First of all I would like to mention that I write this article for the love of my school. For the love of my beloved alma mater who nurtured me for 13 years. We all know what comes to our mind when the name “Isipathana” is mentioned. YES! No second guesses. It’s Rugby.Our college flag is held high with pride because of it and the recognition the game brings to our college is priceless.The commitment of the players combined with the passion of the supporters makes us a force to be reckoned with year in and year out.
However this year, 2012 that is I believe will be a tough season and a real test for the Greens. Frankly for a side of Isipathana’s caliber we should be always aiming for the league crown. But this year especially after the 7s debacle witnessed 2 weeks ago many are in the opinion Isipathana’s real target would be to avoid being demoted to the “B” division. Yes Criticism is a part and parcel of the Game and many a time people point fingers as soon as things go bad. But here I would like to describe my opinions and it’s not about the team’s dismal 7s performance. It’s about how it may have happened how it could have been avoided and who should be responsible. If my views our worthy of pondering you may do so or just forget it as it’s our Beloved “Isipathana” we are talking about here. YOU DECIDE !
Brief Introduction
· Isipathana despite dominating the local rugby scene last won the league title in 1999 under the captaincy of Krishan Chandran
· Isipathana College rugby reached its lowest ebb when they were demoted to the B division in 2004 after loosing all its League matches
· After spending two seasons in the B division (05/06) the side gained promotion in 2007 ending runner up, loosing only to St.Peters.
· The 2008, 09 and 10 seasons were all quite the same where Isipathana lost some and won some. An interesting fact during this period is that we lost our opening match in all three years and recovered later. And fade away during the end of the season.(TCK 29-10/STC 28-12/27-08). Pathana also won a host of 7s trophies during this period.
· The 2011 season was a fabulous one as the green machine ended up Runner up loosing to eventual champions Royal College by on point.
That’s Just a brief description on how we fared during the past couple of seasons. Now let’s look at some more important facts. The facts which you been waiting for hoping to understand.
The Decline Of “Pathana Rugby”
No Long term plan/solutions
· During the period 2006 to 2011 there were always junior players who donned the 1st XV Jersey due to sheer talent they possessed.(Dinusha Chathuranga, Sajith Saranga,Niroshan Fernando,Deshan Subashana,Devinda Prasad etc). But there was no player from this year’s side (except for Prashan Attanayake a potential Captain, who has stopped playing for reasons better known to him and the rugby committee.
· Just as in 2004( the nightmare season) people Including Old boys, Students and even Past Rugby Committee members have said (I’ve Personally spoken or overheard them during conversations) and knew that after the 2011 winning the league would be a lot more difficult. Some mentioned it as a dream. A statement which seems so realistic now. Given all this what did the rugby management committee do or did to avoid such a situation??
The 3 Key elements
· It was sad to see that this years Pathana size lacks speed, strength and Size. Apart from that they also lack power and a proper game plan. It was another sad situation to see the physiques of our rugby players which could be easily compared not to a U-18 but under 16 side which was quite visible during the 7s Tourney. They played with no idea of a game plan. In one instance I saw a player opting to play Contact Rugby in our own 5 meter line. And due to the lack of strength and size turning over the ball and the opposition scoring. This was against vidyartha. The side which we will be facing in a months time. If we are not prepared it’s going to be the same story in a bigger proportion. Just Imagine how the newspapers would react for a league match loss against vidyartha( whom by the way have a good side this year) ??
Off Season Training
· The Way our team looked was also a spot of bother as the all the other leading sides had all their players looking fit and in good shape which clearly indicates they have been properly training in the gym working on their strength and power. So the Question is what have our players being doing for the past two months at least? Have they been wasting time or have they lacked proper Coaching. If so who should be responsible?
A theory not practiced
· During the 2009 and 2010 Season and even last year it was said and talked about how schools brought players from other Schools to play rugby. St.Peters for instance bought in many players which eventually won them the league and many other accolades. The old boys from our side have always stressed that this is not Isipathana’s Policy to bring players from outer schools. This also deprives players who have been at the college since they were juniors to play for their school. However it should be mentioned that Last years Isipathana Side Had 7 Players (two From SPC it self). Where Did that theory of not bring in players go?
The point which I would like to point out here is that if it’s not ethical to bring in such players, then don’t. Because end of the day when you do it even in a small scale like 2 or 3 it doesn’t matter. weather you won the league or not, whether your St.peters or Isipathana . You have imported players so theres no difference. So what’s the point of accusing other schools?
Still If we decide to bring in players (for example this season where we clearly need some replacements a fast winger , a place kicker and a good flanker etc) why not bring in good players or rather quality players. For example when last years Burly Prop Forward Nipuna Devinda joined he was not so familiar with the game. It was just that he tried using his huge frame to good effect. But if you look at the other schools they have bought in the finest of players who grabbing the limelight.
St.Peters – Dhanushka Ranjan, Banuka Nanayakkara, Sadun Herath
Trinity – Dilshan Kelaniyagoda
St.Thomas – Anurudha Wilwara
On what basis is the recruitment done here ??
Selection and ManagementNawaz who is the head coach in particular coached the side in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and there was little improvement. Compared to this year at that tim he had better options when it came to players as well. But this year how will he cope with it as he wont be having that luxury while also having to cope with the amount of injuries to some of the key players.
All the points mentioned above our just some of the factors which I think .it may be personal thoughts but please do read this and think. Think for the sake of “pathana Rugby” What has the rugby management committee done? Is it too late? How will our side perform this year? Only time would tell and guess we should hope for the best. We should rally around the College Flag and help our rugby team in any way we can. Its time to show the “pathana Spirit” again!
Just as the criticism penned down by me I would also like to say that all is not lost. The team still has about a month to practice hard and correct themselves and improve. While some of the injured players should also recover in time and be fit to play. on the other hand I sincerely hope the old boys union or the college rugby management committee takes a more serious look into the current state of affairs and come up with a long term plan to make sure Pathana Rugby Is where it should be and
once again remember Who are the kings Of Rugby….
By – Hisham Hameed ( The Team ICOIC )
– Cheers For Pathana Rugby –
Strive With Determination !!!
Best Wishes From – Isipathana College Online Information Centre Crew