The 2015 Singer Schools Rugby league has come to its deciding final week and it’s down to Isipathana and Royal clashing for the league. Lower down Trinity, Science or St Joseph’s will vie for third place.
Royal v Isipathana 20.06.2015 KO: 4.30 pm Royal Complex
A much looked forward to Titanic clash is expected this Saturday as Isipathana fight hard to defend their title and Royal look to spoil the party. Even a draw is enough for the Greens to defend their precious title. It will be a gnash between the Royal forwards and the Isipathana backs which will without a doubt be a grand battle.
However, the Isipathana forwards are capable of taking-up the challenge especially in the likes of their captain of a beast Omalka Gunarathne, Chathura Dilshan and Nisal Deshata.
Royal on the other hand have their leading try scorer Supun Warnakulasuriya and the man who delivers some ferocious tackles Shawket Lahir in the back row in fine tune after a physical battle last week against Joes. The Royal backs have some major issues in organizing themselves in defense. Nevertheless, it is expected to be a full house and absorbing contest. These two teams have some heated memories in the year 2013 at the Royal complex, and it will be interesting see how both the teams continue to play in the spirit of the game. (Await Full Preview)
Score Predictions – Isipathana win by 3
St. Joseph v Trinity 20.06.2015 KO: 4.30 pm CR&FC
If Trinity wins they will finish the league third, if Joes win they will have to wait for the results of Science College to see who finishes third. Both Science and Joes have scored a total of 31.00 points and Science has worked-out 37 tries to Joes 33, and therefore they remain ahead of the Joes.
The Darley Road school produced their match of the season last week against Royal. They played as a well gelled unit in both the forwards and three quarters divisions; Stephan Gregory unstoppable one on one and Tariq Salih showing some great leadership qualities despite his work rate. Romesh Priyankara and Shamilka Kurumbalapitiya are also in perfect touch and if they play as a team without giving too many yellow cards, they will beat Trinity.
The Lions on the other hand were electrifying in the first half against Isipathana in their own den. However, they could not keep their composure and they lost momentum once again in defense. Saranga Gunathilaka has been the man who has done a lot damage to any opposition and he is the current top points’ scorer with 100 in the league so far. Captain Isuru Rangala and Rahul Karunathilaka need to step up against the Josephian power house. If Trinity play a fully focused 80 minutes, they can finish third this season.
Score Predictions – Joes win by 1
St. Peters v Science 20.06.2015 KO: 4.30 pm Bambalapitiya
St. Peters had a shocking defeat against S. Thomas’ last week; may be they underestimated the Thomian attack. Captain Kevin Dixon, the play maker carrying so many injuries has had to be left out of the starting lineup. Nishon Perera has been outstanding this season after moving from last years’ flanker position to a center three quarter. Their performances have not been consistent although they have a greatly talented bunch.
Science College on the other hand will be surely eying for the third spot with a bonus point win. If Trinity wins then they need to score five tries more and that is not an easy task, so they will be hoping the Joes will win. Lasindu Ishan has led his team well and can be a proud servant to his College. The Maduranga brothers once again will be key along with Sajith Iroshana the speedster who can give a of lot pressure to his opposite numbers.
Score Predictions – Science win by 5
S. Thomas’ v Kingswood 20.06.2015 KO: 4.30 pm Havelock Park
After a die-hard performance last week Jivan Gunathilaka’s boys must be high in confidence. If they maintain the same rhythm they will ease past the Kingsmen in the wooden-spoon battle. Sachintha Jayathilaka has been showing his power as a #08 a little late in the season and captain Hashith Senanayaka has also improved as a player for the Thomians. Last week’s replacement hooker Cader has done well with his throwing accuracy. The tactical forwards play has been more advanced in comparison to the early stages of the season.
Reeza Raffaideen the Kingswood skipper has been a lonely warrior this season. He has scored 96 points just four below the top scorer Saranga Gunathilaka. The Kings played some great counter rugby in the first half against Science but could not gain territory and keep possession with them in the second half. If Kingswood win they will finish seventh in the league and if it is a draw the Thomians will finish in a consolation 7th spot.
Score Predictions – STC win by 6
