Sudath Sampath most likely to take over STC rugby

Former Sri Lanka sevens skipper and Police SC coach Sudath Sampath has been tipped to take on the rugby 1st XV coaching duties at S.Thomas’ College for the 2011 season.

S.Thomas’ College who were coached by Mothilal Jayathilike during the previous season will go in to the 2011 season with just a few seniors in their ranks. After finishing the 2010 season at 5th place in the league standings, the Thomians under the captaincy of Dinuk Amarasinghe will be determined to make a mark in the upcoming season.

Sudath Smapath the current Police SC coach was tipped to take over the Thomians with former Anthony’s coach and STC technical coach Nihal ‘Viper’ Gunaratne being the other contender for the head coach position.  Sudath Sampath who is known to be one of the best ever sevens players produced by the country came in to the national rugby team in 1990 where he turned out for the Italy sevens at the age of 20. Sampath who is more famously known as the ‘Little Serevi of Sri Lankan’ was a complete treat to watch in full flow and can make any oppositions look like mere armatures with his nippy footwork and fast breaks.

Sampath who is currently in charge of the Police SC team had a good season this year ending up with some spirited performances especially with Navy SC. The level 2 qualified coach is an interesting addition to the Thomian ranks and will be exciting to see the outcome next year.

A PROFILE OF TRINITY’S NEW HEAD COACH OF RUGBY, MR. NEIL FOOTE

Neil Foote, 41, A New Zealander, has been involved in rugby as both a player and a coach. Neil has played rugby at club, provincial and international level. 

Upon completing his playing career, he commenced coaching in 2002. He has been involved in coaching teams in grades ranging from under 6 to senior representative level and has also worked on development of coaches. In 2006, Neil underwent the International Rugby Academy New Zealand (IRANZ) high performance coaching course.

Neil is the present Wairarapa Bush Heartland Team NPC Division One Assistant Coach, a position he has been holding since 2008. His other major coaching assignments include: Barbarians Assistant Coach vs. Portugal National Side – 2009, Cascais Rugby Club Portugal : Head Coach Senior Side and Coaching Development Officer, Wairarapa Bush Colts Head Coach (Hurricanes under 20 Division two Champions 2007), San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club Assistant Coach (Runners up USA Super League 2004), Marist Rugby Club Senior “A” Coach 

(Senior A Championship Final 2003).

As a Player, Neil has represented many teams at the highest level. Some noteworthy representations are : Classic All Blacks - Bermuda RWC – 2008, New Zealand Marist 2003, Wellington XV vs French selection 1997, Wairarapa Bush 1992-1999 (70 first class games, Captain 1997-1998), Wairarapa Bush Sevens 1992-1998 and Sevens Captain 1994-1998, New Zealand Police Rugby 1996-1997, London Harlequins 1990-1991, Twickenham Rugby Club 1989 and New Zealand Marist Colts 1988. 

Neil has also been involved in organising touch football tournaments in both New Zealand and Portugal. In 2008, he founded the New Zealand Police mixed touch National Tournament which is now in its 3rd year with up to 200 players in attendance. 

Apart from Rugby, Neil professionally is a Police Detective Sergeant attached to the Masterton Police, New Zeland. Neil enjoys the opportunities to develop and identify youth talent and create environments for them to progress and succeed.

He will come in to the Trinity side this year as their head coach while former Kingswood College coach Nilufer Ibrahim will hold the assistant coach position. 

What ails Sri Lanka rugby ….Is Sevens the way to go?

Sri Lanka rugby began its year by winning the division two of the Asian 5 nation’s fifteen-a-side rugby held in Singapore beating Chinese Taipei by 37 points to 7 and then the hosts Singapore with a score line of 23 points to 16. 

Thereafter the focus was on the sevens circuit with the opening of the Asian sevens season in Shanghai. The team skippered by Pradeep Liyanage lost to Hong Kong and China in the group stages but toppled the weaker Philippines team to get into the quarter-finals of the cup and then lost to Korea in the cup quarter-finals. The team that went to Shanghai was not at all a full strength side but was most definitely a formidable squad.

The next sojourn was the Commonwealth Games Delhi, in October. Sri Lanka were further depleted carrying even less experience and were beaten convincingly by the much stronger opponents. Radhika Hettiarachchi who was the only senior player in the squad led the team of youngsters. The gang subsequently headed to Malaysia for the Borneo7s which is an Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) ranking tournament. The young lions did very well qualifying for the ever popular Hong Kong7s that is known to be the biggest and best sevens tournament in the world. The same sevens squad travelled to Singapore directly from Malaysia where they took part in the Singapore7s and finally won some silverware when they clinched the bowl championships. After just one week break the team took wing to Guangzhou China for the Asian Games where they had an up and down tournament coming out in 6th place. Back home the lions then ended their season by winning the Shield in the Carlton7s tournament. 

