us the league in the end. Still there were criticsout there claiming we were lucky. But by winning the Knock outs we proved something that we were the Champions in 2012. 

-Hisham Hameed-

Lumiere To Power Isipathana Rugby - 2013 With “Green” Rugby Initiative.

Isipathana College Signed a new sponsorship deal with Lumiere Textiles Limited that will see the Sri Lankan based fabric manufacturing company power the Isipathana College Rugby team for the 2013 inter school rugby season. This was announced at a media briefing held at CH & FC yesterday.

With this lucrative and ambitious deal,together with their new partner Lumiere, the Isipathana Rugby Committee are planning to launch a “Green Rugby” Concept which delivers a strong message to the Rugby Fraternity by keeping the environment clean along with the governments vision to make the city a greener city.

Speaking at the gathering Co-Chairman of Lumiere Textiles Mr.BandulaWeerasinghe said he was extremely delighted for his organization to scrum down alongside his beloved Alma mater for the 2013 schools rugby season. "Being an Isipathanian I always had the passion for rugby and Isipthana is a great platform for producing top quality rugby players”. He added that Lumiere Textiles which hopes to be the world’s first “truly Green” textile mill in the world has ambitions and qualities which go hand in hand with Isipathana Rugby. “Our organization is based on four core pillars which is; Quality, speed, green and talent and when you look at Isipathana’s rugby players they have these attributes as well. I’m very confident that this venture will be a highly successful one where we can create awareness through the game of rugby on how we could save our environment while helping Ispathana to achieve their goals for the 2013 season.”

Mr. A.C Perera,Principal of Isipathana College stated that this will be a huge boost for his school both on and off the field. “We have produced so many outstanding rugby personalities and achieved so much in the  field of Rugby in our comparatively short history yet I don’t think there are many teams out there who could even come close to match those achievements. But we have achieved all this without a playground of our own. Last year we weren't even able to practice at Havelock SC as the ground was under renovation. My students had to practice at various places like Ashoka College grounds in Battaramulla, Colombo University Grounds and Air Force grounds. Yet we still managed to win the league and the Milo Knock-outs. At Isipthana, rugby is a passion, a way of life. If you come to the school during the interval it wouldn't be a surprise to see the little kids playing “tap rugby” with Mango seeds. That’s just what this sports means to us,and today we are delighted to partner Lumiere Textiles and are thankful to them for coming forward to sponsor our rugby team this year.

Mr.Perera also explained why Lumiere’s support was of huge significance to the school and just not the rugby team.” We have started various “Go Green” Projects inside as well as outside the school premises. And keeping up with Lumiere Textiles “Green” policy starting from this year the Isipthana rugby team will not be using plastic bottles. Further we have taken steps to make sure the carbon emission is at its minimum when the Rugby team travels for its domestic matches.  Together with Lumiere we are trying to create the awareness through the rugby fraternity of living Eco friendly and I’m confident that this is going to a be successful partnership” concluded Mr. Perera.

Kumendra : We're  Making Progress.

Turning the spotlight on Saturday’s important clash between Isipathana and Kingswood College, we met up with “Greens” skipper Kumendra Dharmadasa who says he is confident that his side will be able to maintain their unbeaten tag at the early stages of the season but admitted its still “Work in progress”. Ahead of their toughest hurdle yet, Kumendra believes he and his boys have what it takes to come out on top against a side who has always given them a good a fight.

When questioned about their performance to date in the current season, Kumendra says there’s still room for improvement and more work to do, but is happy on how the team is improving day by day. “I don’t think there’s anything to be happy about the first two games in terms of the final score, even though the first one ended in a draw. However the commitment level has been good and I also think we played our second match better than the first. So that means we’re making progress. We’re concentrating on the league, match by match, without looking at the bigger picture. So by the end of the season we’ll be able to assess how we have fared”. 

"Isipathana drew their first game against vidyartha before going on to beat St. Josephs"

Coming back to Saturdays clash, Kumendra believes he and his fellow team mates will have to be at their best, and that will play a major part in deciding the outcome of the game. “They (Kingswood) have a good back division. They showed it during the 7s tourney as well. But at the same time our players especially the forwards are doing a good job too and I feel we might be able to edge them out”. The Captain was also quizzed about the absence of Center, Shamal Chathuranga, who is set to miss out Saturdays game as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. However, he played down that it will have a huge affect on the team. “It might be a bit of a disadvantage, but I don’t think it will affect our performance a great deal because, I have faith in the player who will be replacing him”.

