Schools Knockout Rugby 2022: Two blockbuster semis ahead

Isipathana College skipper Dahan Nithina

Thomian skipper Chariya Kurukulasuriya

Wesley captain Tharusha Jayaweera

Teran Karunanayake will lead the Joes outfit

• Unbeaten Isipathana taken on Thomians tomorrow and Wesley faces Joes on Saturday

By Shamseer Jaleel

Unbeaten Isipathana College will need to cross two more hurdles on their way to the knockout championship this year. 

They will lock horns with the much-improved Thomians at Havelock Park in the semi-final encounters tomorrow.

Kick-off is scheduled at 4 p.m.

Isipathana lived up to their expected high standard of three-quarter running rugby winning all their matches till now in the league and the quarter final encounter against the Rajans which was a one-way race.

Thomians had a mixed season though fielding one of the best outfits they lost out a few matches in the league but stormed back with a magnificent win to hand off Vidyartha College in their quarter final encounter.

Both teams possess a very good three-quarter line while their forwards are also mobile and strong. Isipathana is led by Dahan Nethina while Thomians are led by crack number 8, Chariya Kurukulasuriya.

Thomians have some outstanding players in their starting line-up with players such as Reshane Dwight, Chariya Kurukulasuriya, Hasith Ramanayake and Yehan Bulathsinhalage. Meanwhile the Green Shirts consist of players such as Wewala Panditha, Praveen Stefan, Malith Methsara, Naveen Kanishka and skipper, Dahan Nethina.

Green Shirts are coached by technically correct and one of the most knowledgeable coaching staff in the country, Saliya Kumara who is also the national women›s sevens coach. Meanwhile, experienced Shamly Nawas will handle the Mount Lavinia outfit.

Former Nugawela Central player Ishanka Abeykoon will handle the game.

Both Joes and Wesley will battle it out in the second semi-final encounter which will be played off on 4th September at the Havelock Park. Kick-off is at 4 p.m.

Joes who ended as runner-up did well to beat the Antonians in their quarter final of the knockout while Wesley handed off Science College in their quarters. 

Wesley got one of the best outfits again their performance at the League was average, this will put them in a must win situation and the end season on high note. Wesley got some class acts such as Hafeez Thabith, Shaveen Jayawardena and skipper Thusith Jayawardena. Meanwhile their scrum half and play maker, Muralitharan is injured and will miss this encounter.

Joes will have burly Naveen Manarasinghe, Dilhara Subash, Vimukthi Deshan and Isuru Kanchana in their starting line-up.

Former Vidyartha player Raveen Alexander will blow the game.

Schedule

• 2 September at Havelock Park

Semi-finals Chairman Trophy (10 a.m.)

 Piliyandala College vs Sri Rahula College

Semi-finals Premier Trophy (2 p.m.)

D S Senanayake vs Maliyadeva

Semi-finals President Trophy (4p.m.)

Isipathana vs St Thomas

• 4 September at Havelock Park

Semi-finals Chairman Trophy (10 a.m.)

St John’s vs Nalanda

Semi-finals Premier Trophy (2 p.m.)

Zahira vs Thurstan

Semi-finals President Trophy (4 p.m.)

St Joseph’s vs Wesley