Final Showdown turns into a tragic pour-down

The much-awaited epic final battle was ruined by heavy downpours that led to paddy field like playing conditions, which prohibited both teams from playing their usual game of rugby, rendering it as one of the most unentertaining contests of the season. No team could be judged as deserving winners in these hazardous playing conditions; hence it would have been much proper to call the game off, and award the League Title to the Table leader.

Isipathana hosting Peter’s – 17 Aug:

The weather Gods appeared to be rather unmerciful on Friday, as they decided to tear down the skies and pelt down in style, unceasingly, to an extent that many may have even considered sailing to the Venues on Saturday. However, the day gotten clearer, and the afternoon dryer, as Havelock Park looked a decent Turf to play on, in spite of a few isolated mud patches. It may be that the weather Gods rekindled the memories of all those naughty behaviours displayed throughout this season that apparently only became worse over time, the rains resumed in parallel to the kick-off.

Within minutes following kick-off, the Park became muddy and soggy, making it an ideal venue for professional figure Skating, yet completely unsuitable to play a risky sport such as Rugby. Schoolboys from both sides presented their best effort to play positive and attacking rugby as much as possible, but it was quite challenging to do so. Therefore, there is not much sense in analysing this encounter from a tactical perspective, as the Turf did not allow the players to even execute their basic skills effectively, while their Heels were stuck in the Mud, and their running simulated sprinting on the surface of the Moon. Hence, the typical tactical and strategic plays had no room in this contest, although it is believed that both sides would have planned for some.

However, we could commend both teams for excelling in some aspects of the game, considering the extreme and hazardous playing conditions. Although considerably assisted by the sticky and slippery surface, both teams ensured that their lines of prestige were never breached, although there were a few close calls for both sides. Unforced handling errors were 6-a-piece, and not bad at all considering the greasy Ball.

Staying on-feet and contesting for possession at the tackles in muddy conditions is rather impractical, and we have seen bountiful penalties bestowed on wet days of play, all season. In fact, it is neither the fault of the coaching crew nor the players, for giving away such penalties in slippery conditions, as it is just quite impossible to avoid fouls such as ‘sealing the Ball’, due to slipping and falling over it, and ‘off feet’, where the ‘Jackler’ loses balance and leans on the ground or a player on the ground. Having said that, St. Peter’s college broke its own record to register its lowest number of infringements this season with a measly 6 penalties conceded, whereas the opposition stacked up 12. The additional 6 penalties conceded by the Hosts prevented the game from being played inside the opposition’s grid, but instead inside their own front yard, that gave the visitors sufficient chances to kick-to-goal, that may have finally defined the end result. Thus in summary, the team with the better ability to adhere to the laws of the game, won!

 When many of the self-proclaimed elite Schools don’t possess the basic courtesy or sportsmanship to turn up for the Trophy presentation ceremonies upon losing, or turn up but then appear as if they have been abducted for ransom, standing completely emotionless, the Isipathana team looked quite cheerful, and kept applauding during the Awards presentation to the Title winners. Some critics may constantly grumble about spectator behaviours of certain Schools, but if the attitude of present players and students are not carved appropriately, very soon the spectator behaviour of these so-called elite schools would be only suitable to run through the Gutters. 

A Peterite player sustained severe injuries to his Shin Bones and had to be carried away in Stretchers, which apparently requires surgery. Fortunately, there were no life-threatening incidents or injuries that occurred on this godless day. As World Rugby’s laws are primarily evolving around player safety and injury prevention, it is not noble to force Schoolboys to play a game of such physical nature in dangerous conditions stated above, where no player has full control over his physical motion, once in locomotion. This could result in causing serious injuries to another player or to himself, when an attempted action was not the one that was finally executed. In addition, there is a huge difference between a wet ground, and a muddy ground that is partially or sporadically submerged, and this point is driven at the latter. Regardless of how these Tournaments have been conducted during the previous Centuries, the present organizers who are part of the contemporary society should reconsider conducting encounters of this nature, especially something like or close to a Final, in conditions that can potentially harm Players. Organizers should contemplate on having a reserve day or two, in case the rains continue for a few days, as it has been reiterated many times, that the wellbeing and safety of the Schoolboys should be our utmost priority.

Result: Peter’s beat Pathana 6-3

Royal hosting Trinity – 17 Aug:

The surface condition at the Sugathadasa Stadium was far superior, as the constant downpour failed to submerge the playing field, similar to the Knockouts Final last year. However, some soft and soggy patches persisted intermittently across the Turf, which had a nominal effect on the underfoot condition. It appeared as if both Schools wished to get this encounter done away with, as quickly and painlessly as possible, but more importantly with minimum impact to their all-important Bradby Shield encounter scheduled for next weekend. Consequently, both sides opted to go ahead with concealed tactics, and by resting players from their regular squads, to let in some new entrants who were knocking at the door.

 Although Royal wasn’t too keen on contesting, Trinity continued their miserable form at the lineouts by messing up 3 on their own. However, when they successfully hooked and secured the Ball, they worked their Mauls rather effectively, causing Royal to expose primitive Maul defending skills by collapsing it thrice, and thereby further propelling the visitor’s onslaughts. On the contrary, Royal portrayed better control of the wet Ball, both while handling and kicking in comparison to its opponents. It was possible to observe that Trinity’s coaching camp had put in some effort to halve their infringements count since their last game against SPC, in which they went down due to this crucial shortcoming. This correction, if maintained religiously, would no doubt strengthen Trinity’s game during the next few weeks to bring about the redemption that they have been yearning for, all these years. 

 The Tuskers were caught and penalised for ‘no arms tackle’ on two occasions that included a sending-off, which is considered as inconsiderate rugby, that could cause unwarranted injuries to the opponents. Hope their coaching crew would look into this matter and correct it prior to their next games? Royal’s 8 infringements that were committed in the second half against Trinity’s 3, left them vulnerable, and allowed Trinity to attack continuously while leaving the hosts unproductive and scoreless.

Result: Royal beat Trinity 22-19

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

St. Peters skipper Dulaj Navodya on a powerful move

Isipathana full back Abdullah Faizer on an attacking mode

Trinity hooker Dehan Watagoda on an attacking move