Semi-final ready Isipathana face Zahira as Joe-Pete Showdown date set

Isipathana College faces Zahira College in the 1^st Semi-final as St. Joseph’s College takes on St. Peter’s in the 2^nd Semi-final, which is also played as the Big match for the Rev. Fr. Basil Weeratunga Shiled.

1^st Semi-final – Isipathana College v Zahira College – 2^nd September

Isipathana will be hurting following their defeat at the hands of St. Peter’s, while Zahira will be wondering how they managed to get here as they prepare to take on the Green Machine.

Zahira College defeated DS surprisingly and controversially a week ago while Isipathana received a bye as only 7 teams participated in the Dialog Schools’ Rugby Knockout competition.

Report: https://www.thepapare.com/saad-boots-home-zahira-in-controversial-fashion/

The Lads from Isipathana would be well rested and raring as they get onto the paddock following a break of two weeks. Naveen Kasnishka, Rinesh Silva, and co will be revitalised and eager for the hitout against Zahira.

Saad and his teammates will be stoked to be in the Semi-finals and will undoubtedly aim to bring their A-game as they clash this Saturday.

Prediction – Isipathana to win by 15 or more

2^nd Semi-final – St. Peter’s College v St. Joseph’s College – 3^rd September

The Peterites will be gunning to defeat arch-rivals St. Joseph’s as they clash for a place in the final and bragging rights in their annual encounter, aka ‘The Big Match’ for the two teams.

The Josephians secured their birth in the semi-following an emphatic victory over St. Anthony’s, avenging revenge for their League defeat in week one.

Report: https://www.thepapare.com/dialog-schools-rugby-knockouts-2023-st-josephs-college-vs-st-anthonys-college/

St. Peter’s doubled over Trinity as they managed to get over the line against the Lions first in Pallekele and this time around at the Park.

Report: https://www.thepapare.com/dialog-schools-rugby-league-2023-st-peters-college-vs-trinity-college-report/

Skipper Naveen will be looked up to for another bulldozing performance alongside Sachinthana Widyanatha. Meanwhile, Ruchitha Rodrigo, and half-back Vihanga Randeepa will be the pivots pulling strings in the three-quarter.

For the Pete’s, it’ll undoubtedly be Sudesh Jayawickrama and Five-eighth De Mel, the lads to watch out for in the clash for the Rev. Fr. Basil Weeratunga Shield.

The Josephians will have their work cut out if they are to break down the defence of Sanath Martis. However, if they can, an upset may very well be on the cards.

Prediction – Peter’s to win by 10 or more