The mercilessly contested Singer Schools’ Rugby 2015 season has come to its climax with the final clashes this weekend. The two unbeaten teams Isipathana and Royal have been set up for a mouth-watering clash this Saturday at the Royal Complex.
Here is a look at how the points table looks for both teams
Royal has displayed a spectacular performance with their forward play, especially their driving maul from the lineouts which many teams found unstoppable. Isipathana in contrast to their rivals this weekend performed as a cohesive playing unit throughout the season.
Royal has a slight advantage with their bench strength but it will be interesting to see how the coaches make those tactical changes.
Looking at the above points table a draw is enough for the green machine to defend their title. The only concern for Isipathana is their kicking at the uprights. Out of 55 tries they have only kicked 20 conversions. As a result they have missed 70 points. However, that might not be a major issue as the defending champs have scored 4 or more tries in evry match going on to obtaining a bonus point.
Royal have scored 60% of their tries through their forwards and Supun Warnakulasuriya is leading the try list with 14. Supun’s work rate is almost 80% out of those tries.
Head to Head
The Throwers : Supun Warnakulasuriya (RC) v Nishal Deshatha (IC)
Although Supun plays at #08 he does a brilliant job in the lineout throw as well. Nishal on the other hand has scored 4 tries and 2 conversions this season and is also a fine thrower. It will solely depend on their consistency and how they manage to control the pressure. Nishal is capable of breaking the midfield defense while Supun is the main architect in controlling the forwards.
The Jumpers : Umesh Madhushan (RC) v Matheesha Sarathchandra (IC)
Undoubtedly the two best ball carriers in the air and it will be interesting to see how they contest and turnover the lineouts. Madhushan has been the catalyst to start the driving process with his accuracy in the jump. If Isipathana decides to contest the line out it will be another thrilling affair in the air.
The Monsters : Shawket Lahir (RC) v Omalka Gunarathne (IC)
These two will have a brobdingnagian battle; they are aggressive, ferocious and furious both in attack and defence. Lahir playing at #7 has shown his brilliant performance in the season so far, also he is too quick to join in the line when it was needed to accelerate in the attack. Omalka is a challenge for any team to stop on a one on one situation. He did it last year and continued his bliss this year, only two tries short of Supun’s 14. Omalka led the team well, with the good spirit and bonhomie of a true leader but Royal and pressure will be an acid test.
The Masters : Gayal Jayasinghe (RC) v Isuru Kongahawatte (IC)
Both have showed great controlling skills and game management, also grubber kicks & cross kicks. These two in pivotal positions will be the key players. However, if Royal play with their forwards it is unlikely that Gayal will get more carries. Kongahawatte foxed his opposite numbers in the previous encounters and it is left to be seen how he will exploit this under pressure. His kicking woes seem to have eased up but may prove crucial in the scheme of things.
The Sprinters : Mahima Gamage (RC) v Asitha Punchihewa (IC)
Both have scored four tries each thus far but Gamage’s defence and high-ball carry was an issue for the Royals. If there is space, without a doubt he is capable of attacking. Punchihewa has a little extra gas and power with him and also some dancing footwork. Running more than a millimeter from the sideline, he would use more of an inside 12, 13 channel.
There are unsung heroes for Isipathana in the likes of Chathura Dilshan (lock) Rehan Silva (full back) both having played in the Junior Asiad last year. Also Dilan Gallage (wing) and Kushan Indunil (Center) are in the best of form for the Greens.
Bhanuka Gamage (Center) the Royal skipper is a cool customer but he needs the ball in hand to step past his opposite number. Ashok Kumar (scrum half) has played few game changers for the men in blue & gold.
Quotes : Coach Nilfer Ibrahim “ We all know what their strength is we have trained hard, so we look forward to take the challenge and play with our strength”
Coach Sanath Martis declined to comment
