Defending champions Isipathana favoured to win title

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending Milo President’s Trophy knockout rugby champions Isipathana will be determined to stamp their championship pedigree against St. Peter’s College when the two teams meet in one of the competition’s semifinals.

The Green Shirts are led by Sumudu Rankothge and sport several top players in their starting line-up. Harith Bandara, Randy Silva and Chamod Fernando cannot be kept caged as they are free runners who can breach through any defence. The Peterites, who went through an inconsistent season, had to fire on all cylinders before winning against the 2018 Trinity outfit. They too possess some spectacular players such as Theekshana Dissanayake, Diyath Fernando and Selvarajah in their line-up. But if they live up to their expected high standards they can give Isipathana a good run. They probably have the best three-quarter line in the school circuit but have never clicked as a unit. This will be one of the toughest hurdles for their Head Coach Colin Dinesh.

St. Joseph’s College will battle it out against Dharmaraja College, who received a walkover from Royal College, who pulled out of the competition citing injuries. Skipper Sachith Silva, Gemunu Cheethiya and Chathura Seneviratne will be key players in their game against the Kandyan school. 

The Rajans ended second to St. Anthony’s College in the Plate segment and will find it tough to contain the free running Josephian outfit, who look set to clinch a finals berth this year around. Joes Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim, regarded as one of the top coaches in schools rugby, will be eager to finish on top and book their finals berth next weekend.

July 17

St. Joseph’s vs. Dharmaraja                Irshard Cader        Racecourse grounds

July 18

Isipathana vs. St. Peter’s                Dinka Peris                        Racecourse grounds

July 24

Final                        Racecourse grounds