We are into the third week of the Schools Rugby League already, and the action at hand only keeps getting better. Here’s a look at what’s to come in week 3.
15th March – Trinity College vs St. Anthony’s College at Pallekelle
The home side come into this encounter following their first defeat of the season at the hands of the high-flying Green Machine last weekend. For St. Anthony’s College, the beginning of the season has been disastrous, being drubbed in their first two games, as they come into this game win-less.
The Trinitians heading in as favorites will be aiming to inflict more damage on their fellow Hill Capital rivals. Meanwhile, the Antonians will have a tough task at hand if they are to revive their season, just three games into it.
What to expect
Fast paced running rugby will no doubt be on show, mainly from Trinity College. While the visitors will be seeking to put their disastrous start behind them, regroup and stride out with purpose, as they look for their first win of the season.
15th March – St. Joseph’s College vs Zahira College at Havelock Park
Two teams from Maradana with a contrasting start to their seasons, the Josephians have won both their games in convincing fashion while the Zahirians have dropped both games at the start of the season.
St. Joseph’s College will want to carry their momentum through to this game before they face two giants in Schools’ rugby in the next two weeks while Zahira College will be looking for a kick start to their season.
What to expect
Zahira College will no doubt bring their forward pack to the fore-front as they take on St. Joseph’s College while the Josephians will be aiming to do the same thing Science College did to Zahira, run them ragged.
16th March – Science College vs Isipathana College at Science Grounds
This mouthwatering encounter will be a treat for fans of fast moving, running rugby. This will be the ultimate test for the hosts as they ready themselves to disrupt the Green Machine at their own game.
Spirit in the Pathana camp will be high after a moral boosting win up at Pallekale and Science will be heading into this fixture after recording their first win of the season, however, this will be a whole different test for the home team.
What to expect
Expect the ball to be swung wide on every given occasion. Both teams will aim to run. The back-room staff of either team could pull a rabbit out of the hat and keep the ball with their forwards, but it seems highly unlikely at given the strength and reputation of the two sides’ back lines.
16th March – Maliyadeva College vs St. Peter’s College at Maliyadeva Grounds
The intensity of the top flight of Schools’ Rugby has caught out a young, inexperienced Maliyadeva outfit as the team from Kurunegala has conceded 100+ point in their opening two fixtures.
St. Peter’s put on a much-improved defensive show last weekend against Kingswood to record their first win of the season, and they will be aiming to make it two wins from three when they make the journey to Kurunegala.
What to expect
Expect a Peterite barrage of attack on the under fire Maliyadeva lads. Even though they are on their own paddock, it’s hard to see the home team coming away with anything from this game. It will be all out attack from the visitors while the home team will need to put their bodies on the line and defend.
17th March – Royal College vs Wesley College at Royal Complex
Defending champions Royal College return home as they prepare to take on Les Blues after a successful defense of the Micheal Gunaratne Trophy. Visitors Wesley College’s season did not get off to a bright start, but a win against Maliyadeva might well have come at the correct time as they aim to get their season back on track.
Royal will be hoping to consolidate their place at the top of the table while the visitors will have other ideas coming to the Complex.
What to Expect
Royal’s forward pack against Wesley’s three-quarters? Well that could very well be the manner in which proceedings unfold, however, the host’s back line has been more active than previous years and their ability to hang on to possession for long periods of play puts Royal in the driver’s seat.
On the other hand, the visitors will need to make full use of their chances, to turn possession into points and every visit into Royal’s red zone will be vital if Wesley are to leave the Complex with anything in the bag.
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18th March – S. Thomas’ College vs Kingswood College at STC Grounds
Kingswood College will be kicking themselves after not being able grab their second win up in the Hill Capital while S. Thomas’ College were dealt a massive blow with their loss against arch rivals Royal College last week.
Kingswood failed to capitalize on their opportunities last week while the Thomians took too long to get into the groove of things. These reasons cost both these teams victories in week 2.
What to Expect
The Thomians will look to find their feet and get into the groove the quickest while the Randle Hills lads would know they need to be more clinical when it comes to finishing and securing points on their visit to their opponent’s red zone.
