MILO President Trophy K/O – Preview

The defending champions Science College pulled out of the tournament due to financial issues. Trinity College have also decided not to play and the Plate champions St.Joseph’s College has been forced to skip the event due to some horrific injuries players sustained in the brawl in Bogambara.

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Isipathana College v D.S. Senanayake

Isipathana gets a walkover as D.S. Senanayake College, who finished 4^th in the Plate segment, 12^th overall in the concluded Singer league and were slotted in to play after Trinity’s withdrawal, have opted not to play claiming that they have not had enough time to prepare for the tournament.

These two teams played the Rectors cup in the league at Nittawela Grounds where the Peterites claimed a comeback win 21 – 11. St. Peter’s looks favourites to play in the last four with Isipathana College after a great performance last week against Trinity College. Collin Denish’s boys play an open brand of rugby and their backs are doing the business. Captain Sandesh Jayawickrama’s move from full back to center is working really well, as Diyath Fernando, the speedster, has made some fantastic runs from the full back position.

Watch Live: St.Peter’s v St.Anthony’s 

The Antonian Eagles are also coming in with a victory over Wesleylast week. They have gelled together as a team after the highest points scorer Samuel Maduwantha’s played the role of a lone warrior for much of the season. Jehan Seelagama and Dinuk Amarasinghe need to be more controlled and composed to beat their opposite numbers. Maduwantha is capable of putting 55m penalties and drop goals. The more discipline St. Peter’s provide in the breakdown the better chance they have of winning.

2013 Champions Wesley went so close with 14 – 17 defeat to Royal in the league and will be looking forward to another chance against the boys from Reid Avenue. Captain Zayan Sabar was instrumental in the early season but he needs more support from his tight five. Avishka and Avantha Lee, the twins, have made yards and scored points for the Wesleyites. It might be the last game of the season for last year’s captain Omar Kuthubdeen and he needs to stand up and deliver if he wants another game or two.

Watch Live: Royal v Wesley

Royal on the other hand have been the kings of driving maul. Captain Nikhila Gunadeera started at no8 but played at the tight head against Science last week. Pasindu Amarasinghe has peaked in the flank position while Hamza Reeza, the hooker, might start at no8 giving Azmir Fajudeen, who scored 5 tries in the last game, the No 2 jersey.

S. Thomas’ remains hot favourites to beat the underdogs Zahira College. The Thomians clinched the All Island sevens tournament and was runner-up in the league. Skipper Pandula De Silva must be eyeing the crown and hoping for yet another final clash. Harith Senanayake, Christian De Lile and the tight five have been good and that will put a tremendous amount of pressure on their smaller made opposition. Naveen Henekankanamge is the main man but unfortunately he did not get enough possession in the finals last week to run wide, although scored a late try.

Watch Live: S.Thomas’ v Zahira

Zahira, one of the oldest rugby playing schools, had a fantastic season under Shamly Nawaz the head coach. They went so close to beating St. Joseph’s as the score stood 21 – 20 in favour of the Joes. However, they will be looking to play wide to create a few problems. Perhaps they could take a lesson or two on from the league final. The Zahira half back combination will be the key as Shifaz Amath and Mohamed Zaid have been instrumental in Zahira’s success this season. Captain Mohamed Ramzan is also a strong ball carrier in the center position.