Singer Schools’ League – Team of the week 3

You could clearly see the difference when he was playing at lock and in the front-row this week. The ideal man to keep the scrum steady and that try and a few ball carrying runs made a difference comparing to the last two games which he played. Tehan Perera was good for the Thomian’s at the loose too.

Well he never complained about the wet ball in the throws as he maintained a 100% record. The other thing that he is good at is not engaging at the ruck all the time, but only when needed and knowing how to turn the ball over. He made some good meters with the ball in hand and made couple of important tackles. Hamza Reeza of Royal scored two tries but his last throw was the turning point for their loss, despite the poor defense by the Royal winger.

What a treat to watch when he was running with the ball, every time he had the ball he made some decent yards, again lovely angles, so good in the breakdown, also made a stunning turnover with his lower center of gravity. His performance was good enough for the coach Ibrahim as he took him off in the 60^th minute.

Wayne Mack was good for the Thora camp but Shabeer was involved in the game. His pick and run once again was outstanding, controlling the ball and the support play was brilliant, he was there to rescue the team from danger, also good in the lineouts.

Well he played as a No 8 and also the key player in the lineout jump. Welsey’s 4 man lineout was a good ploy. Ashan is a dangerous ball carrier as he gave a tough time for the Joes by gaining a lot of yards. Scored a well-deserved try and controlled the scrum well. He deserves a place in this week’s team for his fine performance.

Hat-trick hero and so good in the lineout and broken play. He just told his flank partner Janith it’s my week mate not yours. So good in the tackles and turnovers. This man made the Rajans clueless alongside the little scrum half.

Although he played at #8 shifting him to seven was a valiant effort. He played the 80 minutes with a never say die attitude despite the Joes loss and his last stage try. Smashing tackles and ball carrying ability was too good against Wesley.

Senura Premawardene of St. Peter’s had his best game of this season so far at No 8, but Dhanoja too put in a fine performance in that match of the week against Royal College. He also moved to the blindside when Sachitha Jayathileke came on. Dhanoja is doing pretty well at 08. Quiet hilariously he could not control the last scrum of the game but was lucky as that move gave the victory for Thora.

He was as outstanding last week as this week scoring a hat-trick. Such a talent with the box kick and dashing speed with some scintillating steps. He fed the ball to the forwards and the backs so fast, showing so much maturity in terms of game management. Avishka Heenpella of St. Peter’s and Avishka Lee of Wesley played well in week three. But Ashan just edged them with his performance.

Perhaps he is the only man who can kick a 40m penalty, he controlled the game in that pivotal position so well. Territorial kicks were solid on that Saturday while also displaying an impressive running game. He beat his opposite number Steffan on that particular game although Steffan scored a try. Samuel also showed his kicking ability with the wrong foot.

This young man has super pace, he started in the absence of Geshan Pethiyagoda and scored two good tries. Dange also played well in the other wing, Royal will now look twice at this setup for the Bradby. Ayesha showed great character and earned his place for this week. Chamodh Fernando was too good and after two massive runs I feel the Isipathana coach rested him too soon.

Greens’ skipper played his best game so far this season, leading from the front and scoring the first try over Kingswood. He went for a typical number 12’s game going in to contact, he showed his offloading ability and created space with his runs. Ashwantha Herath was outstanding too for the school by the sea but Idunil displayed some extra skill level. Trinity’s Sanjana Sangasinghe was also another candidate for this spot.

Brother of Sanchana Shiek playing in the same position. Avishka and Sanjana had good awareness and understanding in the center field. Second half was all about the running game and Shiek was so good with his pace and creating space. Dinuk Amarasinghe of St. Anthony’s also playing a courageous game as the outside center.

A name which Royalists will not forget. Well what a talent, amazing pace, footwork and fend off ability for a winger. What we have not seen from him yet is a kick and chase. Does he need to kick? Not really but he is playing pretty much like Anurudda Wilwara if I’m not mistaken. By far the best winger this season.

He made a scintillating 20m – 25m run with his first touch. Royal 13 put him under so much pressure with brutal rush defense three times in the game. But Mayon was in control and respecting the challenge. His distribution was good and his link between Naveen was the best of all the other combinations so far. He was limping after his first touch but managed to play somehow with sheer confidence.