Week 4 of the Dialog Schools Rugby League will kick off this weekend (16th May). As the tournament heads towards the end of its first round, let’s take a closer look at the games and see what’s on the cards this week.
Ananda College vs St. Peter’s College
The week kicks off at the Ananda College grounds, where the Maroons welcome the high-flying Peterites, who have produced three consecutive 50+ scores. Ananda College can be a banana skin for any top side, especially when playing at home. Discipline among the forwards will also be a concern in the Peterite camp, something their opponents will look to exploit. It will also be interesting to see how the Bamba Brigade adjusts after losing Nethshan Manthusha, who is sidelined following his blue card last week. A win here would seal the Peterites’ position in the Cup Segment.
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Prediction – St. Peter’s College win
St. Joseph’s College vs Wesley College
An interesting clash at the home of rugby between two sides who will feel they haven’t played to their full potential so far this season. Wesley College will start as slight favourites but will be without one of their key ball carriers, Pawan Thiranagama. The Josephians will be desperate for a win to keep their Cup Segment hopes alive. On current form, this should be a close one, but if Wesley find their best form, it could become one-sided.
Prediction – Wesley College win
Mahanama College vs Prince of Wales College
A crucial game in the context of the season. If both teams end up playing Round Two in the Bowl Segment, which looks the most likely outcome at the moment, the points carried forward from this game could be the difference between relegation and survival. The Cambrian forwards held firm in their previous game, but they’ll need their backs to step up as well. Mahanama challenged both Wesley and St. Joseph’s at times but will need to produce a full seventy-minute performance to push for a result.
Prediction – Mahanama College win
Sri Sumangala College vs Isipathana College
Sri Sumangala College will still be hurting after suffering their first loss of the season last week, while the Green Machine will be flying high after securing maximum points from their three games so far. Playing at home will be a massive advantage for Sri Sumangala. However, Isipathana should clinch this one if they maintain possession well and make use of their forwards.
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Prediction – Isipathana College win
D.S. Senanayake College vs Trinity College
D.S. Senanayake College has probably been the most underwhelming team in the competition so far. Despite having a very strong squad, they have significantly underperformed. Things are not going to get any easier when they meet a rampant Trinity outfit at Havelock Park. This will be the first time Trinity have travelled since the knockout finals, so it will be interesting to see how they adjust.
Prediction – Trinity College win
Zahira College vs S. Thomas’ College
Arguably the game of the week, and certainly the game with the highest stakes. Royal College will be hoping the Zahirians can scalp another big fish, while the Thomians will know that another loss could mean curtains for their Cup Segment hopes. S. Thomas’ College have been on a steady rise, but their backline still looks too flat at times, and their handling has not helped either. Against some nippy Zahirian three-quarters, they will face their sternest test yet and will probably rely on their forwards to drag them over the line. However, with form and home advantage on their side, Zahira go into this one as favourites.
Prediction – Zahira College win
Lumbini College vs St. Anthony’s College
We kick off Sunday’s action at Nittawela with another game that could prove crucial come the end of the season. The Eagles will know that another win would essentially secure their place in the Plate Segment, while newcomers Lumbini College will be desperate to get points on the board. A win for the Havelock Town boys would really open up the bottom of Group 1A and take things down to the final week. However, the Antonians go into this one as favourites with home advantage on their side, especially considering they are riding high after securing their first win of the season last week.
Prediction – St. Anthony’s College win
Kingswood College vs Royal College
Royal will look to bounce back immediately after suffering defeat against Zahira College last week. Although Kingswood put in an improved performance against Thurstan College last week, it still feels like the Randles Hill boys lack the cutting edge needed to upset a side like Royal.
Prediction – Royal College win
Science College vs Thurstan College
Another interesting game to close out the week. For all the promise they have shown, Science College will feel they are due a win. Thurstan will want another bonus-point victory here to keep themselves in the hunt. This looks like a close game on paper, but you sense that Science College’s inability to play the full seventy minutes might hurt them once again.
Prediction – Thurstan College win
Will we see some teams book their spots in the Cup Segment, or will it all go right down to the wire in Week 5? Tune in to Sri Lanka’s Number 1 Sports Channel to find out. All games will go live at 3:45 p.m. and kick off at 4:15 p.m.
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