Defending champions Isipathana to face stern test

By Shamzeer Jaleel 

Joes will be featuring in their first major final in the Milo knock-out rugby tournament when they lock horns with the defending champions, Isipathana College today (24) at the Racecourse rugby grounds in the 2017 Milo Knock out rugby finals. 

Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p m. 

Joes have displayed good running rugby this season well supported by their mobile forwards. ChatuuraSeneviratne, Sachith Silva Gemunu Cheethiya and skipper Vinul Fernando all being classy players displayed champagne rugby for the Darley Road outfit. 

Sachith Silva’s accuracy in penalty and conversion kicks being outstanding this season sitting on top among other school boys this year.

When it comes to territorial kicking there is none other to beat ChathuraSeneviratne who crossed over from Kingswood where he learnt his basics from his uncle and kicking sensation, Nalaka Weerakody.

Head CoachNilfer Ibrahim, a master in the field, produced one of the best sides in the history of Joes’ rugby within a short span of time which is a magnificent result for them who will look into continuity through their junior teams in the years to come by. 

Pathana led by SumuduRankothge were playing good rugby till they met Trinity up in the hills where they were shocked with a defeat 10/15 which made them lose their hope of the Singer League. Even the run up to the finals is not so easy for the Green Shirts, with close calls from Antonians and Peterites. 

Their scrum half, Harith Bandara is the best in the position country wide at schools rugby along with Randy Silva, Chamodh Fernando and SumuduRankothge being outstanding this season. If Rankothge is declared unfit then Chamod will lead the outfit. Isipathana are coached by Lasintha De Costa with Bilal Hassen supporting. 

Isipathana have featured in the Milo Knockout President’s Trophy final on eight occasions, always ending on the winning side but Joes who are in for the very first time in the hot seat will be looking forward to win ontheir first final appearance. Though Joes look a better side playing under pressure Isipathana could be tough to be brought down. 

Referee: Irshard Cader 

TMO: Tony Amit

Maliyadeva beats Ananda to win Premier Trophy

Maliyadeva College Kurunegala won the Premier Trophy in the Milo Knockout rugby tournament when they beat the much fancied Ananda outfit by 22 points (4 tries, 1 conversion) to 20 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 2 penalties) at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

In another encounter, St. Anne’s Kurunegala defeated Carey by 15 points (3 tries), 13 points (2 tries, 1 penalty) at the Sugathadasa Stadium.