Singer League 2019

Thomians hold a fine set of forwards this season

By Shamseer Jaleel

Thomians and Joes in a thriller

S. Thomas College Mount Lavinia, enjoying one of their best rugby seasons, will be hosting St. Joseph’s College at Mount Lavinia, where they will look to bring their visitors’ unbeaten run to an end.  

The Thomians have so far only lost out to Royal – while they are the only team to beat St. Peter’s – this season. Equipped with one of the best forward lines, the Thomians are well-geared towards maximising their size and mobility. Meanwhile, led by Tharindu de Alwis, the Joes have an all-round side. 

In the league, just two places separate the side, with the Joes at number three and the Thomians holding on to the fifth spot. 

S. Thomas is coached by Shamly Nawas, while former Sri Lanka sevens coach Nilfer Ibrahim is in charge of the Joes outfit. 

Royal look to continue winning streak

Fresh from their Bradby first leg win in the Hills, Royal, led by outstanding centre Thulaib Hassen, are expected to go all out to maintain their winning streak. Having lost out only to St. Peter’s this season, Royal’s mobile set of forwards shouldn’t have any trouble. 

Royal lead on equal terms with St. Peter’s on 29 points apiece, while Science are at the bottom of the table (8) with 12 points. 

Isipathana hold the edge

Fourth-placed Isipathana will play a Wesley outfit who are only ahead of last-placed Science in the table. Manilka Suberu and Serasinghe are the outstanding players in the Green Shirts, though the side is yet to reach their true potential. Wesley, the dark horse of the tournament, are capable of humbling any side on their day. 

Peterites hold the edge

St. Peter’s College, who top the table alongside Royal, will play sixth-placed Trinity. The Peterites have only lost once this season – against S. Thomas’ in their opening game – and have dominated throughout. Trinity, however, have been the picture of inconsistency, beating Zahira, St. Anthony’s and Science in round one, but losing out to Joes, Isipathana and Royal. Led by Reshan Bandaranayake, they nevertheless possess a well-balanced side.

Injuries to their players had put them in a spot of bother, but now they have recovered. Amith Kulatunge, Mahdi Abdullah, Harshan Samarasinghe, Janidu Ratnayake and Reshan Bandaranyake are their main players. Accurate place kicking will be key to any possible victory.