The Dialog Schools Rugby League heads into its business end this week. As the tension reaches a boiling point, let’s break down the tactical battles and predict who will rise to the occasion and seize ultimate glory this week.
Plate Segment
Thurstan College vs St. Joseph’s College
The week kicks off with the potential Plate segment decider at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Both teams are still unbeaten in the super round with just a solitary bonus point separating them. The Thurstanites possess a more clinical backline while the Josephians have the more dominant forwards. Ultimately this contest will boil down to who can better impose themselves on the game and set the tempo.
Prediction – St. Joseph’s College win
S. Thomas’ College vs Sri Sumangala College
A clash between two teams who would’ve had big aspirations coming into the Plate segment, but things seem to have gone pear shaped in both camps. They met in the Knockouts earlier this season and played out an absolute thriller at the same venue. Both teams are evenly matched on paper and have enough individual quality among their ranks to take them over the line.
Prediction – S. Thomas’ College win
Ananda College vs St. Anthony’s College
The Antonians have struggled to close games this season, and things won’t get any easier against an Anandian outfit that has gone from strength to strength as the season progressed. With form and home advantage on their side, the Maroons go into this as firm favourites.
Prediction – Ananda College win
Bowl Segment
Prince of Wales College vs Lumbini College
This year’s newcomers meet in what is going to be a massive clash, especially for Lumbini College. For them, the result of this game could be the difference between survival and relegation. They come in fresh off their first win against Mahanama last week, while the Cambrians continue to struggle in the top flight.
Prediction – Lumbini College win
Science College vs Mahanama College
Another make or break clash for both teams, especially Mahanama College. A loss for them and a win for Lumbini College could see the two swap places and put Mahanama College in the relegation zone. On the other hand, Science College are still in with an outside chance of clinching the Bowl Championship, and will need maximum points here to keep that hope alive.
Prediction – Science College win
Kingswood College vs D.S Senanayake College
Another potential title decider (depending on Science College’s result). Kingswood College are riding high, having peaked at the correct time this season. Playing at home, they’ll have all the momentum going their way. On the contrary, the Dons have played at a level far below what was expected of them, and come into this fixture after another heartbreaking loss last week. Another loss here will put an end to their title charge.
Prediction – Kingswood College win
Cup Segment
Isipathana College vs Wesley College
Wesley College have looked like a shadow of their former selves in the league so far, and are in desperate need of a super round win. The Green Machine are also looking to bounce back, after being beaten at home last week. Despite that loss, Isipathana College come into this game as comfortable favourites.
Prediction – Isipathana College win
Royal College vs St. Peter’s College Coll
Royal College seemingly still haven’t recovered from that blowout in the Knockout final, and their results in the super round won’t do their morale any favours either. The Reid Avenue side will be looking to salvage what they can from what’s left of this season, starting with the B.C Anghie Trophy at the Complex this Saturday. For the Peterites, it’s not just about traditional silverware, they’ll need maximum points from this fixture to mathematically keep themselves in contention for the league title.
Prediction – St. Peter’s College win
Zahira College vs Trinity College
The most talked about fixture in the build up to this week. Two teams, three wins each in the super round and nothing separating them on the points table. Almost certainly will be the title decider. The Tankers will have home advantage but venue or conditions haven’t really mattered to Trinity this season. Zahira will take heart from the fact that they were the team to run Trinity the closest this season (34-23 in the Knockouts). However, they will need to tone down their all out attack strategy as the Trinitian backs need no second invitation to capitalise on any space offered by the defence. The defending champions come in as favourites, and Zahira’s best chance of turning this game in their favour is by winning the battle up front.
Prediction – Trinity College win
Who’ll Rule the turf in a Season-Defining Week of Rugby? Tune into Sri Lanka’s Number 1 Sports Channel to find out. All games go live at 3:45pm and will kick off at 4:15pm.
