Resurgent DS Senanayake face toughest test

By M. Shamil Amit
Two unbeaten teams, Isipathana College with three wins out of three and DS Senanayake College who won their first two matches of the season, will square off in the Dialog Under 19 Rugby League tournament scheduled to be kicked off from 4.15 p.m. at Havelock Park today.
This will be a stiff test for DS Senanayake, but the Pathanians cannot afford to take underestimate a team that is in top form, who have beaten two experienced teams in St. Anthony’s College and Wesley College.
The last time the teams faced each other, Isipathana underwent some anxious moments before pulling off a close 25-24 in a league encounter game in 2018, the year DS Senanayake was demoted to a lower league.

Isipathana, led by Naveen Kanishka, have looked ominous and DSS, skippered by Jayathu Rajaratne, will be seeking to maintain their unbeaten record.
Isipathana have also shown themselves to be strong finishers and it will be something that the Donz will need to be wary of if they are to fashion another shock win.
Despite beating Wesley College, DS Senanayake have lacked the composure in certain pressure situation, which will be surely exploited by the best team in the league.
But the scale is in favour of the Pathanas as they have shown their capabilities and will no doubt strive to continue their winning streak. For sure they will leave no stone unturned and with both teams being unbeaten the supporters of the team can expect a closely contested affair.
Isipathana skipper Kanishka will bank on Chamath Iroshan who is their top try scorer, Shahid Zumri, Kenula Mihisara  and Rinesh Silva while DSS skipper Jayathu who scored a hat-trick of tries against Wesley will be looking for a repeat and will seek the support of Menura Perera, Sehanda Umagiliyage and Janindu Wijeratne who has been successful so far.

The Teams:
Isipathana – Naveen Kanishka (Captain), Dunila Fernando, Senuth Dinusara, Kaveen Tharusha, Kenula Hettiarachchi, Thinesthra Dodangoda, Raheem Ahamad, Chamath Iroshan, Nisaja Jayaweera, Shehandu de Costa, Hashen Randimal, Chamidu Boteju, Shahid Zumri, Rinesh Silva, Kalidu Shenal, Hasitha Mapitigama, Sethum Rajapakse, Akash Mihiranga, Gesadu Bentotage, Tehan Ranaweera, Sithuda Bometh, Avishka Hiran, Yuvidu Kodituwakku  
DSS – Jayathu Rajaratne (Captain), Chenitha Sanchith, Mohamed Aahil, Omika Lison, Navinda Hettiarachchi, Shamal Maleesha, Chamod Dewmith, Osman, Wafa, Thiven Perera, Manura Peiris, Sehanda Umagiliyage, Sandaru Lokuge, Samod Madusanka, Janindu Wijeratne, Menura Perera, Sahas Balasooriya, Yasavi Rathnasiri, Dithira Edirisooriya, Kaveesha Hikkaduwage, Praveem Dilakshan, Thatheera Dahamdiv, Nadil Paranaman