Bellvantage to sponsor Plantations Rugby Sevens 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022 02:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bellvantage, an ICT infrastructure outsourcing company has come forward to prop up to host the 21st Inter-Plantations Rugby Sevens 2022 which will take place on 7 May at the Darrawella ground played for the ‘Teawei Trophy’.

Speaking to Daily FT, Organising Committee Chairman Manjula Samarakone the former Ananda 1988/89 player said: “The last event was held in 2019 where all the previous year’s up to 2019 was in tandem. Unfortunately, the 2020 and 2021 events could not take place due to Covid.”

Talawakelle Plantations are the defending champions.

Samarakone speaking further said: “Organisers, Dick Oya Maskeliya Cricket Club (DMCC), have planned for a carnival atmosphere with entertainment for the planting fraternity, their friends, and former planters, who flock annually to taste the hospitality and it’s an annual meeting point of the present and past planters where the party goes on till next day morning hours.

“We also have made all arrangements to host one of the women’s exhibition encounter as well. We are also exploring possibilities to bring in one of two overseas referees to blow along with the local referees.”

Samarakone ended by saying: “The Plantation companies who give preference for sports personalities while taking in Planter trainees have taken in many talented rugby players from the leading schools in the country. The standard of rugby will be very high.

“They are also hoping in consultation with the Ministry of Education, to run a workshop to introduce rugby to schools in the area through the physical training instructors and the support of past rugby players.”

Former Kingwood and leading referee A.C Tenekoon will head the technical aspect of the event as he is behind this event for decades.

Organising committee for 2022 Plantations Rugby Sevens; President Lalindra Abeyawardena, Secretary Mihiraj Samaraweera, Rugby Convener Nalinda de Alwis, Treasurer Kelum Samarathunga, Liaising/technical A.C Tennekone, Organising Chairman Manjula Samarakone.

(SJ)