And finally when asked if he had any message to convey to the fans, a humble Kumendra appealed that the supporters back them up both, on and off the field. “We might not be the strongest team but we’re trying, and we’ll keep on trying and not give up. So stick with us”.  

We wish Kumendra and the team all the very best!

Lenaduwa: “Royal have what it takes to win the League” !

Suvinda Lenaduwa

the schools rugby season coming up,once again it’s the time where the fans ponder, who will be the champions? Who would be the top contenders? And other interesting debates. As the excitement grows we decided to get some exiting insights on teams who would be playing in the "A" Division this year. Speaking exclusively to Kings of Rugby former Captain of Royal College Suvinda Lenaduwa shared his views and thoughts about the lads from Reid Avenue and he is confident that they have what it takes to win the title this year.


*What do you think of this year’s royal squad ?

"This years Royal side is fairly inexperienced but will definitely put up a good fight for this years’ league title as the remaining senior players and the under 18’s are also very talented in all aspects of the game.They proved this last year when the same side emerged as runners-up to a well experienced Peterite outfit by just two points. So I’m Confident they’ll perform well"

 *Who will be the key players for Royal this season?

"The key players this season for them would be No.08 Shehan Pathirana, Hooker: Adhil Jabbar, Fly Half: Arshad Jamaldeenand, and Winger: Rimzi Jamaldeen. They are experienced players so they should rise up to the challenge".

 * Who do you consider as "Top Contenders" for this years title?

"Well the main contender for this year’s title would be St. Peters simply because they have avery experienced side. But in the game of rugby anything can happen and I’m sure if sides like Royal,Trinity,Isipathana and even Kingswood play to their true potential they have a very good chance of finishing at the top of the league this season. "

*What do you think Royals’ main priorities would be for this season?

“I think Royals main priorities would be to finish the season at the top of the table in the league aswell as retain the” Gunarathne” trophy and the of course the all important “Bradby Shield.”

*If there’s anything you would personally like to improve in this years’ outfit what would it be and why?

“The only improvement I would like to see in this year’s side is the consistency in goal and penalty kicking because I feel that this would give us an added advantage as we will make a big difference when it comes to crunch matches “

*The"Bradby" is a different ball game. Any ideas on how it would go this season?

“Yes! The Bradby is totally different Game and I feel this year’s game is going to be very Intense because Trinity will surely come out all fired for vengeance, for their loss of the Bradby for two consecutive years now. But at the same time I am very confident about our players and I’m positive they will be able to make 3 in row if they play to their true potential “




*****Kings of Rugby ***** wishes Royal College all the best for the 2011 season!

Special thanks to - Suvinda Lenaduwa-

My first rugby match after leaving school - "something’s never change"

The world celebrates New Years Day because theoretically, it indicates change. A new year is supposed to offer re-invigoration, reinvention, vitality and a fresh start. It’s meant to bring an exiting unfamiliarity to the next 12 months; a 365 day window which brings in new additions or even takes away somewhat of our lives.

Walking down “Isipathana Mawatha” on a match day there are no remnants of that unfamiliarity. There’s little change. There’s little reinvigoration and reinvention despite what the Municipal Councils boards proclaim, there’s little regeneration either .But there’s little wrong with that. “Isipathana Mawataha” is my road-the road I amble down every time I go to watch my beloved alma mater play. “Isipathana Mawatha is our road –the road inhabited by hundreds of like minded others who make their journey to support our school. The pavements are recurrently pounded upon with “kottamba seeds” from the trees overhead. After that come the feet; hundreds of them, dressed in different brands and colours, but moving in the same direction. The feet belong to tall lads, fat lads, and thin lads. The feet also belong to some women and children as well. All have different stories to tell, but all move towards the same direction.

Some; very few that is, are making this journey for the very first time. Others have their soles imprinted upon the route; such is the regularity of their trek down this road which leads to the school and also Havelock Park, Our home grounds, our Fortress. Regardless of who it is, it’s a good thing the walk never changes. Without those hundreds “Isipathana Mawatha” would be just like any other street- a footnote in the A-Z of Isipathana, or even a three-wheel drivers short cut to Baseline Road. But it’s not. Instead, it’s a place that contributes to the recollections of so many different people and subsequently makes up part of our schools glorious Rugby history. The idea of so many different people embarking on the same journey with the same intention is a powerful one-not just for our Rugby team but for any other rugby team as well. Because of that our School on the corner is not simply a center of education, the “Isipathanaramaya” temple isn’t just temple of worship, and the small tea boutiques that decorate the route are not merely places to refresh you with a nice cup of tea. They become part of match day memories - a visual representation of the dedication and commitment in supporting our team.

