Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 – Week 2 Peek Preview

Week 2 is set for a few interesting contests, and they are selectively previewed based on the reasonable quality of rugby that is expected to be showcased.

DSS vs. Trinity at Havelock Park on 22 June

 This is poised to be the hottest game of the weekend, and it’s best that all patrons arrive at the venue before 3:30 p.m. if they are picky about the optimal viewing position. This encounter is expected to be highly enthralling as these two teams didn’t meet each other last season. Both teams have improved much since last year, and this is expected to be a neck-to-neck, nail-biting contest. Consequently, this game would be far more important and valuable to the Donz, as they go all-out to secure a berth in the Super Round.

Both teams are expected to use their backlines as the primary form of attack, aided by some kicking. Both teams may be forced to use their forwards to finish off their attacks, as both teams possess effective defensive traps for backline infiltrations, specifically for gaps opening up following switches. Therefore, securing the ball and keeping it closed within the forwards once they cross the opponent’s 22 would be a critical tactic for both teams. Trinity may have no other choice but to pull out further tricks from their special bag to stay ahead in this one. It would be difficult to predict what other tactics Trinity would disclose, except for the occasional drop kicks to get ahead. If the pushing comes to shoving, Trinity may have to choose between holding back for the sake of Bradby, and boldly going for the League Title. Nevertheless, Trinity would have to tidy up its lineouts, while DS would have to improve its ball handling to even up on this crucial fixture.

S. Thomas’ vs. St. Anthony’s at STC Big Club Ground on 22 June

 This is likely to be another balanced contest happening on Saturday, but would be much less electric than the prior. The Thomians are clear favourites for this encounter, simply because they are far more disciplined and in control of ball handling. Their forwards would be significantly more effective against SACK, hence the ploy should be to throw in the ball from inside the visitors’ 22, and launch attacks from there. However, since the Thomians are having issues in retaining their lineouts, this is not guaranteed to work. Playing inside the opponent’s half itself shall yield a multitude of opportunities for the Thomians to kick at goal, as SACK offended 10 times inside their grid in their last outing.

SACK similarly suffers from the exact lineout issues, but could use its quick Backs to penetrate the hosts’ defence. They could also employ the same tactics utilised by Trinity, if they could manage a well-timed and tangible up-and-under inside the opposition’s 22, hoping that the hosts hadn’t enough time to train on countering such attacks. The Thomians have shown a tendency to advance forward without adequate support, or support play didn’t arrive on time in some cases, and therefore SACK defenders should be constantly ready to ‘jackal’ the lonesome attackers and force holding-on penalties. This should help them to diffuse at least a handful of Thora’s offensives, and launch one of their own.

Vidyartha vs. Royal at Nittawela on 23 June

 After suffering a thumping defeat against Royal last year, Vidyartha is now ready and quite eager to take on the Titans at home. The Tigers are now much more ferocious and apt to take on the Giants of the top Division, but are they cut out to force another upset?

Although Royal Rugby is much superior and non-volatile in many ways in comparison to the opponents at hand, but not without its occasional temporary setbacks, any team can be put under pressure, at least momentarily by the opposition. Once the pressure is on, one could script a sequence of actions that could be used to sustain pressure, score points to get ahead, and thereby demoralize the opposition by heightening the pressure. Once this is done successfully there’s no turning back, and this is exactly what the rejuvenated Vidyarthians are capable of, and would be plotting to carry out, backed by their supporters on their own turf and terms. Can the striped Cats withstand the heavy forces of the Royal Forwards, and make them do the “Twist” dance, as they did with the Joes?

This encounter would serve as a perfect mental trial for the Royal Tuskers who have been slightly wavering in that area, in certain situations during the past few seasons. They wouldn’t have to do anything fancy to bag this one, other than to keep it together. Thus, if they manage to ace this, then they shall be ready to overcome the bigger hurdles headed their way later.

Science vs. Isipathana at Air Force Grounds on 23 June

 Although Science College may not yet be up to the mark of the turbulent Isipathana side, they are sure to come up with some counter tactics to slow down the Green Machine. This would be a match not to be missed, due to the commitment and drive to change the odds by persuasive and determined underdogs. Even if they end up losing, they will lose this game with honour and possibly to a standing ovation by the Pathana supporters.

One way Science could win this game is by minimising Isipathana’s ball possession, which is near impossible considering the high number of infringements committed by Science in its last game, although the ball handling was top notch. Playing the forwards game against the Pathans isn’t going to be easy either, as they are now equipped to take on any Pack, of any size, and of any strength. However, if Science can stay close behind throughout the game, and can reserve some kinetic energy for the last 10 minutes of the game, then they should be able to launch a comeback, as the Green Machine under Saliya Kumara usually loses its punch at the end. Thus, a two-pronged attack using the Forwards and Backs at the latter stages could easily yield a minimum of 2 Tries. Hence, the smart usage of the Bench will be crucial from a tactical perspective for the Maroons.

(The writer can be reached at: [email protected].)