Sahan leads Antonians, looking to end more than two decade long wait

Crack fly-half Sahan Keerthisiri will lead the St. Anthony’s College Under 19 rugby outfit for the 2023 rugby season.

Prop forward Saduka Athukorala will be his deputy.

The Antonians will have some classy seniors, such as Jude Realano, Roshen Kumara, Yasiru Gamage, Tyron Mariyadas and Sahan Kothalawela in their outfit, each of them able to attack with lightning speed.
St. Anthony’s are a team that have a rich pedigree of former players, having produced outstanding talents such as Laxman Ekanayake, Priyantha Ekanayake, Maurice Joachim, Leroy Fonseka, Malith Silva and Imran Bisthamin who had gone on to represent the country.

The Antonians are coached by former Isipathana, CR & FC and Kandy SC, and current national player, Srinath Sooriyabandara.

He will be assisted by former Peterite, Kandy SC and national player, Asitha Ratnayake.

One of the hard-working old boys Arunda Ranasinghe will be their Rugby Manager with Indunil Wickramasinghe will serve as the Trainer of the team.

The boys from Katugastota last won the League in 2001 under Tikiri Dissanayake.

Fixtures:
June 14 vs St. Joseph’s – Bogambara
June 24 vs D. S. Senanayake – Pallekele
July 8 vs Wesley – Royal Sports Complex
July 15 vs Isipathana – Longdon Place
July 23 vs Kingswood – Pallekele
July 29 vs S. Thomas’ – Pallekele         

St. Anthony’s College players: Sahan Keerthisiri (C), Saduka Athukorale (V.C), Thisara Galanga, Sahan Kothalawala, Yasiru Gamage, Rakesh Pillai, Abdul Rasith, Akesh Jayawansa, Senuka Kotuwila, Oshan Gunaratne, Roshen Kumara, Ravinda Welagedera, Tyron Mariyadas, Omitha Dissanayake, Amrikhan Amiad, Sasindu Nethsara, Jude Realano, Dashintha Amarakoon, Ravindu Gregory, Agitha Munasinghe, Shevin Fonseka, Deshan Liyanage, Radeer Perera, Sudeesh Rodrigo, Thalith Aludeniya, FMM Faraz, Gaveen herath, Minal Kumara, Chamalka Kulatunge, Chirantha Fernando. (Text: Shamseer Jaleel / Pix: Kushan Pathiraja)