St. Joseph’s College will be gunning down the throats of Isipathana College to win their first ever major trophy, whilst the Green Machine will be aiming to make it knockout trophy number eight as the two teams lock horns in the final this weekend.
Just a few years on from fighting for their lives in the top division, St. Joseph’s have been transformed into an entertaining and competitive side in the schools’ league. Their dazzling back line of Chatura Seneviratne, Gemunu Chethiya, Sameesha Viranga and Vinul Fernando have been the guiding force for the Joes this season. However, the hardworking and a physically intimidating pack led by Gihan Perera, Sven Muller and Tehan Senevirathne whose work often has been overlooked due to their flashy players in the backline, have also been a force.
Sachith Silva picked up the highest points scorer award last week, some fine recognition for a season in which the youngster has not only just converted from multiple positions but has been the glue and steady hand in that back three, just missing out on the highest try scorer award.
Credit has to go to Nilfer Ibrahim, the head coach of the Josephian team this season, for ensuring that this Joes team is driven not by egos but a collective will to win.
For the Blue and Whites to win their backs will need to go head on with Isipathana, who proved in the semi-final that their three quarter line can take on the best in the schools arena.
>> WATCH LIVE: ST.JOSEPH’S VS ISIPATHANA <<
Excuses that Peter’s were fatigued from defeating Trinity the previous week are valid but even so, what Isipathana is known for over the years is winning crucial games which came in handy as they displayed that the defeat in the league was just a chance by the Blue and Gold.
The defending champions have shown time and time again that they have made the big stage their own, not only reaching big finals, but winning them with relative ease.
The greens have rarely recruited players as talent is found and nurtured from grass-roots from within the school as the singular goal of a player is becoming greats of Pathana rugby, playing for the first XV.
There is no surprise in this as the likes of Harith Bandara, Randy Silva and Chamodh Fernando are a testament to their rugby culture in school.
Lasintha de Costa is relatively new to the coaching arena however, he along with Bilal Hassan have managed to revitalize the lads following a disappointing league campaign, taking them through to the final of the Milo President’s trophy Knockout tournament.
Injuries have plagued the Greens as they prepare for the all-important final but the Josephian squad looks fit and firing, raring to go in their quest to win a first major title.
Players to watch: Sumudu Rankothge’s injury means Chamodh Fernando gets the captain’s arm band, with the fullback tasked with a key role in the side’s attack.
Sachith Silva and Gemunu Chethiya will be the duo to watch out for from the Josephian line-up, however every single member from the Maradana team will need to put their hand up if they are to surprise the Park side.
Form: This is Isipathana’s eight Milo President’s trophy final, having won on all previous occasions. The Josephians have never beaten the Pathana lads but came close in the league encounter, falling short by 7 points (39-32).
Both teams come in following two hard fought semi finals but form will have a very little say in this high pressure encounter. The team that manages to rise to the occasion first, will be the team to go all the way but the Isipathana lads are able to come back from behind as they have shown in the past.
Date: Saturday, June 24
Venue: Race Course
Kick-off: 19:00 local
Referee: Irshad Carder
Assistant Referees: Dinka Peiris, Sarath Madugalle
TMO: Tony Amit
