Let’s take a closer look at the Thurstan College Rugby team competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024.
History
With a Rugby history of over six decades, Thurstan’s best performance was in 1998 when they won the President’s Trophy knockouts. Over the past few years, Thurstan have been playing in the B Division and following an unbeaten run in 2023, they secured their spot in the top league.
Current Outfit
This year, Thurstan will have plenty of challenges as the team is full of freshers. With only three players left from the promotion-securing team from 2023, the batch of 2024 will have their work cut out.
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Thurstan College in 2024 will be guided by Sithija Jayathilaka along with Chanithu Perera and Denver Outschoorn, who will function as co-vice captains.
Players to Watch out for
Skipper Jayathilaka is not the biggest of players for a No.8 but his courageous play should inspire Thurstanites massively. Both Chanithu and Denver can be dangerous with the ball in hand, but their main task will be in defense. The freshers are an unknown quantity for most of the opponents this year.
Coaches
Collin Denish has been an exceptional coach for Thurstan College as he has made historical achievements with this team. Thurstan was able to secure a spot in the top league after more than a decade under his guidance.
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Assisting Colin Denish will be Sri Lanka’s current No.8 in 15s Rugby, Lasindu Karunathilake so his current exposure to competitive rugby will be an added advantage for Thurstan. Madusanka Savinda is the trainer and physio of the Thurstan outfit.
Expectations for the Season
Thurstan will not be pre-season title contenders but realistically, their focus should be on notching up a few wins and remaining in the top division for another season. However, count them out at your peril.
Full Squad
Forwards – Sithija Jayathilake (Captain), Chanithu Perera (Vice Captain) , Denver Outschoorn (Vice Captain) , Aaqib Sahal, Nipun Nirman, Ryan Dimmitri , Vinuka Hejitha , Binuka Dileshan ,Pasan Jayarathna , Amithq Rusiru, Kavisha Binuwara, Pansilu Ranasinghe ,Dileen Nethroo ,Sawan Pahansara , Ashen Hasanka ,Sethidu Jayakody , Ruchara Hishan
Backs – Lesandu Methula ,Hanasa Indramala ,Januda Bashitha ,Esitha Apoorwa ,Malindu Winsara ,Heshan Sathsara ,Abdul Ahad ,Navik Geesath ,Sadila Geerasinghe ,Shashira Sharusha ,Nethupul Lasanda ,Dilshan Bandara, Sithum Rubasinghe,Amindu Rajapaksha
>>Photos – Thurstan College 1st XV Rugby Preview 2024
Fixtures
- Vs St.Peter’s College – 15th June at SPC Grounds
- Vs Wesley College – 22nd June at Air Force Grounds
- Vs St.Joseph’s College – 29th June at Air Force Grounds
- Vs Royal College – 06th July at Air Force Grounds
- Vs Kingswood College – 13th July at Bogambara Stadium
- Vs Vidyartha College – 21st July at Nittawela Stadium
- Vs Zahira College – 27th July at Zahira Grounds
