by Ravi Nagahawatte
Speak of the greatest place kickers in the sport of rugby and the name Charles Wijewardana will spring up in anyone's mind like the idea for a cool drink would pop up in the mind of someone who's thirsty.

His kicks at goal always quenched the thirst that the spectators had for a thrilling game of rugby, for it was Charles' kicks which often brought victory for the side he played.

He made his debut in 'A' Division rugby by turning out for Air Force and went on to captain the side during the seven years he performed for them.

But spectators remember him better as a lone policeman who stood for his team between victory and defeat. Charles later turned out for Police Sports Club when he decided to change his place of employment sighting better future prospects.

There, in the Police, he emerged as the club's hero. It didn't take long for him to become the team's key player and the enemy of all who played against him. Newspaper headlines such as 'Charles vs CR' confirmed his superiority as a fullback who could take on an opposing team single handed. The weapon he used to dismantle his opponents was not his hands but his 'golden' boot.

He often took on the team's fightback as a personal challenge. And with his boot he always brought alive the spirits of his team mates and of the die hard police supporters who were willing to scream their hearts out for the 'cops' at matches.

Charles wasn't the player who let all the success, that came his way, go to his head. This was one reason for his having a clear head when taking place-kicks.

Almost fifteen years since hanging up his boots, Charles still holds the record for the highest individual score in a match as a place kicker in the history of inter-club rugby.

This high point in his career came in 1971 when he made a personal contribution of 40 points in CR's run away 120-0 victory over Kelani Valley played in Talduwa. Charles decided to lend his services to the 'Red Shirts' that year when the service teams pulled out of the League Tournament due to the insurrection in the country.

His involvement in the game through two forces teams has also established another record which still remains unparalleled. Charles happens to be the only Sri Lankan to have captained two service teams in the inter-club rugby tournament.

And like the Police vs Havelocks game still generates some interest it was the game which the spectators looked forward to in the seventies as the clash of the 'titans'.

The year 1978 was no exemption. Both teams clashed with vengeance and Police ran out winners by a close three points, thanks to a peach of a drop goal by Charles in the last minute of the game.

"This was the happiest day of my career because it was a thrilling experience to come from behind and win" says Charles.

Charles was a big personality the sport possessed, a 'deem god' to the throngs of spectators who came to see him play.

He was never known as an aggressive ruggerite but rather as a calm player who was as cool as a cucumber. And the people who still remember him know that Charles was never found guilty of arguing with the referee.

However there were times when he stood up for what he thought was injustice done to him.

Charles was the automatic choice as the country's full back when the ASIAD approached. But in 1978, the year which he regards as his best, he was dropped from the side in a move which came as a total surprise to all.

"I appealed to the minister and was latter included in the side as a reserve. I was very worried. But I never gave up" says Charles who had latter bounced back to contention by captaining the country's President's XV team against England Penguins the following year.

There is little doubt as to why the great place kicker had to seek the minister's intervention when his trying practice sessions, where he kicked the ball through the uprights over a hundred times a day, didn't give him his desired place in the side!.

Having given up the sport sixteen years ago, Charles, at present, only holds the pleasant memories of the matches he was involved in.

Surprisingly though he doesn't have in his possession any mementos or souvenirs like any other sportsman of his calibre would hold on to.

"I have kept nothing for myself. I have given away all my belongings to the people in need. I have even given away the boots and jerseys I wore. I don't intend to hold on to anything" said Charles.

Fifty two today Charles has risen to the post of Senior Superintendent of Police and is attached to the Kurunegala Police Station.

He is at present enjoying the bliss of family life with Sriani, his wife, and three children. His commitments to his family and the work load in his office hasn't given him time to witness a rugby match for the past five years.

Charles might not be surprised if only a handful recognizes him, if he entered a ground packed with spectators, today.

It is more than a decade since rugby fans last saw Charles in action.

But the ones who know him will have memories, of Charles kicking a ball with pin point accuracy, flash into their minds.

Pity they have only to remain memories.