All eyes on clash of the apexes at Bamba

Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 – Final Week Insights

The day that we all deeply dread, yet yearn for at the same time is finally upon us; the league final.

A wounded Predator that fights for its life is more brutal and dangerous than an Apex Predator. However, if the wounded Predator itself is another Apex Predator, then what would be the consequence? We shall all find out this Saturday, when the battered and bruised Panther-like Pathans return to the hunt for the League Title, as they spring across Havelock Road to their final battleground.

The Green Machine didn’t really face any opponent that could stretch them fully in the Round 1 games, although Peter’s and Royal had each other. Trinity was able to offer some resistance in Group 2, just like how Joes did in the other Group. While the Greens were very capable of turning tables last weekend, their uncured ailments got the better of them, and now they face another day, with another chance of redeeming themselves and their glory, which is slowly slipping away from their grasp. 

Can they tighten the grip by coming back strong? Can they prolong the tight clutch amidst the final intense battle against another fast and furious team of similar calibre, for the full 70 minutes? In case they could, can coach Saliya Kumara counter strategize and outthink the wily wizardry of coach Sanath Martis in tactical gameplays? 

SPC has been repeating the same tactics in their past few games using their Backs alone. Is Martis keeping a few tricks concealed for the grand Finalè? These are a few of the questions that linger in our minds leading up to D-Day, and exactly what we intend to explore in the final week of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023.

St. Peter’s vs Isipathana at SPC Grounds on 19 Aug:

After a semi-dismal performance last weekend, even the Pathana followers identified what lacked in the Pathana Camp, and therefore we can expect the coaching staff to be already at work fixing the infringements and unforced handling errors that brought about the downfall of the Greens. Their last loss could be in fact, a blessing in disguise, despite it spoiling their unbeaten run. Had Pathana won the last match, they would have ended up with 41 points, while Peter’s with 40, which meant that they would have to beat Peter’s as well. However, then they may have failed to acknowledge their current weaknesses with a win last week, that would have made it an uphill endeavour this week. Pathana beefed up their defence prior to the Royal match exemplarily, and now they have a chance of correcting the last few, but crucial glitches, and turn up for this battle in pristine form, which would make them extremely lethal, even without the ‘Pathana factor’.

Peter’s look a strong side on paper scoring 257 points, and giving away 39, while Pathana scoring 189 points and giving away 111, that makes Pathana’s penetrative skills appear weaker and defence horrible. Though Group 1 consisted of stronger teams at the bottom in comparison to Group 2, there is no excuse for a top side like Isipathana to allow them to score points at will, although the points that they managed to accumulate for themselves is quite acceptable. Once the defence issue was sorted out, the Greens allowed the Golds to cross their line of prestige, only once. If the Pathans can shed their fouls, then they can reduce the ‘points against’ further in this game, which will render all previous statistics null and void. Isipathana’s best this season was against St. Anthony’s where they excelled with just 7 infringements, hence they are fully capable of playing a disciplined game, by not over-rushing their rush tackles too much.

If the Pathans are to hold back playmaker Zumri like last time, then they better be hard at practices to ensure that the replacement gets into the lightning groove of Pathana’s hallmark three-quarter moves.

Being the only unbeaten team in the league, and backed by their superior defence and confidence derived from an impeccable ‘points against’ figure, the Bamba Brigade will take the field as favourites. Their confidence levels shall be further boosted by playing this crucial encounter at home, in which a mere draw is sufficient to clinch the Title. They will give their 100% and their coach will ensure that they get the necessary pep talk, and a shot of adrenaline prior to the game. However, do the Peterites realise that by default, the Pathans pack 100% power, 50% Green, and 50% pure adrenaline coursing through their veins? (The rhythm of ‘Remember the Name’ might help absorb the last verse with vigour)

If not, then they better be more tactful than skilful; but if they do, how they would get close to that 200% output power, is left to be seen only at the showdown of the Titans on Saturday!

St. Anthony’s vs Royal at Bogambara on 19 Aug:

The Royal Tuskers will return to the Hills once again for a duel with the Eagles, fancying a bonus point win, that will give them a chance at becoming the runners-up of the League. 

Although bagging 6 points in this encounter will absolutely not be a problem for the blue and gold, their quest for the second best will only materialise if Isipathana is beaten, being denied even a single bonus point. While this is also quite possible in theory, we all know about the unknown Super Power elements of the Greens, that they are capable of unleashing suddenly, to infuse ‘sudden deaths!

The last time the Eagles dazzled over the Hills, they secured their berth in the Super Round. Can they repeat the performance to at least prove their worthiness to play among the elite?