Singer Schools’ Rugby League – Team of the week 9 (final week)

Big ball carrier, he made some good yards; it was exciting to watch him in the last game of the league. Almost scored a try but Royal’s valiant effort in defense denied it. Maliesh of Trinity and Rodrigo of St. Peter’s also had good games at loose head.

Five star Fajudeen, a try was guaranteed to whoever played hooker for Royal this season. His five tries were special and he also showed consistency with his lineout throws, and showed some intensity running with ball in hand.

Back to the front row from No8 for Gunadeera this week. He had a good game as he was quick after one hit and set up for nicely for the second move as first receiver.

Despite the loss and his yellow card he played a great game. Chang’s inaccurate throw affected him once, but Rahul was so ferocious when he received the ball as the first receiver from the breakdown. Wayne Mack too played well, he almost scored a try but was stopped by Devin Gunarathne.

Created pressure in the lineouts and also used good tactics in broken play.

Made some lovely breaks to gain yards, great skills in the breakdown.

He played really well, but he needs to think twice before he takes the quick tap especially in the opposite ‘red zone’. If it is a try you will get credit but if that 3 point chance goes begging with the tap and run the attempt goes in vain. He made more runs with the ball in hand comparing to the other No7s.

He was in doubt to start the finale due to illness but what a day he had. The Player of the Match award was a deserved one. Two tries, two turnovers and he made some ferocious tackles. A scrum half converted to number 8, his mobility at the back of the scrum was just too good.

Great battle between both the half backs in the Trinity v St. Peter’s game. Anuka Boyagoda was as good as Heenpella as both made many breaks and yards, however, Heenpella did some extra work with his excellent decision making from the second quarter till the end. Ashok Wijekumar too marshaled his forwards and executed his box kicks to overcome the Science scare, but Heenpella’s running game was instrumental in the Peterite win.

The lone crusader, what a game he had, the last minute Jonny Wilkinson drop goal just destroyed the Wesley hearts. Steffan Sivaraj also made some lovely first man breaks and kicks at the uprights. But Samuel’s territorial kicks with both feet, and kicking at goals helps him edge of all the other 10s.

Superb once again with his powerful running, made the most of the advantage in the absence of his opposite defender Naveen Henekankanamge and scored a crucial try. Chamod was good in his support play and made more meters in a crunch game.

Great awareness, leading from the front, made a few defensive tackles and was unfortunate to have his try disallowed. Nevertheless, his running angles, offloading ability were all fascinating to watch.

Scored two tries and one was just superb individual brilliance. He gave a hard time to the Royal backs as he manipulated the opposite defense with his runs. Rankothge of Isipatahana also played well despite an uncharacteristic knock-on. Sandesh Jayawickrama also played well at outside center.

This guy made some good meters every time he had the ball, almost scored a try with a 50m dash. Good support play and awareness shown in the game. Although Thomian star Naveen Henakankanamge scored a last gasp try he did not have enough ball possession to display his skills. Omar Kuthubdeen of Wesley also made some fine yards.

If you allow him space 9 out of 10 times he’s uncatchable. He has the best stepping ability and the try he scored was outstanding. Gayan Wickramarathne also played well for the Green Machine.