Army an unpredictable lot

By Shamseer Jaleel 

The Army Sports Club is led by Thushith Senanayake and coached by one of the best coaches in the country, Nilfer Ibrahim. 

They are all out to prove a point and they are an unpredictable unit in top division club rugby this year.

Army, after getting into the sport in 1961, were the joint winners in 1973 along with the Police outfit, with the final ending in a 19-19 draw. Two years later the soldiers, under former Trinitian Saliya Udugama, accounted for the Clifford Cup knockout trophy when they edged out Air Force 4-3.

Senanayake will have some outstanding players such as Imanka Ariyapala, Gayan Salinda and Asoka Jayalal in the squad, which is a major strength for the outfit. 

Salinda, one of the best fullbacks in the country, is also their placekicker. His kicking accuracy will be crucial for the soldiers to do well and remain in the top five. 

Head Coach Ibrahim, a former Kingswoodian, Kandy and Navy player, will be all out to take these players into the top five. 

Ibrahim, who also coached Trinity, Dharmaraja and Isipathana and is the current Head Coach of St. Joseph’s College, is an asset for the Soldiers. He will have the former CR&FC and Kandy player Anuranga Walpola as his deputy in the coaching unit.

Army lost their first game to the sailors. They will await a date with CH&FC on 10 November.