After an eventful second week let’s look at the upcoming fixtures. Following two consecutive defeats St. Joseph’s will have a rest week and Dharmaraja will host Royal College in Kandy.
Prince of Wales v Science 10.03.2017 K:O 4.30pm @CR&FC
Despite going down 28 – 10 to Wesley last week, the Cambrians played with loads of heart. They could not capitalize on much possession but defence was incredible. This game will perhaps give them a mental boost as Science College comes in after a 52 – 07 loss. However, from the Science point of view they will have something to prove as they have been a team to watch in the recent past but this year the young team will look to survive in the top competition.
D.S. Senanayake v St. Peter’s 11.03.2017 K:O 4.30pm @Welisara
The Peterites must be absolutely gutted about their poor show against Royal last week. However, they look to win big this week in a different venue at the naval base. However, one cannot underestimate the Dons as they scored 25 points last week and they will be eager to get their first win as well.
Isipathana v St. Anthony’s 12.03.2017 K:O 4.30pm @Havelock Park
Two wins from two games for the defending champions Isipathana and they were a treat to watch last week. Antonion Eagles have some power runners among the forwards and backs but they need to play as a team to go one step better. If the win is going to be decided by the kicks then certainly the visitors have the advantage with Samuel Maduwantha. Isipathana still has that kicking woes as they only converted 2 out of 7 last week.
Captain Dinuk Amerasinghe and center Jehan Seelagama combination will have a big responsibility as the opposite no’s will be a force to reckon with. Isipathana skipper Sumudu Rankothge didn’t have the best of games but he assisted with off-loads which was good enough. Winger Nimesh Chaminda who scored a hat-trick last week will be up and running and his partnership with Chamodh Fernando was simple brilliant.
Wesley v S. Thomas’ 12.03.2017 K:O 4.30pm @CR&FC
Another interesting game on Sunday as Wesley hosts the school by the sea. Double blues will have their full strength as the bench players who got involved in the Trinity scuffle are now free from the one match ban. As a result skipper Denister Gunathilake will lead his team playing in the center position. Lee brothers have been the main pillar in their team and this week will see Murshid Zubairl start at the pivotal position of no10. Wesley coach Jivan Goonetilleke has resigned and Wesley might find it difficult without a head coach.
S.Thomas’s on the other hand had a close fight last week with Zahira and they will want to keep the unbeaten tag for sure. Mayon Jayawardena the full back might start this Sunday after missing out last week due to injury. His combination with skipper Naveen Henakankanamage has been ferocious in terms of gaining yards. No 8 Christian De Lile who got injured last week is doubtful for this game.
Zahira v Trinity 13.03.2017 K:O 4.30pm @Zahira Grounds
Red hot favourites Trinity look a completely different package this season. Coach Lote Raikabula the former All Black has taught them how to play as a team with so much discipline on the field. Nathan Chang the skipper marshals his troops so well and Zahira will face a lot of questions in their own den. 116 points scored in two games means 58 points on avg per game but they will not be too complacent. Waron Weerakoon, Diluksha Dange and Rishane Madena have been playing so well for the Lions. Fly half Lashane Wijesuriya makes things much easier for their backs.
Zahira would have learnt few lessons after the nail biter last week. Shamly Nawaz the coach who has a lot of experience has gone through close tussles in his era and he will be finding a way to worry the visitors. Zahira no 10 Zaid Singhawangsa another key player who will have to do well and winger Yuzran Lantra will be tested by his opposite number with pace and strength.
Dharmaraja v Royal 13.03.2017 K:O 4.30pm @Nittawela
The Rajans lost their opening encounter to Isipathana 18 – 12 followed by a rest week. Coach Kapila Silva is confident they can do well this season and didn’t deserve to lose in the first game on a weather affected day. Chamika Perera, Sandeepa Hewa, Romesh Ananda Raja all have years of experience playing in the first team. The brother of Kandy SC no8, Bavatha Udangamuwa will be another talent in the center field.
Sanath Martis the coach of Royal made the win look so easy even without some star players who were injured for last week’s game. Royal playing with the right strategy and players know what to do in the hardest time to overcome it,which was fascinating to watch. Janidu Dilshan was outstanding as he scored two tries and showcased some good skills. Center Lennox Calyanarathne who was asked to play at No8 did as well as Nikhil George.
