D. S. Senanayake College will go in as favourites against their counterparts Mahanama College in the 11th Battle of the Golds Rugby encounter that is set to be played on the 9th of June 2017 under floodlights at the Havelock Sports Club grounds.
The two schools; D. S. Senanayake College and Mahanama College have upheld their friendly rivalry across many sporting disciplines with true sportsmanship values. It was, in fact, eleven years ago that the two schools came together for a traditional rugby encounter that was later tagged as the ‘Battle of the Golds Rugby Encounter’.
So far there has been 10 games played between the two schools and D. S. Senanayake College has had the privilege of winning seven of them. Mahanama College were the recipients of the trophy in the first three years and since then, luck has not been on their side. The last seven years has ended up in D. S.’s favour which is a clear indication that Dons have been the better side on paper.
D. S. Senanayake College will be led by fifth-year player Gaveen Perera who has been a part of the D. S. Senanayake team to four victories in the Gold’s rugby encounter. Captaining the side this year, he will be looking to make it 5/5 as his team boasts of experience over their counterparts.
D. S. Senanayake was the last minute inclusion in the Schools Rugby League but they did not have the good fortune of winning a single game in the first round of Division I sending them to the Plate Championship. In there the Dons were fortunate enough to win three games and that gave them the opportunity to stay in the top division in the coming season.
Senior player Inura Samarawickrema has been a standout player for the team throughout the season and he will surely lead his team from the forefront in the position of flanker. He was phenomenal in their wins and will look to finish the season off on a high note.
Things have not gone too well for Mahanama in their season with only 3 wins under their belt. Their wins have come against Lalith Athulathmudali, St. Benedict’s and St. Sylvester’s. They remain in division ‘B’ and will give their best effort to get something out of this upcoming encounter.
Senior and experienced campaigner Madhawa Silva will lead the team in the upcoming match and will be readily supported by his teammates who believe that they have one last go at victory.
Third-year player Ganidu Umayanga will spearhead the forwards with him playing in the front row while Ayesh Viduranga is the team’s other experienced campaigner who will occupy the center position.
Match experience and exposure at the highest form of schools rugby will definitely aid D. S. Senanayake in their conquest while Mahanama College will be opting to give their very best since they have nothing to lose.
The encounter which will be played under floodlights will be live on ThePapare.com as we will bring you action from Havelock Park starting 6.00 p.m.
Watch Live: 11th D. S. Senanayake vs Mahanama Rugby Encounter – 9th June
