Colombo malays re-write history in rugby arena

The Malays rugby squad: Standing from left: Amjad Buksh, Mohamed Huzaik, Mohamed Naleef, Anas Rizvi, Farshad Hassan, Imran Alibah, Tuan Miskin, Mohammed Nafees, Luqman Ahamat. Seated from left: Ikrima Samman, Shafraz Nizmi, Ashraff Nazar, Shazly Cuncheer, Hakeem Zain

Pride without any prejudice was the overwhelming emotion as Colombo Malay Cricket Club fielded a rugby team in its 146-year history last Sunday.

Captained by Imran Alibah, the first Colombo Malay CC rugby team participated in the development grade, at the Open Sevens tournament conducted by the Western Province Rugby Football Union at Police Park.

The first-timers finished Plate runner-up to Old Wesley Sports Club, losing 29-12. Results did not matter for it was the bigger picture that counted – history being made by Colombo Malay CC who has been part of the sports fabric of Sri Lanka for a long, long time.

“The feeling of pride is unbelievable as it is a day which will go down in the history of the Colombo Malay CC which counts 146 years of yeoman service in sports,” remarked former Kandy and Sri Lanka International Amjad Buksh, coach of the Colombo Malay CC rugby team after watching his side defeat Panadura RFC 24-5 in its first match in the group stage. “We did very well if you consider that the team was picked from a group of players who were selected from a community tag rugby tournament. I coached them for just five days. This young group had plenty of enthusiasm and determination and with more time and preparation can go far,” added Buksh, who is a qualified World Rugby Level 1 and 2 coach at both traditional 15s and Sevens. “We are looking at fielding a side in Sri Lanka Rugby’s C Division this season. Our target is to try and progress to the elite division by 2022 when the Colombo Malay Cricket Club will celebrate its 150th anniversary,” revealed Brigadier (retd.) TM Bohoran, the manager of the Colombo Malay CC rugby team.

“Going on this performance, I’m confident we will be able to hold our own in the lower leagues. With funding and support I believe we have the talent among our youth members to become a force to reckon with in the future,” added Bohoran.

news Courtesy : sundayobserver.lk