After breaking the five year hoodoo, S.Thomas’ College will be keen to retain the shield against Trinity College at the Annual Football Encounter.
These two sides will meet for the 6th time in this still-growing encounter on the 15th of October at the Pallekelle Stadium, with the visitors looking to continue previous results’ dominance.
The Thomians dominated the 5th encounter as a first half bull-dozing enabled them to win 4-1.
Season thus far
S.Thomas’ College made the perfect beginning to their 2015 season winning the Divisionals. The Thomians won the semi-final 3-0 defeating Lalith Athulathmudali College and the final defeating Science College 1-0.
The side also participated in the FFSL Futsal tournament at Austasia Sports Complex to defend the title which they won last year. They lived upto it, though they lost the final 3-1 to S.Peter’s College, after winning the first round matches against Jaffna Central (5-0), TAFA Academy (5-1) and S.Joseph’s (1-0), while winning the semifinal 4-0 against St.Henry’s College, Jaffna.
The Thomians are participating in the Kotmale Chox U19 Schools Football Championship where they have lost just one match from the three group stage matches they have played so far. They won 6-1 against Dharmaraja College and 3-1 against Maliyadeva College while losing 2-1 to the strong Peterite outfit consisting of six National U19 players.
“Compared to last season, when I took charge the team has shown great improvement. They have shown commitment and enthusiasm to learn and improve which has done wonders,” Sri Lanka football legend and Head Coach of S.Thomas’ R.M.U.Mahindapala added.
“The side is on a winning mentality which is great for the morale and also more juniors are coming up the ranks,” he added.
Midfield and forwards key
The Schools by the Sea are blessed with two National U19 players in Akhil Fernando and Dinura Gunawardena. Akhil Fernando represented Sri Lanka in the recently concluded 43rd Asian Schools Football Championships and AFC U19 Qualifiers, which has given confidence and experience. Dinura Gunawardena was in the 25 man squad but unfortunately had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury, which he has now recovered from.
“You can see a visible improvement in Akhil with experience and he now has the confidence to control the midfield. Dion (Dias) has the creative ability which is also a key factor,” Head Coach added.
The midfield will provide platform for the two inform forwards; Yohan Mendis and Deshan Gonawela, the vice-captain and captain respectively. Mendis is in fine scoring form having scored two hat-tricks in the Kotmale U19 Championship which has elevated him to the third highest goal scorer position.
