The second round of the top tier has been nothing short of excitement as the top eight battled it out with the hope of winning the league title and claiming bragging rights. It has come down to the wire as the final few games to be played over the weekend will decide the winners of the Schools league.
Three teams are deemed to be still in the hunt for the throne but Isipathana is tipped to be the most likely winner. It was in their grasp until their shock draw against St.Peters last week and now the top slot is up for grabs again. The scenario in simple terms is that Isipathana needs to win against Kingswood to hold on to the top slot and run away with the League title, failing which they open doors to Trinity, provided Trinity knocks out St.Peters. Kingswood has a long shot at the title if they beat Isipathana and St.Peters need to do them a favor by beating Trinity. Kingswood might still need to win with a bonus point. This scenario seems far-fetched though, sadly it does not do justice to the performances dished out by Kingswood this season, and they did stay in the race till the last week.
Trinity Vs St. Peters
Trinity would not want to lose this seeing the opportunity they have, to win the League tournament, on the other hand doubt St.Peters will let Trinity have it easy. Trinity has the home advantage but the visitors will look to carry on from their last performance. Kevin Dixon was the savior for the Peterites and is also the top try scorer in the tournament. There has not been a game he hasn’t scored. How to stop such a talented individual? not many teams can give you answers to that! Trinity full back Saranga Gunathilake saved the day for the Trinitians when he crossed the try line thrice last week to guide his side to victory. He will be another man to keep an eye on. Kevin Dixon and Shamri Burah will lead the attacking efforts of the Peterites and for Trinity skipper Tarinda Ratwatte will look to control proceedings and direct his forwards and backs to victory. One on one Trinity seems to be the more skilled team but after last week’s performance by St.Peters to predict a winner for this game is suicidal! Despite the Trinity Peter’s fixture being one of the longest in history, it is the first fixture of the General (Deshamanya) Dennis Perera trophy.
St. Josephs Vs S. Thomas
A glimpse of the Thomian grit was seen last week when they refused to give away the Michael Gunaratne trophy to Royal. Thora fought hard. With most players from last season available one cannot reason out their poor performance this season. Attitude brought to the field plays a big role in victory and the Thomians will look to end the season on a high note. St .Joesephs another team which has the potential but failed to be consistent has the edge over the boys from Mount. The game should be a close one for the trophy – Lady Jayatilake.
Royal Vs Science
Science college now famously known as the under dogs who end up on the winning side will look to topple another top side when they take on Royal who has been steady performers. Science will have to be aware of a few things about Royal; Nimshan’s kicking ability and their customary “Royal Maul”. Not many schools have mastered the art of sacking the maul and Science would not want to concede penalties in their territory. Science led by Prasad Mahinda has some hard running backs that can out run the Royal back line. It should be a battle between the Royal forwards and the back line for Science.
Isipathana Vs Kingswood
All eyes on this game as Isipathana needs one more victory to stay unbeaten and clinch the League title. Kingswood looking to regain lost pride against the Lions last week will come all out to create probably the biggest upset of the season. Isipathana guilty of relaxing after a comfortable lead last week, surely learnt their lesson. Both teams are a treat to watch in full flow and no doubt the game will be played at an electrifying pace. This game will attract a large gathering on Sunday as Isipathana has everything to lose and Kingswood will play for pride and glory.
