As the 2018 Singer Schools Rugby league ventures into its 4th week, two of the four unbeaten teams’ winning streaks will come to an end. Royal will face St. Joseph’s while St. Peter’s will take on Isipathana in clashes that are tipped to be two thrilling encounters between the table toppers.
St. Peter’s College vs Isipathana College – 7th April 4.15 p.m. Havelock Park
Looking back at both teams’ recent form, it’s quite evident that the Bamba-brigade will come into this game as favourites to win. With their dazzling set of backs, heavy running forwards and experience, they will surely look to take the upper-hand of the game right from the start. However, Isipathana will look to capitalise on their opportunities and play to their strengths which could definitely cause problems in the Peterite line-up.
The last time these two teams met the Peterites stunned Isipathana at Bambalapitiya and ended their unbeaten run in the 4th week of the League last year. As a repeat of the same scenario comes to life this Saturday, will Isipathana redeem themselves and end St. Peter’s unbeaten run or will the Peterites dominate again?
St. Peter’s College
In comparison to the first three weeks of last year, St. Peter’s are well ahead of their performance this time around managing to stay unbeaten so far, winning with bonus points and scoring a total of 19 tries in all three games. The Peterites are currently on top of Group II A with 18 points under their belt.
Strengths: Although the Saints from Bamba are not the conventionally built physically, they sure are strong and well-conditioned. And being the more experienced outfit of the two gives them that added advantage which could prove to be vital in the dying minutes of the game.
The pack comprises of strong ball carriers and agile forwards who could be utilized at any position. First-year player Nizran Nilar and prop forward Abdullah Faiz have been outstanding so far, scoring tries and creating opportunities.
The threequarters are quick and nippy, half-back Jason Karunarathna has been combining well with his fly-half, controlling the game and changing gears at the right time. Full-back Shehan Liyanapathirana has been on song with his boot in the past couple of weeks, adding the extras and slotting in three-pointers from difficult angles.
Weaknesses: The defence on the wings has been slightly disappointing for the Peterites as most of the tries scored against them have been through the corners. Apart from that, the team had a few hiccups in execution when inside the opposition red-zone against the Rajans in their previous match, although they managed to win it 42 points to 05.
Unfortunately, star player Raveen Fernando has been ruled out of this season after fracturing his ankle in the 2nd week. Skipper, Javed Zarook and his deputy Marc Assauw have barely had any game time either due to injury, which could prove to be costly for the Petes.
Isipathana College
Isipathana field a very young and inexperienced team that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat only just against DS and also struggled against Zahira at Maradana in their previous match. In comparison to the first three weeks of last year, Isipathana is in a similar position with two bonus point wins but just a few tries short. Although their performance so far has seemed a tad scrappy, the Green Machine is still unbeaten and title contenders for sure.
Strengths: Last year’s runners-up are quite the runners. The team is composed of well-groomed backs and well-oiled forwards. However, much will depend on the three quarters as the experience lies with them.
Skipper Manilka Rubeyru and junior national cap Nadeesh Chaminda share the unique ability of slicing through the defence and sucking in defenders to create space outside. Chaminda is a great finisher as there is no doubt about his try-scoring ability.
Number eight, Ravindu Anjula is another great asset the Pathana outfit possesses. He marshals the young forwards from the back of the scrum and also takes up kicking duties when needed.
Weaknesses: Filling Harith Bandara’s boots has been a tough job and so Isipathana has tended to be disorganized under pressure and have shown signs of unnecessary urgency which almost cost them in the season opener against DS.
The inexperienced forwards have generally been below par. The conditioning of the players could improve which will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the side.
Predictions: Unless Isipathana polish their handling skills and dominate the scrums, St. Peter’s is likely to run away with a bonus point victory.
Watch live: Isipathana College v St. Peter’s College – Singer Schools Rugby League 2018
St. Joseph’s College vs Royal College – 6th April 4.00 p.m. Havelock Park
‘The Clash of the Champions’ one could call it. The League champs taking on the Knock-out champs in a battle for the top spot in the Group I A. Both teams have managed to score half-centuries already in this season and look to be in top form this year.
Read the full preview of the clash here: Early season title decider on the cards?
