Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
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Perfect hand off by Trinity number 8 Rahul Dhanaraj against Zahira
By Shamseer Jaleel
Rugby will be at its best when the two leading rugby-playing schools in the country, who have maintained very good discipline on and off the field, face each other.
Trinity are set to host Isipathana at their Pallekelle Rugby Stadium tomorrow. Today, the wounded Peterites will have an uphill task when they confront the lads from Randles Hill, who are booming with confidence after their L. E. Blaze trophy win last week at the same venue.
Kingswood to continue winning form
Kingswood College, after their breath-taking second performance half against Wesley to secure the L. E. Blaze, will be at their best to register their second win this season when they confront the Peterites who lost out to the Thomians in the opener. This encounter, which will be played at Nittawela, adds pressure for the lads from Bambalapitiya. Not only did the Peterites lose to the Thomians in the opener, but they are without their head coach, Sanath Martis. It’s an ideal opportunity for them to make a comeback in this game. Both Kingswood and St. Peter’s have two of the fastest three-quarter line in the school rugby this season. Kingswood, playing at home, hold the advantage to pull this off in a close encounter.
Science hold the edge
Both Science and Zahira, after being beaten in their opening encounters, will be all out to start with their winning form in this game. Both teams look weak in their defence and will find it tough to survive in the top four after round one.
Trinity hold slight edge
Trinity will be hosting Isipathana, and the best running rugby is expected, plus a clean game without any issues is assured by both schools who maintain a very good relationship though not playing for any trophies.
Isipathana got off to a good start, outclassing the Antonians, while Trinitians are not at their peak but still looked a yard faster than Zahira at Maradana. Trinity will be at their best with the return of their prop forward, Mahdee Abdullah, and two other players who have recovered from their injuries. Their number 8, Rahul Danaraj, who had a grand game, is expected to continue at his number 8 position.
Referee Rohan Fernando
Close encounter expected in Kurunegala
A close contest is on the cards when Maliyadeva host Wesley for the first top division game. Both Wesley and Maliyadeva were defeated in their opening game last week. Wesley were beaten by Kingswood while Maliyadeva, who faced an acid test, lost out to Royal by half a century plus points.
Today
Tomorrow
Joes continue winning streak
St. Joseph’s College continued their winning streak in the Under-19 Singer League 2019, when they outclassed Katugastota Antonians by 38 points (5 tries, 5 conversions, 1 penalty) to 5 points (1 try) at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.
At the short breather, Joes led 17/0.
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon
Joes have won both their matches so far, having beaten Science College while the Antonians lost out to Isipathana in their first outing. (SJ)
