The 2016 season is coming to its business end and we saw a few close games in week seven of the Cup segment. Here is a look at the players who impressed most in the concluded week.
Position : Loose head prop
Name: Charith Janith
School: Science College
The big man made an impact on the struggling Science unit, he contributed with some good ball carries and was also good in the set-pieces. Tehan Perera of S. Thomas’ and Melan Maliesh of Trinity also played well in week 7.
Position: Hooker
Name: Pandula De Silva
School: S.Thomas’ College
Pandula was able to run some good angles and showed some great ball carrying ability. He was consistent with his throws too. He is also a key weapon in the broken play and set-moves. His opposite number Ravin Yapa also played well, Nathan Chang of Trinity lost a bit of consistency with his throws this week.
Position: Tight head prop
Name: Isuru Ekanayake
School: Isipathana College
He uses his mobility and strength well with his low center of gravity. He has been one of the unsung heroes for the ‘Green Machine’.
Position: Lock
Name: Mohamed Shabeer
School: St. Anthony’s College
Shabeer caused so much trouble for Royal’s lineout in the first half as he stole three of Ebrahim Barrie’s throws. He has been solid in the breakdown and support play despite the Eagles’ defeat last week. Trinity skipper Rahul Karunathilake also played well but despite scoring a try, his knock-on and missed lineout jumps were an issue. Wayne Mack also played fairly well in the no 4 shirt for S. Thomas’ College.
Position: Lock
Name: Adeesha Weerathunga
School: Isipathana College
He is such a good reader of the game. Although he plays at no 6 he was used in the lineouts and that created a lot of trouble as he stole 3 Trinity lineouts. He scored a brilliant try and played almost like a winger in the corner. He is very skinny but strong and agile.
Position: Blind side flanker
Name: Janith Laksara
School: Science College
His one handed catch was a stunner when he played as first receiver. He was a rock in the defense, stopping Wesley’s threat. He is enormously strong in the turnovers in the ruck and also showed great awareness in support play.
Position: Open side flanker
Name: Christian De Lile
School: S.Thomas’s College
He was named in week one and since then he must have been itching to get his name back in the team. Last week he was so good, he made two stunning turnovers and had some good offloads as well.
Position: No 8
Name: Shalindra Alahakoon
School: Trinity College
He was like demon on the field for Trinity. He made some ferocious tackles and good ball carrying ability was on display, he also scored a try. Nikhila Gunadeera also played well for Royal.
Position: Scrum half
Name: Ashok Wijekumar
School: Royal College
Once again Ashok controlled the game so nicely. His box kicks were priceless at Bogambara as he relieved Royal’s defensive worries. He knows how to manipulate his opposition and also kill time when it is needed. Harith Bandara of Isipathana also played well at 9 along with Senal Silva of S. Thomas’ and Avishka Heenpella’s intercept try was also a treat to watch.
Position: Fly half
Name: Samuel Maduwantha
School: St. Anthony’s College
At one stage it looked like it was Maduwantha vs Royal. He was everywhere, first receiver, full back, wing. His territorial kicks kept Royal at bay in the first half. He did not get enough support from the rest but he was brilliant on his own. He is also the highest points scorer in the league thus far with 74 points (1T 9C 17P).
Position: Left wing
Name: Diyath Fernando
School: St. Peter’s College
He played at full back but he deserves a place in the team as previously he showed that he can be a utility player for St. Peter’s College. Thomian Loose Forward turned winger Bumindra Dissanayake also played well alongside Chamodh Fernando of Isipathana. Diyath made one of the season’s best steps which foxed Mayon Jayawardene and he also made good meters regularly.
Position: Inside center
Name: Ashwantha Herath
School: S.Thomas’ College
Scored 16 points last week and showed great maturity in the game. Distribution and running rugby was also good and his kicking just adds the X factor for a no 12.
Position: Outside Center
Name: Kushan Idunil
School: Isipathana College
He was as good as Herath, maybe he even had a bit more of an impact in that comeback win over Trinity. Although he played well at inside center, he shifted positions depending on situations and scored a superb try in the first half. He then made a lovely offload to his half back in the second half. He has all the skills to play at 12/13. The other outside centers could not make much of an impact last week and as a result the Isipathana skipper gets the slot.
Position: Right Wing
Name: Ravindu Padmasanka
School: Isipathana College
This guy showed some great skills, pace and power for the Greens. When his partner Chamodh has an off-day he stands up. Scored two tries and made 2 conversions and his kicking in play was also another advantage. Naveen Heenakankanamge could not score but made a few breaks but misses out this week.
Position: Full back
Name: Mayon Fernando
School: S.Thomas’College
Despite being undone by Diyath’s steps he still made two try saving tackles; one on Theekshana Heshan and the other on Diyath Fernando. His is still not 100% fit but gives 110% for his school. Scored a try going low, taking on a few defenders. He was also good in the line work and off-loads. Some may disagree, but to me he was the player of the week.
