It is the Bradby weekend but some interesting clashes between the other schools also await. On Saturday the entire of Kandy will be packed as the action centers around the three famous grounds Pallekele, Bogambara and Nittawela.
St. Peters v CWW 08.05.2015 KO 4.30 pm St. Peters Ground
The first match in week 5 is on this Friday between these two teams. CWW Kannagara College has conceded an average of 65 points against all four teams they played previously. The Peterites without doubt will go pass 50+ despite their losses to Isipathana and St. Joseph. Kannangara on the other hand facing several injuries, has on their hands a nightmare to survive in the top segment although they were deservedly promoted last year. Kevin Dixon, Nishon Perera, Sandesh Jayawickrama and Diyath Fernando are in top form in the line for the Petes. Madhawa Sathsara the Kannangara skipper often played a lonely hand with his individual brilliance after their play maker Lahiru Lakshan got injured against Joes and is set to miss the rest of the season.
Score Predictions – St. Peters to win 50+
St. Anthony’s v St. Thomas 09.05.2015 KO 4.30 pm Nittawela
Great win for the Eagles against Dharmaraja College last week in an unexpected 30 – 17 win. The Eagles now have gelled as a team and are exploring all their skills and talent in the attacking mode which is good to watch. The school by the sea was unable to score a single point against the Royalist, and surely their mental strength is has taken a nose-dive and will be an advantage to the hosts this Saturday. Dilan Neuman the Antonian captain was pleased after the first win in the league last week and he hopes to win against S.Thomas to stay in contention in the cup.
This match will decide who will go to the plate competition and who will remain in the cup. Jeevan Gunathilaka’s boys should forget the last week and are sure to try to play to their strengths. However, the Antonians have the home advantage and therefore the visitors might feel a little uncomfortable.
Score Predictions – St. Anthony’s win by 2
Dharmaraja v Science
Rajans are quite unlucky to secure a win despite playing some attacking rugby. They lost all their 4 matches and if they can pull up the game against Science, it would be a great achievement. Realistically Science are favorites despite their valiant effort against the Trinity College last week not materializing.
Lasindu Ishan the Science captain who also played for the national under 18 was in a fine form along with Thanuja Madhuranga who is the highest points scorer for the mount lads. For the Rajans, Bavantha Udangamuwa brother of the debutant Tusker and Kandy SC #08 Buwanaka Udangamuwa has played well so far as have Viraj Weerasekera the captain and Hurigolla the wing. Nevertheless, Radhika Hettiacrachchi certainly knows the threat of Science and surely will put on his thinking cap.
Score Prediction – Science win by 7
Trinity v Royal 09.05.2015 KO 4.30pm Pallekele
The BIG ONE and the oldest schools fixture the 71st Bradby Shield has nestled safely for the last 4 years in the hills. Will Royal bring it to Colombo? It is pretty hard to predict as both teams are unbeaten and they have total points of 21.50 and Trinity has scored 23 tries to Royals 22.
Supun Warnakulasuriya was outstanding with 8 tries so far and he is controlling the pack smoothly for the Reid Avenue boys. Banuka Gamage the captain also scored a hat-trick last week against the Thomians. Ovin Askey showing his good consistency with the kicking boots is another advantage. Isuru Rangala the Lions captain has been superb with his defense so far, but Saranga Gunathilaka is the outstanding player so far and is also the highest points scorer with 62 under his name.
Await the full Preview for the Bradby
Score Predictions – Trinity with the home advantage win by 1 point
St. Joseph v Wesley 09.05.2015 KO 4.30 pm CR&FC
Both teams won last week – Joes fought hard to overcome Kingswood 24 – 17 despite 10 -12 at the half time. Wesley on the other hand sealed their first win over CWW Kannagara 61 – 00. Chamika Kusal scored 5 tries last week but this time around a tough opponent and it won’t be that easy for the double blues.
Taariq Salih the Joes skipper who made history after beating St. Peters or the first time in 15 years is one of the best defenders in the league so far, marshaling his troops well. Also Shamilka Kurumbalapitiya’s form and Stephan Gregory’s big hits will test the inexperienced Wesley side. Moreover, coach Henry Terrence is out on national duty and Asst. Coach Dennis Amal will have to put 110% with planning the strategy.
Score Predictions – Joes win 10 +
Kingswood v Isipathana 10.05.2015 KO 4.30 pm Bogambara
The only match to be played on Sunday and that will be a real tester for the hosts. Disappointing results for the Kingswood in week 4 where their decision making was not up to mark. Nevertheless, this match is more about the Reeza Raffaideen’s kicking at uprights and Isipathana’s kicking woes thus far as the Greens have scored only 5 conversions out of 27 tries.
Omalka Gunarathne is quite unstoppable one on one against any team but they have depth in their ranks with many who played in the junior national team last year. An argument could be made if Isipathana can win without Omalka? Perhaps yes ! Isuru Kongahawatte is controlling the game so nicely in the pivotal position No10.
Kingswood has some consistent kickers in their camp with captain Raffaideen, Chathura Senavirathne etc and it will be interesting to see how they kick under pressure and also how they stop the greens scoring.
Score Predictions – Isipathana win by 7
