Royal College defeated Wesley College while Isipathana scrapped past St. Joseph’s College to set up a final day showdown between the Green Machine and the Royalists. This game will be played for the Dialog Schools Rugby League title as well as the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy.
Wesley College vs Royal College
The hosts entered as underdogs as Royal came in knowing that nothing but a win would help their cause in retaining their crown.
It was the hosts who got off the mark, courtesy of three penalties off the boot of Jayawardena. The visitors were dominated in the first quarter of the game, however, Royal bounced back in typical fashion, scoring off a maul to go into the break with a two-point deficit.
Royal came out all guns blazing and dominated the home team, ending the game with three tries, missing out on the bonus point.
The Royal Maul turned out trumps, even though it was non-existent throughout the season, coming good at no better time. This ensured a safe passage for Royal through to the final day.
Full time: Wesley College 16 (1T 1C 3P) lost to Royal College 21 (3T 3C)
>> Danuja hat-trick revives Royal title ambitions
Isipathana College vs St. Joseph’s College
The Green Machine came in on a pedestal as the Josephians lacked firepower. The Josephian task got that much harder as they lost pivots Subash at five-eighth and Isuru at Fullback.
Isipathana controlled 88% possession and territory, however, the Josephian defense was breached only once, throughout the game.
St. Joseph’s scored 13-points with the 12% possession they amassed leaving the Pathana outfit in shock.
Silva was the savior for Isipathana as he slotted over three penalties in the second half, securing a narrow victory for Isipathana and setting up a final day showdown against Royal College for the Dialog Schools Rugby League and the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy.
Full time: Isipathana College 16 (1T 1C 3P) beat St. Joseph’s College 13 (1T 1C 2P)
>> Slender Isipathana victory sets up final day showdown
Isipathana College vs Royal College
- 14-Aug-2022
- Havelock Park 4.00 pm
It all comes down to this, all the blood sweat and tears of the players, the hours or training and time spent in the middle.
The winner would have the privilege of lifting the Dialog Schools Rugby League and the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy.
Isipathana will no doubt have to up their game as the crowd support will be of no doubt, given that the game is played at Havelock Park. The Pathana grit and heart will be required twice over as they look to claim their maiden crown since 2017.
Royal College on the other hand will surely know that perfecting their Maul and their defense would be sufficient if they are to be crowned champions.
Prediction: Royal to edge Pathana by 7-points or more
St. Joseph’s College vs Wesley College
- 15-Aug-2022
- Havelock Park 4.00 pm
St. Joseph’s play Wesley as both schools would be seeking to end a somewhat positive season on a high.
Wesley would know that nothing but a win would do and if they are to achieve that, their attack would be pivotal given the strong Josephian defense.
St. Joseph’s College would not be too please but a third-place finish on the table is up for grabs, given either side can conjure up a victory.
The host will be the favorites to win but Wesley would surely have other ideas. Expect some fast-paced running rugby and a big score on the board.
Prediction: St. Joseph’s to win by 10-points or more.
