Defending knock-out champions Isipathana College, who produced a stunning 61-0 victory against Sri Sumangala College, Kandy last week in the pre-quarter-final, are on alert for a much tougher challenge when they take on Wesley College in the President’s Trophy Schools Knock-Out Rugby Tournament quarter-final today at the Royal Sports Complex. The kick-off is scheduled for 4.15 p.m.
Isipathana, last year’s league runners-up and President’s Trophy champions, have looked sharp once again this season. The team is led by dynamic flanker and Sri Lanka Under-18 Vice-Captain Thinethra Dogangoda, whose leadership and work rate have kept the Green Shirts moving forward.
Vice-captain and fly half Avishka Hiran, who also plays on the wing at times, has been one of the most dangerous attackers in schools rugby this season.
The Isipathana pack is powered by forwards Lahiru Herath, Sithum Rajapaksa and the hardworking number eight Shaakib Zumri. At the back, full back Nimantha Sandeepa, who was part of last year’s Under-18 tour, provides steady cover and attacking options.
But standing in their way is a strong Wesley College side, who shocked St. Joseph’s College with a superb 36-23 victory in the pre quarter-final last weekend.
Wesley are captained by powerful number eight Sandul Gammanpila, who leads from the front with his aggressive ball-carrying and breakdown work.
The Double Blues boast several seasoned players, including winger Kaveesha Dilhara, flanker Naham Hemachandra and Vice-Captain Hashim Thabeeth, who have all been consistent performers this season.
The centre combination of Mohommad Fawaz, who was on the recent Under-18 tour and full back Abdullah Haadi adds both pace and solidity at the back. Wesley will aim to use their physical forwards and fast outside backs to trouble the defending champions.
Royal v D. S. Senanayake
Meanwhile, at Havelock Park, another thrilling quarter-final is expected when Royal meet D. S. Senanayake at 4.15 p.m.
Royal, coached by current national Forwards Coach Dushanth Lewke, were made to fight hard for their 28-24 win over a brave Kingswood side last week.
The team is captained by speedy winger Anika Samarasinghe with Yuvan Pathirana controlling matters from full back. Vice-Captain Idris Farook, who occupies the crucial fly half position, will play a key role in Royal’s attacking strategy.
Their forwards, including Naqeeb Mohamed and Disas Pathirana, along with flanker Mohamed Aman, are expected to provide the muscle upfront.
Royal, known for their structured play and powerful driving mauls, will look to control possession and territory early on.
However, D. S. Senanayake — one of the surprise packages of this year’s tournament — will not be an easy opponent.
Coached by Asela Deshapriya, D. S. Senanayake secured a thrilling 48-38 win over Dharmaraja in the pre quarter-finals with their backline and forwards both contributing to the high-scoring encounter.
Led by experienced Lankesh Wickramasinghe, D. S. Senanayake has a strong pack featuring number eight Praveen Lakmal, another seasoned campaigner.
The three-quarter line includes second centre Rasindu Bandara, first centre Satheera Dahamdew and full back Chamith Amarasinghe, who are all capable of creating scoring opportunities.
Ball carriers Denika Mindinu and Methila will be tasked with gaining valuable ground while the reliable kicking of Dahamdew and Chamith Amarasinghe could prove crucial in a close contest.
