Pathana, the undisputed champs

Tuesday, 15 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The final of the knockout tournament was an event that many were looking forward to, as it promised quality rugby at school level. Those who made it to the RC Complex were not disappointed. The atmosphere was electric despite the rather hot and humid conditions. There were two very large school flags fluttering in the gentle breeze with the ‘papare’ band dishing out nonstop hits of yesteryear. No doubt that this would have brought back a sense of nostalgia to the ardent rugby fans and old boys. The authorities in charge of the complex once again got the numbers wrong in terms of tickets sold vis-à-vis the seats available. Even the special invitees were seen seated on the floor eager to watch a quality game of rugby and in the bargain such discomforts were forgotten. Maybe a basic lesson in arithmetic could be useful as this anomaly has become irritatingly repetitive. At the start of the game it was obvious that both teams were testing each other out and were biding their time before unleashing their bag of tricks. Pathana played as they have done throughout the season, with a firm game plan, a sense of calmness and tactical acumen as they sought and probed the little chinks in the opponent’s amour. The RC rolling maul was not as effective as it has been throughout the season and the Pathana lads did well to hold the maul albeit on one or two occasions. The RC rolling maul was cut short on a number of occasions at source as they could not get quick clean ball, which is a prerequisite for success. Thus Pathana had obviously done their homework and a definite plan of action in place to counter the rolling maul. What surprised the Pathana lads was the ability of RC to spin the ball wide to the wingers on a number of occasions which was a different ploy as their forwards had done them proud throughout the entire season. This had the Pathana lads scrambling in defence to cover the width of the field and time and again it appeared that this was an area of weakness for Pathana. If RC had done so in other games, they could possibly have won a lot more of their games. RC definitely gave a royal fight to Pathana and with a little bit of luck and perseverance could have upset the favourites. Both sides had an ample opportunity to have scored more points, but basic handling errors and indiscretion at the breakdown point after many phases of unbroken play cost them dear. Whether it was the occasion that made them falter is an oft-asked question. The number of infringements at the tackle situation was high with the tackled player not releasing the ball but holding on till the support arrived. There were a number of instances where the tackler was back on his feet before the ruck had formed, but for some strange reason did not attempt to play the ball. This is an area that the coaching staff could improve upon as it is definitely a source of quick turnover ball. Pathana also surprised RC by indulging in the rolling maul themselves, and although RC collapsed the maul but got away scot free. The referee by far had a decent game, although his consistency in applying the rules in terms of playing advantage and observing infringements in set pieces needs some improvement. The view of the large crowd with regard to their perception of his ability and competence was evident at the start of the game when his name was announced. This should be an eye-opener for the referee’s society and some urgent corrective action is required sooner rather than later. It has now become a tradition for the referee to disappear into the tunnel at half time and then reappear just in time for the restart. In this instance the referee was a little late to reappear from the tunnel with both teams ready for kick off, maybe the pace of the game had already taken its toll on the levels of fitness of the referee.

The grounds were in pristine condition with the turf looking a healthy green, the advertising hoardings of the sponsor was also in green proclaiming the benefits of the product and Pathana in green shirts proved that they were an united team, with one dream – to unleash the strength of the green army and that they did with aplomb. My man of the match and for that matter man of the season was the omnipresent #8, Omalka Gunaratne. He has the makings of a quality #8 and with some intense coaching and honing of skills is ready to make it to the next level. Thank you Pathana for the quality and style of rugby that you dished out in 2014, I am sure that there are many teams and coaching staff wanting to emulate your recipe for success next year. Well done! (The writer can be reached via [email protected].)