Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 Joes out for a winning start

By Shamseer Jaleel in Kandy

St. Joseph’s College, the runners up in the league and knock-out tournaments in 2022, will be all out to start the season on a winning note when they confront St. Anthony’s College Katugastota today (June 14) at the Bogambara Stadium to kick off the Under 20 Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 tournament.

Kick off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The Joes, led by burly Naveen Marasinghe, are rock solid in defense and threatening in arrack, and will look to go a step further this season having missed out on two trophy opportunities last year, having been rebuffed by Isipathana College.

Meanwhile, the boys from Katugastota last won the league in 2001, are trying their best to find their winning combination. They are led by fly half Sahan Keerthisiri who is a superb place kicker as well. The Joes looked mobile with their forwards while the Antonian line looks fast.

Nilfer Ibrahim will be in charge of the Joes once more while Srinath Sooriyabandara will be making his debut as the Head Coach of the Antonians Under 20 outfit.
Ishanka Abeykoon will referee the game. 

St Joseph’s College: Nithik Rodrigo, Ishan Soysa, Induwara Sandesh, Jehan Athukorala, Chamod Kavindya, Uthesh Robinson., Janith Marasinghe, Denistan Croos, Sachinthana Waidyanatha, Vishika Fernando, Naveen Marasinghe (Captain), Janith Marasinghe, Shehan Malinga, Vihanga Randeepa, Leon Costa, Nathan Gunaratne, Ruchitha Rodrigo, Ivano White, Ashen Minura, Enesh Fernando, Shanuka Alahakoon, Daham Dias, Beeshma Jayasekera, Senutha Eran and Pramod Kavinda; Head Coach - Nilfer Ibrahim

St Anthony’s: Saduka Athukorala, Thisara Galanga, Sahan Kothalawala, Yasiru Gamage, Rakesh Pillei, Senuka Kotuwila, Abdul Rashith, Jude Realano, Oshan Gunarathne, Sahan Keerthisiri (Capt), Roshen Kumara, Ravindu Welagedara, Matiyadas Tiron, Omitha Dissanayake and Mohomad Amjad; Stand bys: Dasintha Amarakoon, Sasidu Senarathne, Akesha Jayawansha, Chirantha Fernando, Agitha Munasinghe, Deshan Liyanage, Randeer Perara, Chamika Adukari, Ravidu Gregory and Mohomad Simak; Head Coach - Srinath Sooriyabandara