Let’s take a closer look at the Science College Rugby team competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024.
History
Science College has been famous for producing the biggest upsets in the Schools Rugby history. Science College commenced Rugby in 1978 and they took little time to make an impact, defeating their neighboring school, S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia in 1981, which was a significant achievement.
From that very step onwards, they achieved notable wins in Rugby against many leading Rugby schools. They were unstoppable in 2015, when they ended up being the President’s Trophy – Knockout Champions, beating the Green Machines, Isipathana College. That momentum continued as they became the Under 18 7s champions in the years 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Science did not have the best of seasons in 2022 and 2023, registering only a handful of wins, and will want to improve their win percentage in 2024.
Current Outfit
It is going to be quite an interesting team composition, as Science College has more than 10 senior players who will be playing this season with prior 1st XV experience.
The speedsters of the backline will play a major role for the team as they are well-rounded and they can handle any situation reading the game to the point.
This mixture of the balanced squad will be guided by Captain Anuradha Lakshan along with Isuru Vithanage and Dilruwan Perera being the Vice Captains.
Players to Watch out for
Skipper Anuradha Lakshan, who has been playing for 3 years as the scrum half of Science College will once again play an important role with his tactical play. His vision to control the game will come in handy along with his leadership for the Giant Killers to register some biggest upsets in the season.
The Vice Captains of Science College, Isuru Vithanage and Dilruwan Perera, are also well-experienced players who will play as a wing three-quarter and full-back respectively.
- Photos – Science College 1st XV Rugby Preview 2024
- Vidyartha ‘Tigers’ – brimming with promise and potential
- Trinity College Rugby – A force to reckon in 2024
This trio will be the backbone of the Science backline for this season, which other teams are wary of.
Dilruwan ended the last season on a high note, being the highest scorer for Science College, with a total of 41 points. He was the highest try scorer for the team as well, being able to score 3 tries in the 2023 season.
Dananjaya Sahan, Sasitha Dewjan, Oshan Eranda, and Siluna Sades will be leading the pack as the most experienced forward players.
Coaches
Chamara Vithanage has been an inspirational coach for Science College as he has made exceptional achievements with this team. He will look to take the Science outfit up the ladder in their group with his impeccable vision. The training plan has been spot on for them as the team is well prepared under his guidance with a lot of knowledge.
Shehan Dias will function as their Forward Coach while Amantha Perera works as the trainer and the Backs Coach of the team. This skillful coaching panel have been working hard for the last 5 months in order to have a successful season.
Expectations for the Season
As Science College ended up with one win in the last season, they will be planning to go for higher number of wins in 2024. Science will be playing 5 of their 7 games in Colombo this season with Air Force Grounds being their home venue. Their away fixtures are against St. Anthony’s which is the first match and Dharmaraja College.
They have a strong foundation with the knowledgeable experience of the senior players this year. Furthermore, playing 5 games at their home venue will be a huge advantage for them as well. The passion of the young players will be an added advantage for the team, when they will be playing crucial matches at home surrounded by their supporters. As they are about to start their campaign in few days, they will be taking every challenge match by match, focusing more on one opponent at a time.
Full Squad
Forwards – Oshan Eranda, Pramod Nalaka, Ravindu Nishanta, Siluna Sades, Dananjaya Sahan, Soorya Silva, Tharusha Gimhana, Damitha Prabod, Umesh Thisaru, Praveen Thakshala, Riveen Helika, Udan Perera, Demitha Sethvin, Yasindu Dulanjana, Senura Akash, Lashen Nethmina, Lisath Nimnaka
Backs – Anuradha Lakshan (Captain), Isuru Vithanage (Vice Captain), Dilruwan Perera (Vice Captain), Sasitha Dewjan, Mohommed Shaheer, Kavisha Ranthula, Rithnuka Dabare, Methuka Mindula, Thisum Pahasara, Minula Rehan, Akila Sathsara, Bosith Danthula, Tharusha Sangeeth, Sathsindu Chandupa, Hiruka Lindula, Dineth Vihanga
Fixtures
- Vs St.Anthony’s College – 15th June at Kandy
- Vs Isipathana College – 22nd June at Air Force Grounds
- Vs St.Thomas’ College – 29th June at Air Force Grounds
- Vs D. S. Senanayake College – 07th July at Air Force Grounds
- Vs Sri Sumangala College – 13th July at Air Force Grounds
- Vs Dharmaraja College – 20th July at Kandy
- Vs Trinity College – 27th July at Air Force Grounds
