JKH B team beat Classic Travels 14 points to 7, to win The Plate Championship at Mercantile Rugby 7’s 2018. Hashan Maduranga (Cinnamon Grand) was adjudged “The most promising player” at this tournament.

Team Members –

Dulaj Perera (CG) , Radeesha Senevirathna (Red), Gayan Dilshan (JMSL), Harith Bandara (Walkers), Nalin Kumara (CG), Ruwan Kumara (CG), Janith Chanaka (JMSL), Prince Chamara (CG) , Hashan Maduranga (CG), Dinesh Lakmal (JKOA), Gihan Madushanka (CG), Richi Dharmapala (Transportation) , Shanaka Kumara (JKOA) , Rizwan Mohamed (JKOA)

Coach – Dushanth Lewke (JKOA)

John Keells Group Sports Club committee member Jonathan Abeyewardene speaking on the team’s performance at this year’s  7’s tournament said that during preliminary stages the “B team faced extremely tough competition and suffered heavy losses to Access (a virtual National 7s team), a hugely experienced Dialog team & Classic Travels. After suffering these losses, the team was further hampered with injuries to key players, Ruwan Kumara & Harith Bandara. However despite these setbacks, the boys held their heads high and prepared to compete in the Plate championships – on the final days knock out stage.   

They began the day with a hard fought win against a formidable Nations Lanka team who were previous winners of the Cup Championship. Moving to the finals, up once more against a dangerous Classic Travels. You could feel an immediate shift in energy. For the team management that ‘Somethings gotta give’ feeling was in the air. The team huddle prior, to the start of the game concluded with a prayer and the words “We are here to win this, not to just watch, Let’s do this” as they took to the field. The huddle at half-time was very intense and ended with the quick loud cheer “Brothers” as they took to the field for the 2nd half to win the Plate championship trophy.”

A special mention on Radeesha Senevirathna (Cinnamon Red), who not only played an active role in the team’s performance, but also functioned as team manager (including the C team) cum Player.   

The commitment and teamwork of JKH B Team over the years has been clearly demonstrated in their achievements at the Mercantile Rugby 7’s in the recent past.

            2013 – “Plate” Final: John Keells “B” beat Commercial Bank 24/20

            2015 – “Bowl” Final: John Keells “B” beat Dialog Axiata “B” 35/5

            2016 – “Bowl” Final: John Keells “B” beat