Now that the schools format, which we condemned at the outset, has relegated poor Wesley to play in the Plate, and allowed some underperforming sides like Joes and Thora to remain in the top division, we move to the second round games which involve the top 8.
Today we will see two matches, where by Joes travel up to Kingswood for a potential hiding, and S.Thomas’ entertain Isipatana for what could be another hiding. Royal then take on the high riding Peterites, while Trinity will host Science on Saturday.
Kingswood v Joes
This is a Josephian side that ended up champs at U16. However, they don’t seem to have translated this success and obvious talent to the 1st XV level. They have a nice big forward pack that lacks aggression, and more importantly lacks the ability to win set piece ball against smaller opponents. If they manage to sort that issue out, they might be able to make life difficult for Kingswood, even if they don’t beat them.
Kingswood’s resurgence has been long awaited. These guys, for me, have produced some of the best talent that we have seen recently. Players like Fazil Marija, Roshan and Gayan Weerartne, Achala Perera and even lesser known names like Navin Wijetunga, Thilna Manoj and Heshan Premaratne, were outstanding players in some superb Kingswood sides in the mid naughties.
However, some unsustainability crept into their structure for various reasons and they have now managed to bring their rugby back where it needs to be. Nobody spoke about them before the tournament, but now, they may just be the team to watch. They score loads of tries, and their back line is dangerous. The Josephian midfield defence is not brilliant, but if they tighten this up Kingswood may struggle. However, it is unlikely that they will get beaten at home.
STC v Isipatana
S.Thomas’ are clearly missing Jayasinghe and Jawath, their fly half and full back from last year. It’s amazing what just a couple of players can do to lift a side. The current crop looks nothing like the team that got promoted from the B division last year and beat Royal and Trinity.
The big Thomian pack may just have had enough of a rest over the holidays to work on the scrum and line out which had deserted them. If they can disrupt a shaky Isipatana line out, they may starve them of possession. Similary, if they give Omalka Guneratne back foot ball, he may not be as threatening from the base.
As good as Patana has been this season, Guneratne and Sooriyarachchi are their main attackers. If STC successfully manage to stop these two getting over the gain line, they may find it difficult to spark those electrifying runs. However, this team is immensely dangerous from counter attack ball, and they are likely to punish any mistakes the Thomians will make. Given the way they have been playing that maybe quite a few. However, if they get their game plan right, play very tight rugby and force 8 and 9 to make tackles and bury them often, they may get close.
Royal v Peters
St. Peters’ on the other hand is looking nothing like the side they did last year, in a very good way. Their preparations seem to have gone well in the pre season and they have excellent ball movement in the back line. What has been good also is that their forwards have stepped up this season.
They will be up against one of their sterner tests this week though, as Royals forwards will again aim to stifle the Peterite backs. If Peters get the ball wide, they will score. However, they will have to be disciplined, in order that they don’t concede penalties to Nimshan Jayawardena, or close range line outs to the dangerous driving maul that Royal have.
The Royalists, will just have to play to their strengths, and try not to overcomplicate things. Keep it tight, and try and punch holes through the 9-10 channel. Too much kicking is something Royal will have to avoid as Peters will run it back efficiently. Coach Martis will definitely have a point to prove against his old school, and this should be an interesting encounter.
Trinity v Science
The quietly achieving Science College team will travel up to Trinity to try and run them ragged. In the aftermath of a Bradby, this is as good a time to play Trinity as ever. Usually, after the Bradby both Royal and Trinity find it difficult to motivate themselves. If the Lions show any complacency Science should swoop on it immediately.
However, the physical conditioning and bench strength of this Trinity team is good, and they should be able to prevail, especially at home.