Fingers have been pointed at the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) for sticking with the younger players leaving out some of the renowned sevens players in the country.  But from the start of the ‘in-camp training in Katunayake’, which was a last-minute but desperate attempt of the union to put the players through the needed rigorous fitness schedule before the Commonwealth Games, the senior players backed down. The SLRFU were left with no choice but to mould the available talent and to the credit of the officials and players, in this short period they have come up with a fairly successful showing. 

Questions have to be asked why the Sri Lanka team suddenly lost all the first choice sevens’ players. Careers (some players working for the Mercantile sector were not released because of the Mercantile sevens tournament), prior commitments and injury were some of the cited reasons for this. The belief is that players pick and chose the tournaments they want to play and many outside influences and prejudices from parties with personal agendas and vested interest control these players. 

It is shocking to think how such brain-washing and influencing is going on against the union and against Sri Lanka rugby succeeding. Unfortunately these must be left simply at insinuations. It is clear that the SLRFU is not the sole governance of Sri Lanka rugby and other sources with power and money are in governance of these players causing ‘national pride’ and ‘hunger for winning’ to play second fiddle. Some of them may be caught up in the terrible paradox of club loyalties, genuine need for livelihood and national duty.

Presently, Sri Lanka has no trouble beating the lower level teams of Asia but as the competition gets tougher the game play and levels of performance drops. This is because of inexperience and inability to cope under pressure. Sri Lanka rugby is not structured in a manner where players are continuously trained and built into a strong and well-oiled unit. Coach Inthisham Marrikar stated that he had only nine days preparation with the squad before leaving to the Shanghai 7s. Once the players were put through a proper training system and were drilled into playing rugby sevens they began responding and the team play of the side improved drastically. 

If Sri Lanka can put the best possible players through this system, results will surely come. If they want the players to be professional they must treat them like professionals. This means nutrition, lodging, transport and of course livelihood. If Sri Lanka rugby can provide all this then the players will respond. 

Despite protests, senior player cannot be just drafted back into the side. Anyone knowing a bit about sevens would realize that the communication and combination between team mates is a vital aspect of the sevens format.  Bringing in new players, however higher-ranking and talented at the last minute would only cause confusion.  

The celebrated older players who turned down national duty for whatever reasons would not have realized that youngsters would step up to the plate so quickly and are now disgruntled at not finding a place in the side.

It is totally unfair to the young side that has strived so hard and qualified for the prestigious Hong Kong7s, to have yesteryears just waltz in and take their place in the national squad.

However for the betterment of rugby a truce must be achieved.  The SLRFU would have to give the older players another airing to come back and be a part of a larger contingent and structured training. These senior players will find it hard to keep up that the level of fitness displayed by the present sevens squad and will have to fight for a place in the side. This augurs well for Sri Lanka rugby.

The governing body has gone through many a controversy and is looking to resolve its biggest problem once and for all. A school of thought exists that the way to solve this predicament is to set up a contract system for the players who represent Sri Lanka. Immediate response to this statement is where can the union find enough money to entice players to turn their loyalties from their clubs and companies and play for the country? In other words the SLRFU have to provide careers in rugby. Sri Lanka has been gifted with players that have immense talent and skills but as there is no proper system in place the talent and skills go to waste. 

For example Fazil Marija; probably one of the best sevens and fifteens players in the Asia rugby circuit- has not represented Sri Lanka in any of the last five international 7’s tournaments. Many people have said that Sri Lanka produces some of the best steppers in the Asia and they are also the only team that has the ability to compete with the Asian giants Hong Kong and Japan. Sri Lanka has been beating the lower level teams in Asia and that is a good platform to start climbing up the ranks. 

Sevens rugby seems like the way to go for Sri Lanka as it is for many other countries. Sevens is an easier version of the game to teach. It has many advantages; the main advantage is the low cost, secondly the reduced risks of injury. Most importantly it suits the playing styles of Sri Lankans. The likes of VIshvamithra Jayasinghe Srinath Sooriyabandara, Saliya Handapangoda, Dharshana Ettipola, Anuruddha Wilwara and Rajitha Sansoni are some of fastest and nippiest players in the region and these youngsters happen to be the future of Sri Lanka rugby so why not fit them into a system that will suit them. The best example for this is Kenya. The Kenyans are natural athletes who are lightning fast and can out do anyone when it comes to stamina. They also hold their own when comparing size and strength. If asked five years ago no one would have even thought of Kenya as a sevens rugby giant, but Kenya have put in place a good plan which they have executed perfectly and have now become one of the best sides on the sevens world tour. Another country that seems to have got their sevens rugby development plan going very well is Spain who performed excellently in the recently concluded Carlton sevens where they beat the Samoa Barbarians, drew with Dijicel Fiji and also beat the Australia Legends. 

