Blockbuster encounter between Royal and Joes on the cards

By Shamseer Jaleel

Royal and Joes will clash in the game of the League 2018 when both teams clash at Havelock Park on 6 April. This encounter will decide the group leaders. 

Joes already beating Antonians and Thomians with easy wins came up against Trinity where they beat the Kandy outfit by seven points three weeks back. Both Gemunu Cheethiya and Thrindu De Alwis are the two outstanding payers for the Darley Road outfit. They are coached by former national sevens coach, Nilfer Ibrahim. 

Royal on the other hand hit the peak very early in the season half a century plus points win over Antonians and Thomians before handing off Kingswoodians in the opening encounter. They are led by Shabith Feroze who is outstanding leader good in attack as well in defence. They are coached by Dushantha Lewke. It remains to be seen if Royal will get worn out by the second round. 

Trinity and Thomians will battle it out for Canon de Seram trophy at Pallekelle on 7 April. Trinity beat Antonians 15/11 before going down to Kingswoodians 21/23 and Joes 25/32. Thomians are yet to score any points on the board after their three games. They will find it tough and are likely to get demoted to Plate segment along with Antonians. 

Kingswoodians and Antonians will battle it out at Nittawela with the Randles Hills school holding the edge. Weligampola and Mohamed Shazan are the players to watch while the Antonians led by Kavinda Amarakoon possess Mohamed Shabeer, Liyanage and Makeen to have a win here. 

In the other group Peterites are leading the way with the game against Isipathana just one point behind at number two position. Under the guidance of their familiar Martis, the lads from Bambalapitiya should continue their winning streak.

Zahira, Wesley and DS will battle it out for the two positions in round two with one side joining the Rajans who have already booked their berth in the Plate segment. 

Top four teams in the two groups will progress to the second round for the Cup while the bottom two teams will contest the Plate.