Final week showdown with Group 1 second place up for grabs

Sadly, we have come to the final week of the first Round where we get to witness all the teams, one last time in the League games, before they congratulate and bid farewell to the Super 4 who qualify for the Super Round. Some of these teams may or may not play the Knockouts, due to non-eligibility and other commitments. Talking about the Knockouts and eligibility, St. Joseph’s would have to win their last encounter against D.S. to stand a chance to qualify for the President’s Trophy, as they are presently slotted at #9 in the overall Table standings behind Zahira.

The 2nd position in Group 1 is still up for grabs, with D.S. highly likely to go through with their recent form and determination; a mere draw is sufficient to advance them to the Super Round. The position is also mainly eyed by St. Anthony’s, who will be anxious to win their next encounter with a bonus point. Provided both of these two teams fail to deliver on Saturday, then STC may get a lucky chance as well.

Let’s take a deep dive to analyse the pressure cooker situations of the matches scheduled for the final week of Round 1.

D.S. vs Joes at Havelock Park on 29 July

D. S. Senanayake College will have one last hurdle to clear, before they could enter the Super Round of the Rugby League. They are equipped adequately and ready to take on the Joes, if they are able to maintain the same form they showed in their match against STC. Similar or better co-ordinated tackling would be essential when taking on the massive Josephian outfit. Although D.S. seemed to respond well under pressure, they could bet that the pressure levels in this match is set to go over the Roofs. Therefore, keeping their Heads cool and staying composed will be their best tactic.

The Donz performed quite well at the set pieces (except lineouts), managing a total of 5 turnovers last weekend, and should push to achieve a similar count in this game as well. They have also worked hard to bring their infringements and handling errors down steeply to an acceptable level within a week, and these would be the most crucial elements that would influence the outcome of this encounter.

One can bet that Joes would be giving their best fight this weekend, as otherwise it might be their last for this season. Therefore, one can expect to see every last ounce of those Nitro Cylinders being utilised to propel themselves forward. However, Joes would have to work hard on cutting down their infringements into half, while maintaining their last Ball handling performance, as in a very close encounter like this, every possession, turnover and fumble matters.

St. Anthony’s vs S. Thomas’ at Pallekele on 29 July

The Eagles shall circle the Skies of Pallekele for a stench of defeat in Colombo, while hunting down their Prey in the Hilltops of Kandy. These two teams may get a shot at the next round, only if D.S. loses in the parallel encounter that is scheduled to be worked out in Colombo, on the same day and time. St. Anthony’s will require a win with a bonus point to top D.S. in the Group 1 Table, provided D.S. doesn’t lose with 2 bonus points. On the contrary, S. Thomas’ will also require a bonus point win to top D.S. , provided D.S. loses without any bonus point. Thus, the chances look quite grim for the Boys from Mount Lavinia.

This will be STC’s first game away from Colombo this season, hence they would have to cope with more than just the game itself. Following the collaborative, senseless game of Rugby they played last weekend, they will be travelling to Kandy with their morale down, and as the underdogs, to take on a team with a much broader skill set, who are also high in spirits. Overcoming the guilt of what each player did wrong in their last crucial game, would be the biggest challenge to make the Thomians effective in this encounter. Even if they succeed in this trial, their inconsistencies and weaknesses shown consistently throughout this season, would come back to bite them on Saturday.

The home team would have to do just one thing right to win this encounter with a bonus point, and that would be to avoid infringements while in their own half, especially within the kicking zone. Sahan should look to find touch whenever possible during free play, and then SACK could exploit the permanent disability of the STC lineouts throughout the game. As much as most teams preferred to attack, engaging the scrums close to the opponent’s 22 this season, including the visitors, they are quite susceptible to this form of attack themselves, carried out by the Backs with the calibre of St. Anthony’s. Hence, Antho will have no issues crossing STC’s goal line multiple times.

Although many anxiously anticipated the battle between two of the most prominent Boots of this season, in this game, realistically there is no glory in a Golden Boot, that is coupled with substandard lineouts that has failed all season. Even if STC miraculously fixes their lineout issues before this match, they will accomplish little or nothing against the skilful Antho Forwards.

Zahira vs Trinity at Zahira Grounds on 29 July

This would be the third encounter that is expected to draw much interest and attention on Saturday, and will also be played to decide the 3rd place in Group 2. Trinity will definitely benefit from playing a strong opponent like Zahira, away from home, so that they could simulate a match atmosphere comparable to the 2nd leg of the Bradby to be played the week after. Trinity has now demonstrated that they are not only skilled, but also strong enough to take on the mightiest of the Forwards in the League. Hence, this makes it a tussle between equally accomplished skillsets; hence one can expect dual action, of the Forwards clash, and the three quarters’ dog fight.

Trinity would have to get their Ball handling under control, while maintaining their pristine control on infringements. Kudos to the coaching staff who have consistently done well to focus on this throughout this season. On the flipside, Zahira would have to maintain their Ball handling accomplishment from their last game, whilst halving their infringements, in order to give them a chance in this close encounter.

As Trinity will continue their fierce attacking game, Saad would have to get back into the limelight with his long-distance touch kicks, to get his team into Trinity’s front yard. He has to do well in this game, to at least offset the mileage that would be gained by his more superior counterpart. Consequently, the fans are destined to witness and savour the battle between Saad and Althaf, for prime real estate in Maradana.

St. Peter’s vs Vidyartha at SPC Grounds on 29 July

Rugby fans shall be hopeful to witness the return of class in St. Peter’s rugby, after they showcased a horrendous game last weekend.

Unless Vidyartha’s original lineup can return for this encounter, they may not be able to exhibit their brand of Rugby, or put up a fight against the Group leaders.

Kingswood vs Wesley at Bogambara on 30 July

With both teams unable to secure a win this season, they will battle it out for the traditional Blaze Trophy, and to decide the last place in Group 1. Nevertheless, it has been so inspiring to witness the level of Rugby these two fresh teams have been playing, despite not having anything to show for. They both had some heroic or spectacular moments to showcase, in almost every game they played this season.

Wesley will travel to Kandy as the firm favourites, having a clear and visible advantage in terms of body mass. They may be a bit slower for the quicker Kingswood Backs, but having played their last game against the Kings of pace, one could expect quicker reflex defending against the dashing Maroons. 

The hosts from the Hills will have an uphill task in defending the visitors’ Forwards, but it was observed that they used their Forwards extensively for the first time, last weekend. Thus, the preparation to counter the Wesley Forwards has already begun. Although the maroons succeeded on a good number of turnovers against Antho, it will be quite challenging to repeat the feat, especially in the rucks and mauls against Wesley. Let’s hope that their enthusiasm can outdo the opponent’s mass and power.

Science vs Dharmaraja at Science College on 30 July

The Rajans will be making their second trip to Colombo this season, to play their last Group 1 game against Science College. Dharmaraja finally played a composed and disciplined game against Royal, which enabled them to display their skills prominently. If they continue the same mindset in this encounter, they are destined to take home a substantial harvest of points.

Science may have no response to the Rajans, should they choose to attack with their Forwards, but would be able to counter their Backs much better. However, they must employ low tackles, as opposed to their much-preferred figure-hugging chases, if they are to stop the stronger Dharmaraja Backs.

Isipathana and Royal have completed all their round 1 encounters.