Unfortunately the domestic rugby organizations of Sri Lanka is not helping the process. Players in countries like Fiji and Samoa play an average of 20 to 30 sevens tournaments before going into the IRB World Series. Sri Lanka only has one interclub domestic tournament and Kandy being the number one team in Sri Lanka did not even participate. Which meant the best sevens players on the island did not play. The authorities have to find a way to fund and sponsor many tournaments around the Island. 

The number of teams playing top level rugby in Sri Lanka is also another concern. Sri Lanka has only 8 clubs in their division one and each club plays an average of 10 to 12 games a year including practice and warm up games. How can this island nation compete with the world when the players have only 3 months of rugby at the maximum? The teams spend 9 out of the 12 months of the year training and preparing for the league. What better way to prepare for rugby than to play it? Training and preparation is vital for success but match practice should be part of that training and preparation. 

Coaching and guiding is the next worry in the development plans. Training and developing coaches is also a vital aspect in developing sevens. It is a completely different game to fifteens and cannot be approached in the same manner. Coaches must go through the right accreditation programs and be developed into professional sevens coaches before going into the fifteens rugby. 

Sevens rugby is a lot easier to understand and with its flamboyant fast-paced attributes will entice the audience which is vital for the growth of rugby. The best way to introduce players to rugby is through sevens. Sri Lanka does not have a huge rugby playing population. The finest way to grow this population will be by introducing the game of sevens rugby around the country. Once a good strong system is in place for the sevens circuit we can then begin to develop into fifteens rugby.

The other side of the coin is the SLRFU which needs to have a clear policy and proper elected members whose sole-interest and focus is putting rugby on the map. Ad-hoc, part-time and inefficient plans completely throw the players off guard and disillusioned in the system.

Achieving all this is no easy task. It requires a lot of planning and dedication on the part of all who are involved in rugby; the SLRFU, players, sponsors, clubs, companies, media etc. But if Sri Lanka could unite and win a war and eradicate terrorism in the country, then this nation can surely bring the rugby fraternity together and develop Sri Lanka rugby. 

Sheriff and Bilal in?

At the conclusion of the ever- luminous Carlton sevens, many people would have been left to ponder why Bilal Hassen and Mohomed Sheriff did not take the field as many times as the others who were included in the squad. 

 

Bilal Hassen the CR&FC hooker and third row forward was drafted in together with the Kandy SC backline player Mohomed Sheriff due to their significant show at the Mercantile sevens tournament conducted mid November. The two players who were left out were Police SC’s second row forward Romesh Archirige and CR’s Wing three quarter Dinusha Chathuranga. Both Bilal and Sheriff who warmed the bench for as many as six matches hardly had the opportunity to go against the opposition right throughout the tournament. 

 

Recycling players during a match is a vital aspect of sevens rugby, and has a huge impact on the outcome of the match. From a coaches point of view the two players could have been kept out since they were the newly drafted couple to the side.  A lot of factors could have played in the minds of the coach, for example, adoptability of the pattern of play, fitness levels etc, but then why was Danushka Perera, and Anurudda Wilwara given a go? 

 

Danushka Perera who was not a member of the provisional squad made the final team for the Carton sevens with Wilwara too being a new addition to the whole setup. Perera was put in to the side due to an injury on Charith Seneviratne who opted out of the tournament. Danushka Perera an aggressive player by nature gave in a gutsy performance at the sevens and was exceptional in his communications with the rest of the players during the matches. And Wilwara on the other hand had a good tournament especially playing as one of the main attacking players in the side. 

 

These two above mentioned players played almost every game in the tournament and had a huge bearing on the outcome with Wilwara in particular scoring a handful of tries with a memorable double against the South African Vipers. 

 

Speaking in an interview with Yes Fm, the coach of the national sevens squad said, that Bilal and Sheriff were kept out of the playing seven in the Carlton tournament because they were not used to the pattern of play and they did not have the proper combination. Anurudda Wilwara who was the first to join out the additional players to the immediate squad trained with the team for some time before the Carlton sevens tournament. 

 

It was a clear fact that Bilal Hassen who was given a very short stint against the Kazakhstan side gave in a hearty performance with ball in hand and also covered a lot of ground in defense. Mohomed Sheriff too hit the gaps in attack when he was given the opportunity. Even after performing on day one, the team management opted to keep them out of the playing seven. What was the thinking behind this?

