Isipathana College vs St. Peter’s College
Date: 02nd July 2016
Venue: Royal Complex
Kick off: 4.30 p.m.
League champions Isipathana College will start as favorites against St. Peter’s College this Saturday afternoon at the Royal Sports Complex. Isipathana, after being given a walk over by D.S. Senanayake College, have had a much needed weeks break since the League final. After finishing second best in the last 4 finals their confidence is no doubt sky high after claiming the league title a fortnight ago.
The final of the league stood at 28 – 24 in favor of the ‘Green Machine’ who ended up unbeaten. At the beginning of the season it was about the Isipathana backs who are renowned for their running game, however, their forwards showed great spirit in the second round with a never say die attitude. Kushan Idunil and Sumudu Rankothge have been a revelation as centres and once again they will be looking to play their hearts out. Chamodh Fernando and Ranidu Padmasanka have been the ace try scorers for them and Gayan Wickramarathne at Full back scored the most number of points for them and is their first choice kicker.
Watch Live: Isipathana v St.Peter’s
St. Peter’s College, after a disappointing first round managed to finish in 5th place in the league after an enthralling win over Trinity College in their final game. They continued their winning run in the Milo quarter finals last week over St. Anthony’s College after trailing 14 – 00 and coming back to win 37 – 31. St. Peter’s backs Theekshana Heshan and skipper Sandesh Jayawardene have improved their center partnership quite well. Steffan Sivaraj also showing some maturity with his play making ability whilst Diyath Fernando scored some scintillating tries.
No matter how well the backs play, the forwards will play a key part in the game. St. Peters’ big prop Rahal Delpachitra, who came off the bench, might start this weekend and Ravin Yapa who produced a Man of the Match performance last week has to deliver again. De Saram and Shane Gurusinghe have also peaked and were instrumental in the last game. Having said that, they will have to face tough back row players in the opposite camp in the likes of Vageesha Weerasinghe, Adeesha Weerathunge and Devin Gunarathne. All three Isipathana loose forwards have been brilliant this season.
Ones to watch for
IC : Adeesha Weerathunge (lock/flanker) he has been a nuisance for the opposite teams in stealing lineouts, If He made Yapa in trouble with early lineouts things will get much easier to Isipathana
SPC : Avishka Heenpella (Scrum half) his decision making will play a vital role, especially the kick from the base. Also his work rate was excellent this season and he has to manage his forwards and backs according to their plan
S.Thomas’ College vs Royal College
Date: 03rd July 2016
Venue: Royal Complex
Kick off: 4.30 p.m.
It was an absolute thriller in the league encounter between the two rivals where Naveen Henakankanamge scored a last minute try to hurt the Royalist’s hopes. S. Thomas’ were trailing 14 – 15 and Royal played so well till the 79th minute despite poor defense in the last stage. However, now they have another chance to avenge their defeat.
Although Royal plays most of their rugby with their forwards, in the quarter finals they showed that they can work the line as Janith Dilshan, the outside center, made a few lovely running angles which created problems for Wesley. This is also due to the positional change of Ovin Askey who moved from full back to fly half. Royal’s forwards have the power and stamina to play the 80minutes as they are the only team who could possibly play for 20 – 25 phases retaining possession. Ayesh Maduranga, the tight head prop, was an absolute gem in the front-row while Nikhil Gunadeera’s move to loose head prop, is also paying dividends for Sanath Martis’ boys. Ashe Fernando and Pasindu Amarasinghe are in fine form as they have been decent in the lineouts and in the breakdown.
S. Thomas’ on the other hand had a nervy first half against Zahira in last week’s quarter final although they won convincingly. Sachitha Jayatilaka is out with a fractured arm and as a result Dhanuja Wijeratne, who started the first three games as No 8 in the league, might go back to the scrum. He was remarkable in the wing and also at center last week where he scored a hat-trick. Mayon Jayawardene and Henekankanamge will be looking for the ball more often than not to target the opposition’s weaker links in the corner. Things will also depend on how well Ashwantha Herath distributes the ball and manages the game in the middle. In the pack Skipper Pandula De Silva showed some lovely running and offloads in the last game, he needs to marshal his troops yet again. Shaniv Ahangama and Christian De Lile were not up to the mark in the quarter final but are surely raring to make an impact this Sunday.
Ones to watch out :
RC : Ashok Wijekumar (Scrum half) he’s been the main catalyst for the Royals as his game awareness played a big role. He took Royal out of jail with his box kicks many a times.
STC : Naveen Henekankanamge (Wing) the highest try scorer in the league, well he did it once, will he do it again ? only if Royal allow him space
