Racecourse will be the setting up for the Milo President’s Trophy Knockout Final as St. Peter’s College go face-to-face against St. Joseph’s College for glory on Saturday.
When: 30th June 2018
Where: Racecourse International Stadium
Kick off: 6.00pm
The two sides clash for the second time this year as the lads from Bambalapitiya will no doubt seek to avenge their big-match defeat, while the boys from Maradana aim to go back-to-back.
St. Joseph’s head-in as overwhelming favorites having fallen short only against Royal College throughout the eleven games of the season so far. However, if the lads from St. Peter’s replicate their second half performance from their last game, they will no doubt pose a serious threat towards their brother school.
The Josephians are in just their second major final, currently with a 100% win percentage, having won last year against Isipathana College.
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In stark contrast, the Pete’s have been to many grand finals time and time again and are no slouch when it comes to the big game.
They will be relishing this opportunity under master tactician Sanath Martis as they seek to overhaul the Josephians.
Under Martis, St. Peter’s went on to win the President’s trophy in 2010 but they had to share the trophy with Royal College. However, prior to this the Peterites went on to win the trophy on three consecutive occasions from 2006 – 08. A rare feat which only S. Thomas’ and Kingswood have achieved.
A change of tactics will surely be on the cards following their first defeat in the League at the hands of the Josephians a couple of weeks ago.
Jason Karunarathne and Kenneth Wimaladasa will no doubt be the halfback pairing they stick to after a splendid performance in the semis and Sanath Martis will be hoping for some better distribution shown by the two unlike on the first occasion the two teams met.
Meanwhile, the Josephians will stick to their wide running game and will come out all guns blazing as they would look to hit hard — in both attack and defence — from the onset.
Gemunu Chethiya will be one man to have both eyes locked onto as he takes to the field for one last time alongside Keshan Kavinda, Shan Akila and captain Sameesha Viranga in the Blue and White of St. Joseph’s.
The two teams have never met each other in a President’s Trophy game, but if recent form is anything to go by you cannot bet against the Josephians. However, the Pete’s will surely want to have a say in that as the two meet on Saturday.
Referee: Praneeth Weeranga
Assistant referees: Aaqil Jamadeen, Ishanka Abeykoon
Television match official: Anil Jayasinghe