Lanka power too much for the UAE

The young Lions clinched the shield segment for the year 2010 by convincingly beating a much fancied UAE team in the final by 31-19. Sri Lankan who were given a wakeup call by the rest of the international teams yesterday, came in to form during the second day of the tournament with some scintillating rugby. 

 

Srinath Sooriyabandara who was a corner stone for the Lankans this year proved to be a handful for the opponents scoring as many as 7 tries in the tournament. He was the highest individual scorer in the Lankan team and played a pivotal role in both attack and defence. He was always the man in support and gave in some of his customary nippy runs which simply bamboozled the opposition. Chanaka Chandimal who played at the fly half position too gave in some solid performances during both the Semi final and the final. 

 

Sajith Saranga who was off colour yesterday, kicked started his engine and came to work today putting on a splendid performance of power rugby. The big man hit the short gaps and came in support from depth and gave in some good covering tackles during the semi’s and the finals but unfortunately limped out of the field due to an injury in the final. 

 

The final match for the shield which kicked off started with none other than Srinath Sooriyabandara going over for a try near the stick to take an early lead in the game. The momentum in which the Lankans came in to the game was just what they needed having beaten Malaysia 31-7 in their Semi finals. UAE hit back immediately with a superb try under the post. The diminutive half back Dilan de Soyza then scored peach of a try to take the lead in the first half. It was a well worked try and Dilan who sucked in the defence went over to put the hosts ahead. Chanaka Chandimal then came to the party with a peach of a try. The Lankan fly half who took an inside pass who Vishwamithra Jayasinghe sprinted a good 60 meters to score under the post. Half time score – 24-07

 

Srinath ‘Podi’ Sooriyabandara then went over for another try near the uprights to increase the lead at the resumption. Srinath showed sheer pace and determination to cross the finishing line and stepped two defenders in the process.  

 

The lads from the UAE came out with some spirited rugby in the second half of the game stringing on some good phases but the Lankan fort held firm amidst the stormy waters for some time but could not stop Duncan Murray, who went over to score the second try for UAE. UAE who were attacking in most parts of the second half gave away a gift of a try to the young Anurudda Wilwara who sprinted to score the final try for the home team. It was Radhika Hettiarachchi whose quick hands enabled the centre to score the try and increase the lead. During the dying stages of the game the UAE side crossed over for a consolation try but the Lankans ended as the deserved winners of the Shield section.  A comprehensive win after going down to Kazakhstan in the quarter final stages, a brilliant performance and most of all, ‘A LANKANVICTORY’. 

 

Sri Lanka’s performance at the Carton rugby sevens 

 

7th Match – Sri Lanka vs. South African vipers – 33 to 19 for SA Vipers 

 

16th Match – New Zealand Legends vs. Sri Lanka - 52 to 5 to New Zealand Legends 

 

20th match – China vs. Sri Lanka – 26 to 19 for China 

 

27th Match – Kazakhstan vs. Sri Lanka 27 – 7 to Kazakhstan

 

34th Match  – Sri Lanka vs. Malaysia – 31 – 7 to Sri Lanka

 

Shield Final – Sri Lanka beat UAE 31-19 

Sri Lanka to Carlton

The Sri Lanka sevens team did relatively well to emerge 6th in the Asian Games 7’s tournament played last weekend in China.

 

The team arrived in Sri Lanka Wednesday morning and was checked direct in to the Cinnamon Grand where they will be staying until the conclusion of the Carlton 7’s tournament that will commence tomorrow. 

 

 

 Sri Lanka will be facing the New Zealand legends as well as the South African vipers. China also happens to be in their group.

 

 

The team will include just one change due to injury. The CR & FC power house Dhanushka Perera will make an appearance as he will replace the injured Charith Seneviretne. Dhanushka who is better known as ‘Gertha’ will be making his 1st appearance in the national side for this year after leaving the team at the beginning of the year. Gertha who is known for his powerful tackles and ruthless defense will be a huge asset to the side. Dhanushka was also the captain of the CR & FC sevens squad which won the Inter club sevens earlier this year.

 

The rest of the team remains the same squad that has been playing together for the last couple of seven tournaments doing relatively well at times and badly at others.  Skipper Radhika Hettiarachchi has led his side steadfastly well and the selectors have continued to show faith in his ability. The speedsters in the side Sajith Saranga, Vishvamithra Jayasinghe and young Anuruddha Wilwara have fared relatively well against stern opposition. Srinath Sooriyabanadara was the highest try scores of these latest outings while Saliya Handapangoda has contributed persistently.  The towering Shenal Dias has had a mixed couple of tours.  Bilal Hassen with a powerful showing at the recently concluded Mercantile 7s has dashed his way into the side.  

