It’s nice when climaxes fulfill expectation. We couldn’t have asked for a better clash to finish the season, which has brought itself down to the last weekend with just a hair’s breadth between the two unbeaten teams.
The clash for the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy has never been short of spice, regardless of the relative strength of both teams. However, this year, with the title up for grabs things are bound pop, crackle and fizz.
Royal
Unbeaten Royal host the defending champions with the hope of their first league title since 2011. However, even their league winning captain Shehan Pathirana admits that the current team is probably the best Royal side since 2009. Although this team won’t match up on paper to that ’09 side, it is easily one of the most cohesive, complete schoolboy sides in a long while, as was Naren Dhason’s team. Gamage’s side has achieved their unbeaten status less spectacularly than Isipatana have this year, but they have achieved it nevertheless.
Their victory in the second leg of the Bradby was quite spectacular, while the first leg win together with their last gasp win against St. Joseph’s would have given them the character to come through in close games. They have chased games and managed to win. It’s a good sign.
The forwards have been trained by Dushanth Lewke who has also done an admirable job with the strength and conditioning of this side. This team that won the U16 title has played together a while, and it is pretty clear that they rely on their marauding forwards. Add to this the best pair of halves in schools this season, and it is a team that takes some beating. Don’t forget a no. 8 that has scored 14 tries.
Isipatana
Usually famed for their rampant back divisions, Isipatana has lately managed to fashion their forwards into match winning units as well. Captain Omalka Gunaratne lit up the schools season last year and has taken leadership in his explosive stride. Despite his flamboyant game, his leadership style is understated and trusting. His team mates have responded and ran up 60 points against STC and 45 against Science without the skipper even one of his 12 tries this season.
Isuru Kongahawatte the diminutive fly half has controlled games well, but he has rarely been under pressure. Kushan Indunil is a rock outside him while the back three have been a superb attacking force, with Rehan Silva reminding of the same sort of style Glen Osborne had at full back. While the forwards are good, they maybe second to the Royal pack in terms of technique. Sarathchandra is an excellent line out winner, but he is a lone warrior.
Patana have been tested against St. Peter’s, Joes and Trinity. In all the tests they have seen the green light. One final hurdle awaits.
The Game
Given the strengths of both teams on paper, Royal will want to keep this game with their forwards. In order to do that they will need another massive game from the lad who has probably been their most influential player this season, scrum half Ashok. He will look to give them something to chase with his high box kick and excellent sniping. All Royal need is a ball going forward, and Ashok is the man who can orchestrate that. He has taken immense pressure off Gayal Jayasinghe, who sometimes plays in fits and starts even within 80 minutes.
How well, Isipatana’s link man Maduranga plays will have a massive impact on the game, as will the fringe defence of Isipatana. Royal will attack the fringes hard, with their big ball carriers. Keshan Pieris has destroyed some defences while Supun Warnakulasuriya is an outstanding ball carrier. Their head to head battle with Omalka Gunaratne and Chathura Dilshan will probably decide the game. Royal’s Shawket Lahir has also been an excellent defender this season and the big. tall open side will have to be at his best against Gunaratne.
While Royal would want to keep this game close, Isipatana will want to move it wide quickly. Royal’s defensive weaknesses have been in midfield and the outside channels. If they can win good ball, Kongahawatte standing a few metres behind his normal mark would even give the backs some depths to run from.
Despite needing field position, Royal will be wary of kicking possession away to the dangerous Patana back three. Silva, Gallage and Punchihewa are a good attacking unit and will run the ball back all day. For Isipatana too, the kicking game will be important to turn the big Royal forward pack around. If the Greens are to win they’ll know they have to get in behind Royal. It was a tactic that almost worked for the Joes, and if the Royal set piece is pressured Isipatana could be in the driving seat.
Sarathchandra will once again be a key man in pressuring the Royal line out. His mere present at no. 2 should force Warnakulasuriya to go long and maybe force an error. The same will be true for Patana as well with their line out being a key area of possession. If Madushan and Chandula can disrupt the ball well enough, they could starve the Patana backs. If Gunaratne can get some channel one ball early in the scrums he could disrupt Royal.
The possibilities in this game are endless. Isipatana’s obvious weakness is their placed kicking. Kongahawatte had a superb outing against Science and a miserable one against Trinity, the following week. Royal will know they can infringe without consequence if he is having an off day, and if they can dominate the line out. That will be a huge factor.
First phase defence has been a problem for Royal. If the ball is swung early Isipatana have the runners to cause some chaos. It’s going to be an entertaining battle. That much is for absolute sure. My only wish is that all we talk about after the game, is the rugby. No doubt the referee will play a massive part in this game, depending on how he wishes to blow it. If he lets the teams play we are guaranteed some fun.
