Here is a look at the players who impressed in week one of the exciting schools’ rugby league 2016.
Position: Loose head prop
Name: Zayan Sabar
School: Wesley College
Although he was wearing shirt no 16, the captain of Wesley College marshalled his team really well. He was ferocious in attack and defense, showed great stamina, energy and mobility. Sabar can also play as a hooker or as a loose forward.
Position: hooker
Name: Ravin Yapa
School: St. Peter’s College
He was very consistent with the line out throws and also showed quick feet moving in the breakdown along with some crushing defense and good offloading. He made two important turnovers too. Yapa also controls the scrum to make it steady using his upper body strength.
Position: Tight head prop
Name: Charith Janitha
School: Science College
Weighing 105 kg, he has been a real strength for the Science College front row, although Royal, S.Thomos’, and St. Peters front row forwards had a good game this guy step up this week due to the intensity level of the game and his work rate with ball carrying ability.
Position: Second row
Name: Mohamed Shabeer
School: St. Anthony’s College
He has great awareness of the game and scored an important try with a quick tap not waiting for the half back to do the job. Although the Anthonians had poor line out throws, Shabbir made some valiant efforts in the air and his body positioning looked solid. He was also in the supportive frame every time a ball carrier ran.
Position: Second row
Name: Yohan Kanishka
School: Royal College
We did see props playing as locks in the Dialog rugby league, likewise Yohan, although playing as a flanker, was used well in the lineouts to win the ball. He certainly has the transferable skills as he was a delight to watch in the air in the lineouts. He also scored a try.
Position: Blind side flanker
Name: Christian De Lile
School: S. Thomas’ College
De Lile, the man in the grey scrum cap, was so effective in the Thora back row. Great technique in the breakdown and turnovers made him a standout. He also seems to be a very fit lad.
Position: Open side flanker
Name: Janith Laksara
School: Science College
Science College used Laksara just like Yohan Janik was used in the lineouts by Royal. The Science no 7 is solid on his feet and a good ball carrier. Crunching tackles and off loads just added some X factor to the game the other day at the Air Force grounds.
Position: No 8
Name: Shenesh Kawshika
School: Kingswood College
Kawshika is a bit of a Kevin Mealamu lookalike and is very mobile although his appearance doesn’t show it. He scored a late try for the Kings. He missed one ball in the scrum which he could not control but from then on had good balance. His offload in the air led the winger Imesh Siriwardene to score an eye catching try in the far corner. He was also using his lower center of gravity in the rucks to perfection.
Position: Scrum half
Name: Avishka Heenpella
School: St. Peter’s College
His work rate was as shiny as his pink boots. Displaying clever thinking every time he sees there is no defense, he picks and runs meters from the ruck. Quick balls and great game management in the important win over Kingswood make him a standout performer.
Position: Fly half
Name: Sivaraj Stephen
School: St. Peter’s College
His kicking at goal was 0% as he missed all three conversions, however, he knows to manage a game and his infield kicking ability was impressive. Importantly, he seems to know when to pass and when to run – his individual try came with some sheer passion as he fended off two defenders and side stepped the last man to go under the post.
Position: Left wing
Name: Chamod Fernando
School: Isipathana College
Hat-trick hero, the way he runs is just Wow… It is fascinating to watch his dancing feet and offloading ability along with his pace. He also knows to play a support role and as a result scored the last try of the game getting an inside pass from Rankothge.
Position: Inside center
Name: Theekshana Dassanayake
School: St. Peter’s College
Isipathana Captain Kushan Idunil and St. Anthony’s center Dinuk Amarasinghe were main contenders for this week’s no 12 spot. But the limelight definitely belongs to the man who scored 4 tries. He had a brilliant game in the attack and his tackles were brutal too. He only made one knock-on on his running angle but he was the 5 star player in week one.
Position: Outside Center
Name: Thanuja Maduranga
School: Science College
Maduranga scored 78 points last year and 13 points last week (3 pens/2 con) and must be really gutted to not get a try scoring opportunity. He has most of the skill set required for a successful number 13. He knows how to create gaps and when to run into the gap and make the extra yards.
Position: Wing
Name: Naveen Heenakankanamge
School: S. Thomas’ College
This boy was amazing in the concluded All Island Sevens where Thora won after 22 years. He has continued that form although, interestingly, it took them almost 39 minutes to score in the corner. He also scored another try in the second half. He has the knowledge, skill and the pace to fox his opposite number.
Position: Full back
Name: Mayon Jayawardene
School: S. Thomas’ College
Isipathana full back Gayan Wickramarathne is also a contender for the final spot after showcasing some lovely skills, but Mayon added extra impact for the game against Joes. There was a great understanding between him and Naveen that allowed him to score two valuable tries in the second half. He has the speed and has showed good knowledge of the game.
