Ananda and Vidyartha at Pallekelle today

Vidyartha College will host Ananda College in their 53rd William Gopallawa Shield encounter today at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m. Originally the game was set to take place at the Bogamabra Stadium in Kandy.

Vidyartha is led by centre Gayan Perera, with former Vidyartha, Sri Lanka Navy, and national player, Sumedha Malawana serving as the head coach. Their backs coach is Kandy SC winger Kavindu Perera, while Kusal Bandara handles the team’s physical training.

Ananda College is led by Kalindu Kaveesha. The coaching unit is headed by Chanaka Bandara, with Nalin Kumara overseeing the backs and Ayodya Jayasinghe serving as the trainer.

The William Gopallawa Shield contest began in 1967. Of the 52 encounters, Vidyartha leads the tally with 29 wins, Ananda has 21 victories, and 2 games have ended in a draw. 

– (SJ)