With the schools season coming to a close in a few weeks more the race for the Championship gets down to the wire.
Isipathana the current front runners have a slight edge over Kingswood and Trinity still stand a chance depending on the outcome of the games played between these three schools in the weeks to come. Isipathana thus far has been in great form and gets better every time they run on to the field hence it will be no easy task to beat them in this kind of form. Isipathana seems to have peaked at the right time and on the other hand Kingswood have been steady performers and edged out Royal last week in a close game where one point set the two teams apart. Trinity probably the most skilled team in the cup segment has still not lived upto expectations. With two more weeks to go one wonders if they will be able to reach their maximum potential. It is surely a matter of mental preparation now. Royal hasn’t performed badly but neither have they been able to grab hold of the close games. Their reliance on the forwards and especially the maul helps to score but not win a game. St.Peters and St.Joesephs have had their ups and downs in the season. St Peters will face a tough opposition this week when they take on Isipathana and Joes will face Science. Science capable yet not prepared enough to take on the top few schools as they have struggled for victory along with S.Thomas’ who are considered lucky to be in the top eight.
Kingswood Vs Trinity
All eyes on this game as Kingswood go into the game unbeaten taking on Trinity who has won the last five encounters between the two teams. Kingswood has gone about their work silently this season as nobody really noticed that Kingswood upto the last two weeks have remained unbeaten. Surely they are doing something right! The forwards and the backs for Kingswood combine well and play simple rugby with minimum errors. This has been their strength as Kingswood has good discipline on the field conceding fewer points to the opposition. The game against Trinity will be different as both schools look to use the full width of the field and opt for a faster game. Both third rows will have a significant part to play in defense and stealing opposition ball in the ruck. Defense will play a vital role in the game with the fitter team having the edge as it should be a game that will be won or lost in the last quarter. Look out for both No:8’s and both skippers Tarinda Ratwatte for Trinity and Asela Wijesinghe for Kingswood.
St.Peters Vs Isipathana
The Peterites will face a daunting task in beating in form Isipathana as they meet at Londgen place. Isipathana has displayed a brilliant team effort in the past two games and have come into the second round finding excellent form and registering wins with big margins. St.Peters with the likes of Kevin Dixon and Shamri Burah will look to contain the Isipathanians. No: 8 Omalka Gunaratne , scrum half Sudam Sooriyarchchi and skipper Shenal silva have been in great form for the Greens and are expected to take away this game unless the Peterites manage to do something special on the day. They may need their best performance of the season.
St.Joesephs Vs Science
Science, although under -dogs going in to this game they are well and truly capable of beating the Joesphians. Joes have not been able take away close games have made themselves known as poor finishers yet there is no question about their talent. With full back Shamilka Kurumbulapitiya leading both the defensive and attacking efforts of the Joesphians, the boys from Darley road do have the edge over Science. Science on the other hand has created many upsets over the past few seasons and is quite capable of turning things around.
S Thomas’ Vs Royal
Playing for the Michael Gunaratne trophy Royal is deemed to be favorites and will look to regain the trophy. S Thomas has not been fit to compete in the cup segment this year and sadly failed to continue from a good season last year. The Thomian team will go in hard at the Royalists on Saturday. Doubt either team wants to be on the losing side which makes this game one of the most competitive fixtures in the Schools rugby calendar. Royal led by Nimshan Jayawardene will look to demolish the Thomian forward pack and unleash their backs into space. This is an encounter where the under-dogs have emerged victorious many times and Royal will certainly not have it served on platter on Saturday at the Royal complex.
