The penultimate week is underway as Isipathana stay in contention to defend their title whilst the unbeaten Royals breathe down their neck. While that titanic clash is a week away lets delve into this weekend.
Trinity v Isipathana
13.06.2015 – KO: 4.30 pm – Venue : Pallekele
Both teams had an impressive win each last week, but Isipathana kept their unbeaten run after the win over Science College. Trinity on the other hand won after going down three matches previously. However, their win last week against the Kingswood showed the team’s character. Isuru Rangala, Saranga Gunathilaka who are the leading points’ scorers with 90 points thus far, have got their playing rhythm back but it will be a tough opponent as the Greens visit the Lions den.
Isuru Kongahawatte, Rehan Silva, Dilan Gallage and Punchihewa are all primed in line work skills; the quality of the passes determines the quality of attack. Also captain Omalka did not score in the last two outings but the rest of the seven forwards were simply outstanding in the lose play and break downs. Trinity certainly has the talent to give a hard time to the Havelock town boys, but Isipathana’s team work and mental strength may prove a bit too much to handle.
Score Predictions : Isipathana win by 7+
Royal v St. Joseph
13.06.2015 – KO: 4.30 – Venue : Royal Complex
The other title contender Royal College has been playing some well-planned rugby this season. The team has been molded fitness wise to play a full 80 minutes and also the bench strength is an X factor for them. In the last game against St. Peters the half time score was just 10 all. However, their comeback was great and showed awareness of playing with composure, not relenting to the pressure and attacking till the final whistle. Ashok Kumar the scrum half has been controlling the game ever so intelligently along with Gayal Jayasinghe Banuka Gamage and Mahima Gamage. Supun Warnakulasuriya with 13 tries and being on the leading try list, is a priceless asset for the Royals.
St. Joseph’s on the other hand dropped down their playing quality from the second round. They have conceded so many yellow cards in the last couple of matches and discipline seems to be playing a vital role. Stephan Gregory is playing like a Gladiator and he is scoring some great tries. Joes however, need to trust the entire of their XV. Tariq Salih will be tested on how he can manipulate the Royal forwards. It will be also a test for the Joes coaches Bilal Yusuf and Asanka Rodrigo who are former Royalist and coached the team.
Score Predictions : Royal win 10+
St. Peters v S. Thomas’
13.06.2015 – KO: 4.30 – Venue : Bambalapitiya
The Peterites played hearts out last week but they could not play the same game as their first half play. Not sure if Captain Kevin Dixon starting off the bench is the right tactical move? Before he was replaced the team was seen playing as a cohesive unit and when Dixon comes in the entire team seems to be relying on him, including the fans who love to see Dixon running with the ball. Nishon Perera is another fine center and didn’t he give a hard time for the Royals? If St. Peters galvanize with possession and composure they can win big against S. Thomas’
Thomians on the other hand perhaps played their match of the season last week against Joes. Captain Hashith Senanayaka scored the first try of the season. They had equal forwards strength if not a tad more to the Joes, however, their backs in the likes of Juranpathy and Ashwantha Herath need to score against the bigger oppositions. In contrast, Jeevan Gunathilaka’s boys are playing more attacking rugby than in the first round which is good to watch.
Score Predictions : St. Peters win by 2 goals
Science v Kingswood
13.06.2015 – KO: 4.30 pm – Venue : Mount Lavinia
Both these teams are now in hunger to secure a win somehow. The Kingsmen played a very good first half but their concentration went astray in the second half against Trinity last week. The team is more or less depending on their skipper Reeza Raffaideen who has scored 79 points in this season. Flanker Srinath Wimalaweera is playing a gigantic game for his school but he is not getting enough support from the rest of the forwards.
Science College countered the Isipathana forwards really well despite their loss last week. Lasindu Ishan is playing a captains knock each and every game. Not only are their backs are versatile, Ishan’s forwards are also showing great guts. Maduranga brothers and Dilshan at the back division are electrifying and that will lend Science the scoring options wide.
Score Predictions : Science win by 5
