At the end of first round of Singer schools rugby league now that teams are confirmed in the cup, plate and bowl category. It was a brutal fifth week with player’s performances improving and highlighted weekly basis.
Unfortunately Science College vs Dharmaraja College match did not happen in week five to figure out the impact players.
Josephian Vimukthi Rahula was outstanding starting at the all important outside center position. He played all season as a scrum half and it prevented him from showing his skills with the ball and playing at the center gave him the independence to run down the flanks and become a potent threat to the DS defense. Vimukthi was rock solid in his defensive work and his nippy moves almost got him a try in the dying stages of the 2nd half. However, he had to shift to scrum half at the 2nd half as well and his work as the half back was impressive as always.
Heshan Malinga Dons skipper was by far the most impressive forward player for the minnows of Schools rugby. Number 8 played a fierce game at the back of the scrum. Heshan’s decision making as a Captain was his strong point throughout the game. He made a high number of tackles on his opponents which prevented the Josephians from crossing over the try line no more than twice. In addition the skipper made several attacking moves which got his team into a points scoring territory but the others failed to finish it off which denied them a chance of a first win.
Scrum half Steve Dharmarartne played a fine knock for St. Peters. Although it was a sloppy game in terms of ball handling and basic mistakes for both the teams. He delivered quick balls to his three quarters and some short feed passes to the peter’s forwards and including his individual brilliance try which made collectively benefitted the Bambalapitiya boys. On the other hand C.B. Ranaraja of St. Anthony’s been in great form he is gearing up with his tries and now he has 5 tries under his name. He is been a promising lad for the Eagles. This wing has got some serious pace and power but yet it was not enough for the eagles as they slip out of cup competition.
Imthisham Jaleel another speedy wing three quarter of Kingswood has been instrumental once again. His dancing foot and supportive effort made him to score two tries in week 5 against the Thomians. He is playing a key role for the unbeaten Kandy boys. He is a good chaser especially when Asela Wijesinghe kicks the ball high and by the time the ball reaches down he is almost hanging into it.
Leading from the front at their prestigious schools fixture lions captain Tarinda Ratwatte showcased brilliant control and composure against Royal. He had no pressure from the opposite end for that beautiful drop goal despite missing a penalty. He has been a great character so far and he is the most point’s scorer with 66 points under his name in 5 matches. Royal on the other hand although all 16 points were scored by their skipper Nimshan Jayawardena but the most impact player was Gayal Jayasinghe who went for big hits in gain inch by inch on the Trinity territory, he played with a great understanding involving in the pack and the line where it was needed.
Shenal Deelaka the captain of Isipathana College was outstanding with his defensive work, He lead the team well although it was a scary second half for the ‘green machine’. He was so brutal on his tackles and turnovers. In the leading points scorer list Omalka Gunaratne and Sudam Sooriarachi too played superbly in the nail biting thriller at Longdon Place. The Hat-Trick hero Shehzad Hamidon from Wesley College was very impressive he is too strong and fast and someone would have wonder where he was hiding all these time? His scintillating effort was in vain, However, Wesley now will fight in the Plate championship as favorites to win the title.
