The two unbeaten teams, St. Joseph’s College and Isipathana College go head-to-head as they battle it out for top spot in their group. The Josephians have only defeated the Green Machine once in the Schools’ Rugby League (2018), will they make it two years in a row? Or will it be one-way traffic as usual?
When: 30th March 2019
Where: Havelock Park
Kick-off: 4.30pm
Two past coaches meet their previous schools as former Pathana coach, Nilfer Ibrahim, takes on former Josephian coach, Nihal ‘Viper’ Gunaratne. Who will get the better out of their previous charges?
Whose record will be blemished in the first round of 2019?
Past Results (Schools’ League only)
2018: St. Joseph’s beat Isipathana 34-29
2017: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 39-32
2016: No Encounter
2015: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 23-17
2014: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 24-08
2013: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 30-21
2012: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 29-18
2011: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 29-23
2010: No Encounter
2009: Isipathana beat St. Joseph’s 22-03
Last time they met
St. Joseph’s recorded their first league victory over Isipathana College in 2018 under the leadership of Sameesha Viranga. The Josephians managed just a single win previously over Isipathana in the Milo Knock-out trophy final and carried their form through to beat the Green Machine for a second time running in a high scoring encounter at the Park, to end their 2018 campaign in second place.
Read Also – Joes round off League with win in physical encounter
Most Recent encounter
The Josephians put Trinity College to the sword in what was their most competitive game of the season and the lads from Maradana came up trumps, beating the Hill Country outfit comprehensively.
Read – St. Joseph’s trounce Trinity to remain unbeaten
On the other hand, Isipathana College were tested by a Zahira College outfit languishing at the foot of the table.
Zahira controlled proceedings, however, lacked penetration in attack as the Pathana lads scraped home for a battling victory.
Read More – Isipathana made to work in unconvincing victory
Players to watch out for
Tharindu Marduranga will be eyed by the Pathana outfit as the highest try scorer of the season has impressed time and time again. His combination of speed and power along with impressive footwork will no doubt be a tester for the Isipathana back line.
Pulling the strings at 9 & 10, Rashane Gunawardena and Santhush Algama will be the main combination to keep an eye on as the halfbacks have guided the Josephians well this season, along with their captain playing at the pivotal eighth man role.
Last year’s skipper, Manelka Ruberu has been in the forefront, leading the potent backline of Isipathana College and he will be looked to once again as they seek to defuse the Josephian three-quarter line. His partner in crime, Manula Rathnayake will aim to combine and cause havoc at the Park.
Slotting in alongside the centers, Ramitha De Silva will be another backline player to watch out for as the rampaging Green Machine will aim to strike fear into the Josephian hearts.
Predictions
Both teams have had a fine start to the season, winning 4 out of 4. St. Joseph’s comes in as favorites for the first time in their history against Isipathana College, but with everything to play for, you should never write off the lads from Havelock town as they always turn up for the big occasions.
Isipathana to win by 5-8 points
