Dialog Schools Rugby Isipathana aiming for fourth straight win

By M. Shamil Amit

Two matches of the Dialog Schools Rugby league tournament are down for decision in Colombo today with Isipathana and Science College hosting Dharmaraja and Vidyartha at Havelock Park and Mt. Lavinia respectively with the kick off set for 4.15 p.m.

Going by the form of the four teams Isipathana who have won all their three matches and Vidyartha with two wins under their belt including the giant killing win against fancied St Peter’s could be termed the sides expected to emerge victors.

Isipathana led by robust prop forward Nithina Wickramaarachchi should have little difficulty in getting the result in their favour while Dharmaraja led by co-captains in fly half Saumya Wijesiri and centre Thenuka Wickramasinghe who have undergone two defeats and a draw will be no pushovers.

Isipathana are a talented outfit and even though their first two wins against Science College and Wesley were not so impressive they got their act together against St. Peter’s to chalk up an easy 29-17 win and have playersin the caliber of second row Sangeeth Kodagoda who has been the play maker this season, centreSoorya Dodangoda another player to take note of, full back Malith Mihisara, flankers Tharindu Wewalpanditha and Dunith Jayaweera, Mesaada Rashvida and Rinesh Silva.

Dharmaraja needs to focus more on its defence, more particularly bearing in mind the natural and traditional ability of the green machine to hit gaps out of nowhere.