The Sri Lanka squad is mentioned below;

 

Radhika Hettiarchchi (Captain), Sajith Saranga, Vishvamithra Jayasinghe, Anuruddha Wilwara, Shenal Dias, Bilal Hassen, Mohamed Sheriff, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Chanaka Chandimal, Dilan De Soysa, Saliya Handapangoda and Dhanushka Perera.

Tit bits from the Carlton Desk

Trophy

The much talked about Carlton 7s trophy is sponsored by the National Gem & Jewellery Industry.

Totally created by 4.75 kg of Silver, studded with 4820 pieces of Almandine Red Garnets (Sri Lankan gems) and a base made of Mahogany lined with Ebony this glittery masterpiece would truly be worth contending for.  

 Prize money

 

 25000 US$ winner

 15000 US$ runner up

  5000 US $ loosing semi finalists

Tickets 

 

Rs 400/- and Rs 200/- and will be available at venue during the tournament.  They can also be purchased at the CR & FC from 24th Nov 2010. Tournament committee has decided to price the tickets low in order that all fans will get the opportunity to witness these Rugby giants in action.  

Food & entertainment

 

A festive atmosphere has been created and in addition to the scintillating rugby, food and drink stalls will be in plenty with a wide range to choose from.  Non-stop entertainment will also be provided with a DJ in attendance the entire duration. Ample parking space has been allocated in the vicinity and the tournament organizers invite the rugby loving public to attend in shoals and lend support to put this event on the map and make it an annual feature. 

Carlton Sevens Participating Teams

With the biggest international rugby event Carlton sevens 2010 around the corner, ThePapare takes a closer look at the teams which will turn out for this rugby extravaganza.

 

Australian Legends 

 

Andrew Rossiter, Ilaitia Gavidi, Mathew Garland, Kyran Tanuvasa, Mitchell Wad, Ben Johnston, Robert Butcher, Thomas Lynch, Josateki Lalagavesi, Simione Sawene, Paul Donley, Christopher Roche (Manager), Wayne Hansen (coach),  Michael Rutter (physio)

Chinese Team

 

Hui Xu, Yang Li, Jiacheg Wang, Jialin Li, Guanjun Liu, Xuesen Chen, Jianhua Wang, Guoliang Yu, Shuo gu, Xiaolong Han, Pen Lv, Chao Liu, Zhiqiang Zhang (Manager), Fend Yuan(Coach), Xuming Jiang (Physio)

Digicel Fijian Barbarians 

 

Seremaia Nakala Burotu, Watison Votu, Sitiveni Waqa, Samuela Saqiwa, Risiate Vunidakua Tuberi, Ratu Emosi Vucago, Nikola Leka Matawalu, Mitieli Nacagilevu Namisi, Nasoni Rokobiau, Josaia Lotawa, Saimoni M Nuku, Josefa Bole, Salevukurukuru C Sorovaki (Manager), Iliesa Tanivula Samusamuvodre (coach), Karolina Unaisi Lala Doviverata (physio), Serupepeli Navuta Tuibau (Trainer) 

Japan

 

Taiki Watanabe, Michiro Takai, Kazuhiro Moriya, Shindo Kamaike, Shota Emi, Tetsuya Omine,Dai Ozawa, Kazushi Hano, Kazuki Yoshida, Kensuke Iwabuchi, So Kaku, Yasuhiro Iljima (Manager), Wataru Murata (coach), Shinichi Minamikawa (Physio)

Malaysia

 

Helbarth Jemlit, Jonathan V Tan, Danny Suzairie Mohamad, Nathanael Tan Aik Ming, Mohd Muizaddin Mohamed, Nik Safuan Ismade Nikman, Mohd Syahir Asraf Rosli, Nacani Seniu, Sovundakua Semi Seruvakula, Cyril Joe Ojihi, Badrul Musa Muktee, Neville Philip, Jude rampangjouw, (Manager)Mussolini Magele (coach), Poh Yan Yeoh (Physio)

United Arab Emirates

Andrew N Russell, Cyrus Homayoum, Hayden E Palmer, Duncan Alasdair Murray, Bayron S Kraemer, Khaled Helal, Mohannad Ahmad Shaker, Yousef Ahmad Shaker, Mohammad Ahmad Shaker, Mohammad Hassan Rahma, Mohammad Adel Al Sulaiman, Shane Thornton, Lee Johnson (physio), Saoud Balshalat (Manager) Hamdan M Suleiman, Mohammad Abd R Falaknaz, Faisal A Al Aziz Al Zarouny (officials)

Chinese Taipei 

 

