Air Force banking on experienced backs

By Harsha Amarasinghe and Sandun Kodithuwakku 

Air Force Sports Club who has shown great potential this season will look to better their sixth place finish from last year. 

The Airmen had a stunning start to the season when they pulled off a shocking 30-22 win over CH & FC on the opening day before going down fighting against a strong Havelock side by 35-36 in the second week. Air Force gave reigning champions Kandy a run for their money in a very difficult fixture up in Nittawela losing 18-24 before arguably their most disappointing performance in the season against Police Sports Club last week in which they were beaten 15-21. 

However, head coach Shamly Nawaz believes that his team could potentially end up with a better finish than last year. 

"We have got some young players into our squad and they are enjoying their rugby at Air Force. So we expect the younger players to link up with the seniors and have a good rugby environment. Actually last year we finished at sixth position, I think we have the team to better that," Nawaz told Daily Mirror. 

Air Force has had decent packs over the years, but with players seniors like Gayantha Iddamalagoda, Nuwan Perera and Rumesh Ramadas they have often relied heavily on their backs. 

"Actually there are some seniors who have played for Air Force for over five years and most of them are three quarters, so we expect them to deliver in most of the games but overall it's a team effort and we expect everyone to do their job and deliver for the team," the veteran coach added. 

Air Force on the other hand are blessed to have such a picturesque venue in Ratmalana which is different from most of the rugby venues in Colombo where some teams find it hard to cope with the wind. 

"Ratmalana is not a very difficult place to play. The main factor is the wind that many teams believe makes it difficult to play there, but I don't see that as an advantage for us. I must say though the surface is a very good one to play rugby," the former national player said when questioned about any home advantage in Ratmalana. 

A product of Isipathana College, Nawaz also has given an opportunity to a few school leavers to showcase their talent this season representing Air Force. 

"We have got five to six school leavers who played in the last school season. They are showing tremendous skills and I hope they can solidify their spots in the squad and contribute to the success of the team," said the former CR forward.