The first round of the Singer Schools’ Rugby League is now over with the week 5 fixtures played in muddy conditions.
Although St. Joseph’s College did not make it into the Cup competition but their players still make the team of the week after some fine performances. Next week we will only be looking at performances from the Cup segment. Unfortunately bad weather kept Thomian star Naveen Heenakankanamge out of the Team of the Week, as he did not get a chance to make much of an impact.
Position: Loose Head Prop
Name: Rahal Delpachitra
School: St. Peter’s College
Not sure he fits into the no 4 jersey, playing as a lock, but his place should be either tight or loose head. He scored a lovely try, courtesy of Sivaraja’s brilliant inside pass. Rahal was poor under the high ball as he missed an easy catch, the positional factor at the kick off might be a problem. He played well in the game against the Rajans.
Position: Hooker
Name: Azmir Fajudeen
School: Royal College
He controlled the lineout throws with consistency, was solid in support play and at the back of the driving maul in the first leg of 72nd Bradby Shield. He has been improving from week one to five, but lost a bit of touch in the second leg of the Bradby, although that performance won’t count in this team.
Position: Tight head prop
Name: Ayesh Maduranga
School: Royal College
Provided excellent work rate.He has been doing the most in the tight fight. He has the fitness to play 90 minutes not just 80. Great reader of the game and excellent positioning on the field.
Position: Lock
Name: Mohamed Shabeer
School: St. Anthony’s College
Once again so good with pick and run to gain, inch by inch and meter by meter. Was also playing at no8 on an attacking scrum and showed mobility. Good in lineouts and breakdown once again. Shane Gurusinghe of St. Peter’s College also had a good game. Shabeer’s work rate gives him five out of five in the Team of the Week. A real test for him will come this week when he takes on Wayne Mack and De Lile from the Thora camp.
Position: Lock
Name: Adeesha Weerathunge
School: Isipathana College
Adeesha made life hard for Science College in the lineouts as he stole 3. He was so good in the broken play and support play and made some fearless tackles. He could have been the Player of the Match but his yellow card was an issue. Adeesha is good at lock but also in the flank.
Position: Blindside flanker
Name: Shalindra Alahakoon
School: Trinity College
He was excellent in the first leg of the Bradby. He made some powerful runs and fends and also gained some valuable meters; made a few good dummy line breaks as well. Although he wore the no. 5 shirt, he can play anywhere in the back row. He did play at No8 too.
Position: Open-side flanker
Name: Wageesha Weerasinghe
School: Isipathana College
Such a mobile player with his low center of gravity, he was excellent in the scrum breaks. Great handling skills were on display in that crucial game. Another good reader of the game and makes a great combination with the half back.
Position: No8
Name: Sachitha Jayatilake
School: S. Thomas’ College
Coming in after the cricket season, this big-made ball carrier was so good in the Wesley game. He was struggling to find form in week 3 and 4 but he delivered in week five while the weather too helped his playing style. Royal captain Nikhila Gunadeera is also another contender for week 5.
Position: Scrum Half
Name: Ashok Wijekumar
School: Royal College
Royal College coach did not want to take a risk moving Ashok in the line. That was a very good decision as this boy knows what happens next in the field. Maybe he only provides the ball to his forwards but he controlled the game smoothly.
Position : Fly Half
Name : Samuel Madhuwantha
School : St. Anthony’s College
His last conversion was an absolute peach. This man has improved a lot in terms of his running game as well. Chathura Senavirathne of St. Joseph’s and Steven Sivaraj of St. Peter’s are also good in the No 10 shirts.
Position : Left Wing
Name : Chamodh Fernando
School : Isipathana College
Scored two important tries, he was unstoppable against Science in week five. Showed great awareness in the game and changes his gear to add intensity. Also was good in defense.
Position : Inside Center
Name : Sumudu Rankothge
School : Isipathana College
His skipper Idunil played inside but I’m moving him to 12 due to his capability of going into contact and his running angles. Dinuk Amarasinghe of St. Anthony’s and Theekshana Heshan of St. Peter’s played well too.
Position : Outside center
Name : Gemunu Chetiya
School : St. Joseph’s College
Brother of Vimukthi Rahula, he scored four tries and can also play another 3 years for the Joes. He showed some great running ability and physicality. He was a live wire on the field against the Dons. Diyath Fernando played well for St. Peter’s but Gemunu deserves a place for his X factor.
Position : Right wing
Name : Tharindu Maduranga
School : Science College
Another sixteen year old who scored two tries in a tense game. One try came off a lovely interception and the other from some brilliant footwork. He outplayed Padmasanka on that day. He will be a future prospect for the Tuskers.
Position : Full back
Name : Vinul Fernando
School : St. Joseph’s College
Scored four tries, although they came against the Dons it is an effort to be applauded. He was good in week four as well but he deserves his spot before they play in the Plate segment.
