Isipathana firm favourites to win Milo Knockout rugby

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending Singer league Champions 2016 Isipathana College will be the favourites to enter the Milo Knockout rugby finals when they lock horns with the Peterites on 2 July at the Royal Sports Complex.

In a surprising move the organisers of the event, Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA), decided to host the two semi-finals and the final at Royal Sports Complex due to the better crowd control at the Royal Complex. Though the Thomians and Isipathana already made a request to change the semi-final venue, this was not considered. 

SLSRFA Secretary Denzil Darling told the Daily FT: “We wanted to have a neutral ground for all matches, but crowd control is an important part of the game today due to violence during and after the game and safety of players and match officials. Further the sponsors Nestlé are very keen to host at Royal Complex due to safety for all parties. However, the majority of the spectators are not happy with this decision since it gives an undue advantage to Royal over the other teams.”

Isipathana who were to play D.S. Senanayake in the quarter final encounter received a walk over as the Borella school pulled out due to non-preparation, being informed at the very last moment due to Joes pulling out of the tournament. 

Isipathana who were the runner-up at the President’s Trophy last year to Science, look a formidable outfit with some outstanding players in their rank. Their three quarter line looks simply the best among schools, led by Kushan Indunil and his deputy Sumudu Rankaothge, both lightning fast runners.

The the Petrites too improved in their performance against the Antonians holding on to win 37/31 in a tensed quarter final battle which was a close encounter in the end. They are led by full back Sandesh Jayawickrema, a cool customer who never goes under pressure. Their nippy scrum-half, H. Avishka, is a game changer and could play a vital part in this crunch encounter. Referee: Dinka Peiris.

The second semi-final will see the Thomians holding an edge over Royal though the Reid Avenue school will be playing at home with an advantage even before the kick-off.  Thomians led by Pandula De Silva have the best winger in schools rugby. They have Naveen Heenakankanmge who is outstanding this season in attack as well in defence. He split many school defences to pieces with his powerful run down the wing creating nearly eight tries this season. 

The the Reid Avenue School led by Nikila Gunadheera also has some top class players such as hooker Azmir Fajudeen, Ovin Askey and Shabith Feroze who could be a threat to the Thomians. This is the last chance for the Mount Lavinia school which enjoyed one of the best seasons after more than a decade to write their name in the record books. This encounter will take place on 3 July. Referee: Rohan Fernando

Nestlé has been sponsoring the Milo Knockout rugby since 1995.

Dharmaraja, Trinity, and Carey rugby teams receive suspension

The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association has decided to suspend three schools with immediate effect who were involved in acts of indiscipline during the rugby matches, an official said.

Accordingly, First XV players of the Carey College, Colombo and Trinity College, Kandy have been suspended from taking part in matches for six months, while Dharmaraja College, Kandy has been suspended for nine months, the official added.  

Under 18 selections trial today

Sri Lanka will send a Junior Under 18 side for the 2nd Asian Sevens a side rugby tournament, which will take place in Hong Kong later this month. 

The selections will take place today at the Race Course rugby grounds from 8 a.m. onwards. Players who are born in 1998-2000 will be eligible to get picked by the selectors. 

The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association supported by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) are organising the event today. (SJ)