A thriller on the cards

By Shamseer Jaleel

The schools rugby calendar in the longer version of the game will come to an end on 30 June when the defending President Trophy champions Joes take on their traditional rivals Peterites in the finals at the Racecourse rugby grounds. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Joes will heavily depend on Gemunu Cheethiya, Tharindu De Alwis, Keshan Kavinda, and Shan Akila while the Peterites will deeply depend on Jason Karunaratne, Abdullah Fais, Shehan Liyanapathirana, and Kenenth Wimladasa. In fact, Keneth had a grand game in the semifinal last weekend having a magnificent 100% kicking record. This will put pressure on his team mate Liyanapathirana to find his place in the starting line up.

Joes Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim has tasted seven President Trophy finals – thrice each while coaching Trinity and Isipathana and once for Joes. In 2011, Trinity beat Isipathana in the final while he got the better of Royal from 2014 to 2016. Joes did beat Isipathana last year under the former Randles Hill and Sri Lanka sevens player. Nilfer who started his school coaching with the Rajans shifted to Trinity, then Isipathana before moving to Joes with much success. Another tough nut Sanath Martis, Head Coach of the Peterite outfit, who took the Peterites to a President Trophy win in 2010. The lads from Bambalaptiya won this trophy earlier from 2006-2008.

This is the first time in the history of the President Trophy that the final will be between the two saint schools.

Referee: Praneeth Weranga

TMO: Anil Jayasinghe