Defending champions Isipathana College have one last chance to secure a trophy this year after missing out on the 7s and the league tournament. The finals will be played at the Royal Complex this Sunday the 12th July at 4.30pm.
Science College Mount Lavinia has a chance to engrave their name in the history books if they could win their first ever major silverware this weekend. In the recent past they have been giant killers and made a strong statement to the rugby fraternity that they are no more the under dogs or dark horses.
Isipathana on the other hand have had enough trophies in their cabinet and they will be so hungry to add this one in to it as well. Although the greens looks favourites with the tons of experience and skillful players, Science will come hard at them with an equally talented bunch that will certainly be ravenous for their 1st trophy.
Both teams play a similar style or the brand of rugby without a doubt. In fact Science and Isipathana are the two teams that play running rugby the best and the match up will prove eye-pleasing and glamourous. Both teams have displayed some great passing skills and off loads, and despite the fact that Science lost heavily in the league to Isipathana (20– 45) they have improved as a team since then.
The road to final
Science beat St.Peters in the quarter final 27 – 22 and thrashed Royal 52 – 26 in the semifinals. Isipathana had the bye in the quarter final and they beat Trinity 37 – 28 in the semifinal.
Head to head
Omalka Gunarathne IC v Lasindu Ishan SC
Two monsters who led their teams well so far in this season; these players are no strangers to the rugby fraternity as they have built reputations for their powerful runs, hits, tackles and turnovers. Both will be playing in the number #08 position and it will interesting to see who will be more effective breaking out of the scrum. A defensive scrum for both teams in the 5m line or even inside 22m would be a testing time.
Isuru Kongahawatte( IC) v Nishad Neranjan (SC)
Game managers and controllers at the pivotal fly half position. Isuru has mastered his style of play very cleverly with his long passes, inside passes and tactical chip kicks. Neranjan on the other hand, is another prolific player although he does not have as much experience as his opposite player. Niranjan is a more running and passing fly half than kicking territorial. Nevertheless, the final will be mostly decide on how well these two control under pressure.
Kushan Indunil (IC) v Thanuja Maduranga (SC)
Big made Kushan is an aggressive ball carrier he is equally good with his defensive game. He has been a rock in defense for the greens throughout this season. Thanuja on the other hand scored the highest points for his school in the league( 72). He is one of the best line breakers and he uses his inside and outside supporters well. He is also the place kicker and his points will play a crucial part this weekend.
Rehan Silva ( IC) v Supun Dilshan (SC)
At the sweeper position Rehan has good experience under his belt, he played in the national under 20 last year and he is not only a goof full back, he is also capable of playing as a utility back. Dilshan’s run is electrifying and he too reads the game well, also is a clever chip and chaser so giving him space will test any team.
In addition to this Isipathana have some x factors in the likes of Nisal Deshatha, Chathura Dilshan, Matheesha Sarathchandra in their forwards and Dilan Gallage & Asitha Punchihewa in the wing position who has very good match experience with them. That is what could be said that Science is lacking a bit when it comes to the comparisons of their forwards play with the Greens but if Madusankha, Laksara and Ayeshmantha can help their captain and the team, then it will be any ones game especially with 15 year old Tharinda Maduranga and Sajith Silva also in good enough form to challenge their opposite numbers.
Quotes
“We will try to play more attacking rugby, last time when we played we were so defensive, so this time from the kick off we will try to play aggressive attacking rugby.” said head coach of Science College Amila Chathuranga.
Isipathana coach Nilfer Ibrahim stated that “last time we won convincingly against them but we know they have improved a lot and quite threating with their attacking game, if we executive our game plan we can defend this title.”