Huan-min Chu, Cheng-hsien Chiang, Chia-hsien Chou, Ming-Che Chuang, Chia-Cheng Chen, Hao-ming Chen, Yao-tang liu, Chih-Hsian Pan, Jui-chi Wei, Wu-HSien Lo, Hsun Pan, Cheng-Wei Lee, Chen-Tai Lin(manager) Fu-jen Su (coach), Jung-Yu Su (physio) 

Germany

 

Falk Duwe, Marvin Dieckmann, Florian Wehrspan, Mark Sztyndera,  Sebastian Kobler, Pierre Mathurin, Jerome Ruhnau, bastina Himmer, Alexander Metz, Anjo Buckmann, Sean Amstrong, Steffen Liebig, Michael Schnellbach (manager), Mustafa Gungor (coach)Michael Brsken (physio)

Kazakhstan

 

Pichugin Dimitriy, Daulet Akymbekov, Akhmetzhan Baratov,  Sergey Konev, Timur Mashurov, Alexxandr Zakharov, Nikolay Zhuravley, Arman Mussulmankulov, Viktor Zolotukhin, Serik Zhanseitov, Denis Molochnyy, Grigoriy Ivanchenko, Robin Yule (coach) Sapargali Shalgimbavey (manager), Georgiy Skpin (doctor)

Korea

 

Chang Min Park, Chul Woong Kwak, Jin Ha Lim, Dae Hoon Lim, Oh Bong Kwon, Tae Il Yoon, Noh Young Park, Jin wook Lee, Min Soung Kang, Send Joung Oh, Min Seo Hwang, Si Won Choi, Pan Kil chung (Manager) Sam Young Jung(coach), Jung Gyun Cho(physio), Hong Sun Lee, Jae Yong Kim (officials) 

New Zealand Legends

 

Albertus J Mulder, Adrian P Curry, Scott B curry, Jack H Wilson, Taleta Tupuola, Kar Drew Brayson, Buxton Sasileutulava, Paul Francis Tietjens, George Tilsley, Lance T J McDonald, Mathew G Hodson, William B McGoon,  Paul Claridge (manager),Lyn Te Raiti Nikora(Coach), Annette Therese ‘ Connor (Physio)

Kenyan Shujaa

 

Sidney J C Ashioya, Seje Leo B S Owade, Lawrence B Esikumo, Edgar A Mbaya, Eden A Kochieng, Kevin Umbuge, Willian Ambaka Ndayara, Fabian O Ogutu, Michael W Matayo, Kennedy Isindu Kangaya, Collings Mulaa, Felix Ayange, Newton Rubbin Ongalo (Manager) John Mitchell Otieno (coach), Kennedy Ouko Mogire (physio)

Samoa Babarians

 

Maselino Paulino, Isamaeli Time, Michael Tavae, Sanele V Tuilagi, Paletuatoa Toelupe, Lole roman Tualaulelei, Fa’afoutovia Amate, Sani Niue, Lepupa taualagi, Alatasi Tupou, Rober Visesio Lilomaiava, Taupo Sefo (manager), Vaapu Vitale (coach) Milovai Moke (physio)

Spain 

 

Glen Rolls, Juan Cano, Pablo Feijoo, Adam Newton, Jaon Losada, Ignacio Martin Goenaga, Facundo Lavino, Pedro Rodriguez, Ryan Leroux, Pablo Alcalde, Pedro Martin, Carlos Blanco Smith, Jose Inchausti(manager), Fernando Diez(coach), Jaime De Benito (physio), 

Dismal Lankans finish at sixth

The Sri Lankan team led by veteran Radhika Hettiarachchi continued their dismal performance in the Asian games tournament going down to Taiwanand Malaysia in the 5th and 6th playoff later yesterday going down by 27 points to 7. 

 

It was a very disappointing effort by the Lankans after having led the game 7-5 at the half time whistle with new kid Anurudda Wilavara scoring the only try for the Lions. It was all Malaysia from there onwards. Radhika and the boys did not have a clue as to what was happening as the Malaysian team ran in 5 tries and also in the meantime not letting Sri Lanka score a single try. Malaysia who started playing the oval shaped game in 1921 was a changed unit scoring at will in the second half. 

 

Japan clinched the gold at the tournament beating their Asian rivals Hong Kong 28-21. The Asian powerhouse Japan cruised to an unassailable lead in the first half scoring 21 points to just 7 of Hong Kong. Hong Kong then gave in a sturdy fight during the later stages of the game but could not break the Japanese deadlock. 

 

During the playoff match the South Koreans beat a fighting Chinese side 21 points to 14 to clinch bronze. 

Front Runners for Carlton Sevens

With just days to go for Sri Lanka’s mega rugby event, the Carlton Sevens, we take a look at some of the front runners and favourites of the tournament. This two- day extravaganza will feature top teams around the world and the best of sevens rugby will be showcased at the Sugathadasa Stadium. 

