DMCC Rugby 7’s tournament - March 2008


The Dickoya Maskeliya Cricket Club (DMCC) held its Inter-Plantations Rugby 7’s tournament on 29th March 2008, which was sponsored for the second year running by the MJF Group, through its flagship brand Dilmah and its industry service project, History of Ceylon Tea (HOCT) website (www.historyofceylontea.com).

As in the previous year, the 2008 event was a huge success and once again received tremendous support from both, the participants and the spectators. A colourful opening ceremony with children from the local schools participating, welcoming of Chief Guests and flag raising ceremonies preceded the event which created a buzz throughout the day in the usually serene and picturesque surroundings.

Scrums, line-outs, dummies, ‘knock-ons’, spectacular breaks and crash tackles was the order of the day interspersed with the rollicking sounds of a papara band, who themselves were in competition with the hip hop dished out by the DJ!

As usual, plenty of food and drink was available to keep everyone satisfied which included a stall from the principle sponsors Dilmah who provided the crowds with refreshing iced tea, as well as ofcourse, the traditional brew.

Indeed, Dilmah was an early front runner in the beverage stakes, but notwithstanding the heartland of tea setting, tradition prevailed and the brew from Scotland surged ahead, well into the sunset and beyond!   

Maskeliya Plantations went on to win the final for the DMCC Trophy beating Hapugastenne Plantations. A satisfying result for Maskeliya who were the losing finalists in 2007.

The Plate Final was won by Elpitiya Plantations over Wattawella Plantations and the Bowl Final was won by Pussellawa Plantations who beat Talawakelle Plantations.

By David Colin-Thomé
Editor