After an enthralling first round of the Singer schools rugby league, the second round is set to get bigger this Saturday as the top 8 teams will vie for the cup competition in segment one. All four matches have been scheduled for the Saturday which will no doubt pose a dilemma for the rugby fans.
Isipathana v S. Thomas 30.05.2015 4.30 pm CR&FC
The unbeaten Green machine takes on S Thomas. One way traffic is expected to the Greens who will be playing as favourites. Nilfer Ibrahim’s boys have had just one thing to worry about this season that is their kicking at uprights. However, Isuru Kongahawatte managed to put 3/6 kicks in the last outing in Kandy in unfavourable weather conditions which is an improvement when considering that of the 32 tries Isipathana have made in the season so far bring just 7 conversions.
S. Thomas on the other hand, secured the most important win against St. Anthony’s which enabled them to stay in the cup. Nevertheless, this weekend will be a big test. We will be able to see how hard they have trained in the last two weeks. The match against Wesley which they played for Sir Oliver Gunathilaka Shield was a good comeback win. The replacement scrum half on that day Dion Dias Gamage made headlines but the little man will be tested against the big’uns.
Score Prediction – Isipathana win 25+
Science v St. Joseph 30.05.2015 4.30 pm Science Ground
This will be a cracking game without a doubt. The hosts Science are the dark horses of the league and they will be hoping to kick off the second round in a positive manner. Thanuja Maduranga has been the highest point’s scorer so far for the Mount team with 51 (6T, 9C, 1P) which makes him the 5th highest in the league. His 16 year old brother Tarindu Maduranga has been a real prospect scoring 3 tries and 3 conversion so far. The Lasindu Ishan v Taariq Salih contest will be brutal.
Joes have been good to finish second in the first round. Despite going down by two points against Kingswood and a point to Wesley in the first halves, it seems they have enough stamina and fitness to play a productive 80 minute game. Nevertheless, it will be tested against the very mobile Science outfit. The winner and loser will perhaps be decided by the Shamilka Kurumbalapitiya kicks at goal.
Score Prediction – If it is not the first draw – Science win by 2 with home advantage
St. Peters v Trinity 30.05.2015 4.30 pm Bambalapitiya
Trinity’s bad-luck will once again be tested after the second leg thrashing in the Bradby. Peterites certainly have the mental advantage as they decimated CWW Kannangara for a century score. The Bamba Brigade will be in numbers and despite home advantage for them it would be an equal contest as the wounded Lion will be dangerous..
10, 12, 13 (Sandesh, Kevin, Nishon) v (Thusila, Ryan, Sachintha) the backs are the forces that threaten but Saranga Gunathilaka will be the ace if Trinity wants to do something positive. Saranga is the current highest point’s scorer with 69. Trinity is poor with their set-pieces and St. Peters are more accurate at it.
Score Prediction – St. Peters win by 3
Royal v Kingswood 30.05.2015 4.30 pm Royal Complex
Royal will be without a doubt the happiest group of boys on the scene after the win over Trinity. The talk of the town is the mouth-watering Royal-Pathana clash. But Royal still have plenty of work to do. The current Royal team looks well gelled, well-structured and playing with the correct game sense. Also Supun Warnakulasuriya has been a real weapon along with Ovin Askey showing some great promise with his boots.
Banuka Gamage is a cool customer and he is brilliant to watch. Reeza Raffaideen, the Kings skipper is similar. It will be interesting to see what tactics Coach ‘Castro’ will use against the Royals.
Score Prediction – Royal win by 7+