 

New Zealand Legends 

 

The New Zealand legends are one of the top contenders for the Carlton sevens. Despite losing a few of their regulars they are expected to come out fighting.   The famous New Zealand Haka descending from the traditional Maori war dance and performed to the opposition before a match in order to intimidate, tells everything about New Zealand rugby.  The New Zealand legends who display an expanded variety of rugby will rely mostly on their continuous attacks to dismantle the opposition. These Kiwi’s grown up and nurtured on the field of rugby will do all in their power to live up to the legendary All-blacks reputation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South African Vipers 

The other front runners of the tournament are the South African Vipers. The Vipers having won the Singapore Rugby Sevens tournament for the third consecutive time, will be the inform team coming in to the tournament. The vipers who are a domestic development team of South Africa sevens gave in a giant killer of a performance in the Singapore tournament and is one of the emerging  giants of world sevens rugby. 

 

The Vipers possess some of the fastest men in their ranks and are deadly on the counter attack. They were also the runners up of the last years Carlton 7s. 

 

 

 

Australian Legends

 

 

The lads from down under who finished in 6th place in the last years Calton 7s will no doubt put shoulder to wheel and come out threatening and determined this time around.  The Aussie’s who have been a force to be reckoned with at the world stage will bring in their big boys to try and to carnage their way through. Aussies well-known for their brutal strength will use it to counter their opposition. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samoa Barbarians 

 

The flamboyant Samoans who have a number of players who are a part of the team that became the  IRB world series title holders will be at full strength and ready to go against the rest of the giants. The country which has only a population of less than 200,000 have been a frightening force in the international rugby arena, both in sevens and also in rugby union. The big made lads thrive on open play and can create a gap at any given time with the minimal effort.  Grouped with Asian giants Japan, Samoa will have to use their immense size and strength to bulldoze their way to the top. 

Kenya Shujaa 

 

Shujaa which means Warrior in Swahili and that it epitomizes the Kenyan team.  Roaring to the top of World Sevens ranks, Kenya will look to use their army of sprinters with lightening pace and quick-stepping dexterity to flummox the opposition. Coming from a country that naturally produces the fastest and fittest of Athletes, the Kenya Shujaa has no shortage of complete sevens- caliber men.

Featuring many national players, these panther-like men, having beaten the much esteemed all-blacks thrice in the last few years, have become the toast  of sevens rugby in the world.  According to the experienced Carlton Sevens Tournament Director George Simpkin, the Kenyan Shujaa is tipped to steal the very expensive trophy.

 

 

 

Digicel Fiji Barbarians

 

Last year’s Carlton cup winners Fiji will have some known names in the sevens arena in their lineup. The scrum half position will be taken up by nippy Vucaqa and the center position will be played by Osea Kolonisau who was devastating last year with his power runs and aggressive defence.  Sadly, Last year’s highest try scorer William Ryder is one of the missing names in the squad. Ryder turned on the heat at the Sugathadasa Stadium last year scoring 15 tries and 4 conversions giving him a full tally of 83 points. 

Carlton Sevens Sri Lanka – 2010

We are just a week away from the biggest rugby action to hit the country. Below listed are the participating teams and pools and schedules for both days. All the groups are considered to be tough and picking the group leader after day one will be a daunting task for the tournament followers.

 

Participating teams and pools

No	POOL – A	POOL – B	POOL – C	POOL - D
1	DIGICEL FIJI BARBARIANS	KENYA SHAJUU	SAMOA BARBARIANS	NEW ZEALAND LEGENDS
2	SPAIN	AUSTRALIA LEGENDS	JAPAN	SOUTH AFRICA VIPERS
3	KOREA	GERMANY	UNITED ARAB EMIRATES	CHINA
4	MALAYSIA	CHINESE TAIPEI	KAZAKHSTAN	SRI LANKA

