Head Coach Lewke elated with CR and FC’s triumph; extends kudos to all those who made it happen

CR skipper Soyuru Anthony with the trophy – Pic by Lasantha Kumara

By Shamseer Jaleel

Inter Club Rugby League winner CR and FC’s Head Coach Dushantha Lewke said yesterday he was elated by the team’s outstanding performance. 

“I am really happy and proud of the team’s performance and what the team has been able to achieve this year. It has not been easy as I have been building this team for three years and to see the players exciting the plan is very satisfying,” Lewke told the Daily FT.

He thanked the players for their hard work and commitment, CR and FC Rugby Board headed Savantha De Saram for the support in having faith. “A lot of credit must be given to my support staff Rugby Director and former Isipathana and national player Rohan Chinthaka, Assist Coach Lasintha de Costa, Physio Amith Dhamkika and trainer Vishvamithra Jayasinghe for working tirelessly around the clock,” Lewke said.

“I also want to thank President Tikiri Ellepola for supporting the rugby program and to the Past President Ted Muttiah and the sponsors of the CR and FC rugby team during 2023/2024,” the Head Coach added. 

Last week in a stunning display of skill and determination, CR and FC shattered Kandy’s long-standing reign in domestic rugby to clinch the coveted Inter Club Rugby League. The victory not only marked Red Shirts first triumph in the tournament in 26 years but also signalled the end of Kandy’s formidable winning streak, which had dominated the rugby scene for so long. Last CR League title win was in 1998.

Much credit for CR and FC’s turnaround can be attributed to Lewke, whose strategic guidance and leadership have been instrumental in transforming the team’s performance. As the son of the accomplished rugby coach Nimal Lewke, Dushanth has rugby in his blood, and his ability to rally the entire rugby set-up at CR and FC speaks volumes about his coaching prowess.

Lewke’s adept handling of the team, coupled with unwavering support from the club and the players’ willingness to execute his strategies, culminated in a well-deserved victory. With this triumph, Dushanth Lewke is poised to further cement his legacy as a rugby coach, carrying forward the illustrious sporting tradition inherited from his father.

On Sunday at the final the atmosphere at the Longdon Place was electrifying as a massive crowd gathered to witness this historic moment hours before its kick off, further heightened by the celebration of the club’s centennial anniversary last year. For CR and FC, this triumph was more than just a trophy; it was a long-awaited validation of their relentless dedication and perseverance over two decades and more.

Key to CR and FC’s success were the magnificent performances of standout players such as skipper, Soyuru Anthony, Adeesha Weerathunga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Manilka Ruberu, Gemunu Chethiya, Mursheed Dooray, Raveen de Silva, Randy Silva, Thenuka Nanayakkara, and Kushan Tharindu to name a few. These players not only elevated their game to new heights but also demonstrated exceptional prowess in the try-scoring department, contributing significantly to their team’s victory.

Mursheed Dooray’s breathtaking runs and quick thinking on the field added further impetus to CR and FC’s attack, while the seamless coordination between forwards and backs culminated in a resounding 33/25 win over Kandy SC in the Cup Championship decider. It’s worth mentioning that CR and FC had previously defeated Kandy with a bigger margin of 38/26 in the first-round game, showing their dominance throughout the tournament and remaining unbeaten as well.