Lanka Lions, the oldest Sri Lanka rugby club in the UAE, once again kept the country’s flag flying high at the Dubai Rugby Sevens when they regained the Gulf Men’s Open title by grounding their bigger and stronger-looking opponents.
Having last won the coveted trophy in 2015, the Lanka Lions, quite in contrast to what their fellow players in Sri Lanka are subjected to by way of political interference, ended the six-year wait in style by trouncing all other teams with international opposition with ease.
They beat Dubai Sharks in the quarter-finals 53-5, Jebel Ali Dragons in the semi-finals 41-0 and Barrelhouse House 44-0 in the final. The scores were a clear indication of the team work and unity of the Lanka Lions to work hard and win back the Cup making all Sri Lankans domiciled in the UAE proud.
The rugby they displayed was of a high standard and many were surprised to see the talents the team possessed undiluted by politics that runs Sri Lanka Rugby in the island today.
Indeed the Lanka Lions have produced many international class players in the likes of former Isipathana and Police scrum half Roger Rodrigo who represented Sri Lanka and the Arabian Gulf. Former Peterite captain and centre Kirk Williams was another who played for the Lanka Lions in the past.
The Lions were captained by a fourth year player Adil Deen who plays his 15s rugby with the Dubai Exiles from childhood. He represents his community club in Sevens and is the son of ex-Trinity and CH and FC three-quarter Azarath Deen.
The team was strengthened with some star-studded national players like Imad Reyal who was the play-maker of Lanka Lions. His dazzling fly half was another national player Abzal Mohammed who was also a treat to watch.
They were well supported by 2019 Lanka Lions captain Dilshan Kelaniyagoda, a former Trinity College centre, former Trinity fly half Anojan Balasundaram, former Kingswood player who made some crash tackles Tharindu Oshada along with newcomer Shazard Deen who represented Dubai English Speaking College.
The team was well supported by some Fijians which put the icing on the cake.