It matters not if you start your journey from the top of Dickmans Road or the bottom of Park Road. The shops you pass, the people you see and the conversations you hear will always be there weekend, week out during a Rugby season at Havelock Park. For me it was my first rugby season and my first match after leaving school. It may have been a new year of sorts but it was the same stroll to the ground and same atmosphere. The same congregation of uncles waited outside the school gates, waited for their match going mates of 10 years or more to enter the ground. Further down the road stood a rabble of children out side the entrance, not one close to 15 years disappointed every time their request for spare tickets couldn’t be met. A double cab drove past me with five Peterites in the back, prompting me to question my decision to walk in the rain. As I finally reach the main entrance I look around and see the college Main gates at a distance, the gracious site of the school temple in the junior school section. A few steps further and I see the flagpole with the college flag resting on it graciously, at the top as if it was taking a moments rest from fluttering profusely on a rainy and windy day. Hairs stood on the back of my neck, just as they did the first time I saw it; just as they did the last time I saw it.

I met up with some of my fellow batch mates and we entered the ground and almost immediately  the smell of cigarettes wafted through the air. As I walk through the crowd towards the Dressing room a small boy with his dad excitedly asks if “Rizwan and Ashan” will play.But sadly they did not on this day. Near the terrace steps two 45 year olds whom I guessed, together have witnessed the Triple Crown winning side of ‘98 and other unique milestones achieved by our school ponder the same with the faint odour of their pre match pint enhancing their breaths. With a loud bang of crackers the clash of “Pathana versus Peters” gets underway. The Peterites proved to be to good for our “Greens” to handle. Two hours later hundreds of Supporters leave the grounds, Pathana fans disappointed, dejected while the Peterites ecstatic after what they witnessed from their respective sides.

Post match hundreds of fans walk up towards Havelock Road and on their way littering the way with the now old tickets. A small peterite with his dad exclaims how good their side was today. In the end it matters not whether St.peters beat Isipathana or Isipathana breaking Trinity Hearts 5 years ago at this very ground. The result is irrelevant. The important thing is that our fans walked that road. We’ve witnessed the Abdeen’s, the nawaz’s, the saranga’s – even our current captain Prasad Devinda can’t last forever as hard as he may try. But the one thing that hasn’t and won’t change is the walk down “Isiptathana Mawatha”. The exited chatter of a youngster heading to his first game doesn’t stop, nor the grumblings of our Old boys who come to support our team every time they stomp the grass of Havelock park. The congregation will always wait outside the school gates; even the smell of mouthwatering “amba achchaaru” or “Annaasi” is as evocative as it was a year ago.

For a school rugby side we will experience changes in our team which is nothing new. After the senior players leave a new set of juniors will take the role of carrying forward the college flag. Irrespective of that, this stretch of road is our road- the road supporters have walked down for months, years and decades, and will walk down until it leads to no where. That will never change. Just as “Isipathana Mawatha” Pathana rugby would not be as special without those willing to make that walk. The heroics of Brian Ingram, Hisham Abdeen, Tuan Bhoran,Dilroy Fernando, Shamly Nawaz are enhanced by the support, and the support is enhanced by what those legends did for our school. Games like trinity in ’05, or even Royal in ‘10 live in the memory because both players and supporters combined through adversity and helped each other. It’s the “Pathana Spirit” demonstrated in abundance once more.

There’s a saying which claims you can’t judge a person until you walk a mile in his shoes. For me the walk down "Isipathana Mawatha" is the best walk a Pathana rugby fan could wish for.

AND THAT’S SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER, EVER CHANGE!

Strive With Determination!

PATHANA OUTCLASS THORA 33-17

Isipathana college came up with a stupendous performance to bring down last years champions St.Thomas,college in their Milo all island schools knock-out quarter final played at Reid avenue. It was also sweet revenge for pathana as they avenged the defeat which they suffered against the thomians in last years final.

In a game played at a frantic pace it was the thomians who got the first chance of moving the score board when they were awarded a penalty but fly half Devin Jayasinghe kick was off target.From there onwards pathana made heavy inroads into the thomian 22 and accumulated their first points courtesy of a Malik Jumad drop goal. the greens scored again after 11 minutes when Prasad Devinda made a neat cross kick which saw winger Uresh Fonseka touching down mid left and full back Jumad converted for his side to lead 10 nil.They increased their lead to 13 points when Jumad fired across another penalty. the thominas hit back through a Jayasingha penalty but that was short lived when the pathanians scored through flanker Saajid Shuaib.it was fly half  Devinda,s brilliant cross kick that did the trick yet again as winger Shanaka Poornage tapped it right to the hands of his team mate who just fell over to do the honors. Malik was on target yet again to give the pathanians a 20-03 advantage. but just before the break the lads from mt.lavinia decreased the lead when center Anurudhdha Willwara  scored a brilliant try which was converted by Jayasinghe and the score read 20-13 in favor of the greens.