SATURDAY 27^TH NOVEMBER – POOL PLAY SCHEDULE

GAME NO	TEAM 1	VS	TEAM 2	POOL	START TIME	END TIME
1	SPAIN	VS	MALAYSIA	A	9.30 AM
2	DIGICEL FIJI BARBARIANS	VS	KOREA	A	9.50 AM
3	AUSTRALIA LEGENDS	VS	CHINESE TAIPEI	B	10.10 AM
4	SHAJUU KENYA	VS	GERMANY	B	10.30 AM
5	JAPAN	VS	KAZAKHSTAN	C	10.50 AM
6	SAMOA BARBARIANS	VS	U.A.E	C	11.10 AM
7	SOUTH AFRICA VIPERS	VS	SRI LANKA	D	11.30 AM
8	NEW ZEALAND LEGENDS	VS	CHINA	D	11.50 AM
9	SPAIN	VS	KOREA	A	12.10 PM
10	DIGICEL FIJI BARBARIANS	VS	MALAYSIA	A	12.30 PM
11	AUSTRALIA LEGENDS	VS	GERMANY	B	12.50 PM
12	SHAJUU KENYA	VS	CHINESE TAIPEI	B	1.10 PM
13	JAPAN	VS	U.A.E	C	1.30 PM
14	SAMOA BARBARIANS	VS	KAZAKHSTAN	C	1.50 PM
15	SOUTH AFRICA VIPERS	VS	CHINA	D	2.10 PM
16	NEW ZEALND LEGENDS	VS	SRI LANKA	D	2.30 PM
17	KOREA	VS	MALAYSIA	A	2.50
MINI RUGBY 40 MINUTES					3.10 PM	3.50 PM
18	GERMANY	VS	CHINESE TAIPEI	B	3.50 PM
19	U.A.E	VS	KAZAKHSTAN	C	4.10 PM
20	CHINA	VS	SRI LANKA	D	4.30 PM
21	DIGICEL FIJI BARBARIANS	VS	SPAIN	A	4.50
22	SHAJUU KENYA	VS	AUSTRALIA LEGENDS	B	5.10 PM
23	SAMOA BARBARIANS	VS	JAPAN	C	5.30 PM
24	NEW ZEALAND LEGENDS	VS	SOUTH AFRICA VIPERS	D	5.50 PM

The points will be awarded as follows

Win – 3, Draw – 2, Loss – 1, No show – 0

POOL- A

TEAM	DIGICEL FIJI BARBARIANS	SPAIN	KOREA	MALAYSIA
DIGICEL FIJI BARBARIANS
SPAIN
KOREA
MALAYSIA
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
3RD PLACE
4TH PLACE

POOL - B

TEAM	SHAJUU KENYA	AUSTRALIA LEGENDS	GERMANY	CHINESE TAIPEI
SHAJUU KENYA
AUSTRALIA LEGENDS
GERMANY
CHINESE TAIPEI
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
3RD PLACE
4TH PLACE

POOL - C

TEAM	SAMOA BARBARIANS	JAPAN	U.A.E	KAZAKHSTAN
SAMOA BARBARIANS
JAPAN
U.A.E
KAZAKHSTAN
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
3RD PLACE
4TH PLACE

POOL – D

TEAM	NEW ZEALAND LEGENDS	SOUTH AFRICA VIPERS	CHINA	SRI LANKA
NEW ZEALAND LEGENDS
SOUTH AFRICA VIPERS
CHINA
SRI LANKA
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
3RD PLACE
4TH PLACE

SUNDAY 28^TH NOVEMBER – POST POOL PLAY

GAME NO:	COMPETITION	MATCH			STARTING TIME	END TIME
25	Bowl/Shield	3rd pool A	V	4th pool B	10.15 am
26	Bowl/Shield	3rd pool D	V	4th pool C	10.35 am
27	Bowl/Shield	3rd pool C	V	4th pool D	10.55 am
28	Bowl/Shield	3rd pool B	V	4th pool A	11.15 am
29	Cup/Plate	1st pool A	V	2nd pool B	11.35 am
30	Cup/Plate	1st pool D	V	2nd pool C	11.55 am
31	Cup/Plate	1st pool C	V	2nd pool D	12.15 pm
32	Cup/Plate	1st pool B	V	2nd pool A	12.35 pm
	Parade				12.55 pm	1.40 pm
33	Shield semi finals	Loser of 25	V	Loser of 26	1.40 pm
34	Shield semi finals	Loser of 27	V	Loser of 28	2.00 pm
35	Bowl semi finals	Winner of 25	V	Winner of 26	2.20 pm
36	Bowl semi finals	Winner of 27	V	Winner of 28	2.40 pm
37	Plate semi finals	Loser of 29	V	Loser of 30	3.00 pm
38	Plate semi finals	Loser of 31	V	Loser of 32	3.20 pm
39	Cup semi finals	Winner of 29	V	Winner of 30	3.40 pm
40	Cup semi finals	Winner of 31	V	Winner of 32	4.00 pm
	MINI RUGBY				4.20 pm	4.50 pm
41	Shield finals	Winner of 33	V	Winner of 34	4.50 pm
42	Bowl finals	Winner of 35	V	Winner of 36	5.15 pm
43	Plate finals	Winner of 37	V	Winner of 38	5.40 pm
44	Cup finals	Winner of 39	V	Winner of 40	6.05 pm