Singer League 2018 Royal retain Michael Gunaratne Trophy

Royal 55 points S. Thomas’ nil 

Royal continued their dominance in Singer League schools rugby 2018 when they outclassed their traditional rivals St. Thomas’ 55 to nothing in an one-sided affair to retain the Michael Gunaratne Trophy for yet another year. Joes too continued their dominance in the same group when they had a fantastic second half burst to down the Anotonians by half a century points.

Royal led 10 to nothing then cut loose in the later half to dominate proceedings. Royal who had slender lead in their first too game as well are good at cutting loose in the later half to dominate the game. Even against the Antonians they were leading 15/13 at the short breather went on to hammer 55/13. Their back line movement was excellent and a treat to watch for the spectators. 

Royal did not play their full side. Players such as Janidu Dilshan and Saika Siyath did not play this game. Looks like their coach Lewke wanted them to rest before the all-important game against Joes next week which will decide the group leader.

Royal looked in great shape with once against their skipper, Shabith Feroze was in peak form. His defense as well as attack was at peak. Omm attack he was unstoppable will be a headache for many teams and nightmare for the visitors. Thualb Hassan too was in good nick. With this 55 to nothing win they beat Banuka Gamage’s 52/0 record which was on since 2005 in Miacheal Gunaratne trophy.

Isipathana live dangerously

Isipathana 17 points

Zahira 7 points

Isipathana once again survived more than winning when they edged out Zahira 17/7 after leading 10 to nothing at the short breather. Isipathana who lacks power and mobility this season with a young outfit will find it tough in the next few weeks.

Zahira scored through Shareek Yusuf with Monhaj Samsudeen adding the extra 2 points while for the Isipathana outfit both tries were scored by Ramitha De Silva with skipper, Manilka Ruberu converting two of the tries and putting over one penalty.

Joes cut loose in second half

St. Joseph’s 50 points

Antonians 24 points

Antonians contained the Joes outfit 19/12 at the short breather but with the game maturing they ran out of steam losing out by 50/24. Joes went on to plant 8 tries where the Antonians could reply with only 4 of them. 

With their skipper Kavinda Amarakoon missing out due to a knee injury they were led by Moahmed Shabeer, national youth player, and had a grand game. Antonians lacked fitness and they could not last the 70 minutes of the game. Once again Joes player Gemunu Cheethiya was omnipresent and had a grand game. Earlier too in the Trinity game he was the lad who made the difference between the two sides.

Peterites outclass Rajans

St. Peter’s 42 points

Dharmaraja 5 points

In the other group Peterites continued their dominance with their third win in tandem when they outclassed lowly-placed Rajans. Lads from Bambalapitiya went on to score 6 converted tries and they look likely to lead the group. Rajans will need to get back to their basics sooner than later if not with the current form it looks like the side to be left out of the run for the Cup and contained for the Plate segment. (SJ)