the second half got off to rather slow start with the pathanians enjoying more possession and virtually parking themselves in their opponents 22 but they gave back the advantage to their doughty opponents.but they got the first points on the board when  fly half Prasad Devinda was on target with well a excuted drop goal.they then delivered a stunning blow when Saajid Shuaib scored his second try of the match to make it 28-13.the thomians  had some hope left when anurudhdha willwara scored under the posts  which was also converted to make it 28-17.but Isipathana  then delivered the killer blow when Saajid Shuaib completed his hatrick which was virtually a carbon copy of the first try he scored.thus giving his side a well deserved 33-17 victory.

for the thomians the loss was not just a poor performance but also a double blow as this was the second loss they suffered against the same opposition.They would certainly have to go back to the drawing board and review what went wrong for them this season where as so much was expected of them this season.On the other hand pathana will be brimming with confidence.for pathana the halves combination of M.Rizwan and Prasad Devinda worked off smoothly while their forwards Nipuna Devinda,Tharindu Siriwardane,Muqsith Jaleel,Kumendra Dharmadasa and of course the hero for the day Saajid Shuaib were outstanding.the only setback for the day for the winners would be the injury which their diminutive flanker Deshan Subashana suffered in the first half.they will now have to regroup and prepare themselves for the big semi final against the league champs St.Peters college which will be played on the 14th (Wednesday) at CR FC .

"GREENS" DESTROY ROYAL 27-05

Isipathana coming in to the game as underdogs came up with a gallant display of  fast open rugby to beat the much fancied Royal College by 27 Points (2 Goals, 2 Tries, 1 Penalty) to 5 Points (1 Try) in their Under 20 Division I Singer League encounter which concluded at Havelock Park yesterday.
At the short breather it was Pathana who lead 12-0. The game was also played for the Maj Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy which was wrestled back by pathana after this win

Isipatana scrum half Mohommed Rizwan makes way to plant the third try.

Isipathana three quarters played an excellent game. They were omnipresent. The forwards led by their burly Number 8 Tharindu Siriwardena who had an outstanding game were quick to pounce on the loose ball.
Mohamed Rizwan who operated from the scrum for Isipathana linked the forwards and three quarters very well. He was dead accurate with his options to work the line or chip and chase. Their three quarters never allowed the huge Royal forwards to go through their gates.
On the other hand Royal looked like mere passengers. They will need to go back to the drawing board very soon with only two weeks more for their important Bradby Shield encounter against Trinity. Their line was dead slow and were standing and passing in attack and wanting in defence.
Most of the time the Royal’s three quarters also ran out of options. They spoiled the important good ball won by their forwards who had a good outing though losing several line-outs despite their throw-ins. Royal three quarters allowed the Pathana three quarters to run at will.

Isipathana drew first blood in the 16th minute of the game when Royal scrum half- Deen Cassims clearance kick was smothered by pathana second rower muqsith jaleel and  Winger Youresh Fonseka dashed down the line to score. Isipathana full back Malik Jumad missed the conversion

With the game being played at a very hot pace some of the royal  spectators went out of control throwing few stones in to the playing area when isipathana were awarded a penalty. The game was stopped for 5 minutes until the authorities were called in. After the resumption scrum half M rizwan made a jinxing run evading several royal defenders and then set the line in motion which eventually through saw Danushka Sooriyarachi touched down under the posts for Pathana leaving Royal’s defences in shambles. Malik Jumad added the extra points for Pathana to take a 12-0 lead at “Lemons”.

With the turn around Royal who got their act together briefly and reduced the gap through a superb forwards rush where hooker Adil Jabbar went over. Arshad Jamaldeen missed the difficult kick at goal.
Isipthana full back Malik Jumad increased their lead through a 25 meter penalty. Then came the try of the match. It was Isipathana skipper Tharindu Siriwardena who with his power and lightning speed won the loose ball and sent his line in motion. It was their nippy scrum half Mohamed Rizwan who ran the final 40 meters to touch down. They scored their last try in the dying stage of the game through center kovinda wimalachandra which was conveeted by  by Jumad to cap one of the finest victories over Royal ..

Referee Pradeep Fernando

In the Junior games Isipthana won all of them. Under 12: 7-0. Under 14: 12-0 and Under 18: 7-5.
Thomians outclass Rajans