St. Peter’s, Isipathana in final showdown for title victory

The schools’ rugby season has reached its final stage with two top teams, namely newly-crowned league champions St. Peter’s College, who were the only team to remain unbeaten in the league, taking on defending knockout champions Isipathana College, in the final of the President’s Trophy Knock-Out Tournament at the Sugathadasa Stadium from 4:30 p.m. onwards tomorrow.

The two teams will come into the game with a mission – the Peterites to double up on the league title they won earlier in the season, while the Pathanians will look to avenge relinquishing their league title.
The previous clashes between the two sides have been closely contested affairs and the two sides will be coming into the game with confidence, with St. Peter’s led by flanker Ashain Madugasge no doubt aiming to end the season on winning note and remain unbeaten.

Isipathana on the other hand led by Fly-half Naveen Kanishka will be looking forward to redeem their lost prestige after their defeat to Royal on the last week of the league tournament, also aiming to retain the knockout title.

Looking at the formbook and going by the performances of players from the two sides, skipper Madugasge has in his ranks players in the calibre of centre Sudesh Jayawickrama, an experienced player who led the side last year, centre Yumeth Ishara, full back Kushan Tharindu, No 8 Dulaj Navodya and prop forward Sadew Gamage to name a few, who all have been in the thick of happenings in the side remaining unbeaten so far.

Isipathana skipper Kanishka will be expected to lead the side from the front which he has done so far and will be looking forward for support from wingers Rinesh Silva and Hashen Randimal, centre Shahid Zumri, prop forward Kenula Hettiarachchi, No 8 Nisaja Jayaweera and scrum half Shehadu de Costa to deliver the goods.

However, the supporters of the two sides’ will no doubt get their money’s worth with a blockbuster on the card and with rugby at its best in the offing predicting the final outcome is not going to be easy. (M. Shamil Amit)

• St. Peter’s - Ashain Madugasge (Capt), Sudesh Jayawickrama, Yumeth Shihara, Ridmal Ranitha, Emith Jayaweera, Pasindu Bandara, Sadew Gamage, Methusara Wishmika, Praneeth Silva, Tharindu Kushan, Aiden Fernando, Rahul Peter, Shenuka Perera, Kushan Tharindu, Dulaj Navodya, Vidnya de Mel, Dineth Ranasinghe, Jehan Weerabangsa, Sajith Gallage, Vishenka Silva, Sulaman Riyaz, Pawan Indrajith, Januk Ranasinghe, Ishanka Edirisinghe, Denand Ranaweera, Sachin Aruldas, Tharusha Maneth.
• Isipathana - Naveen Kanishka (Capt), Rinesh Silva, Chamindu Chirath, Sehandy de Costa, Hashen Randimal, Chamath Iroshan, Kushan Tharindu, Nisaja Jayaweera, Dunila Fernando, KaveenTharusha,, Senuth Dinusala, Savindu Arawgoda, Chamindu Dilshan, Kalindu Silva, Shahid Zumri, Kenula Hettiarachchi, Lasitha Mapilagama, Abdullah Faizer, Gesandu Maneth, Bashitha Chathuranga, Sithurpa Bometh, Avishka Hiran, Tehan Ranaweera, Thinethra Dodangoda, Sithum Damhiru, Raheem Ahamad, Nimantha Sandeepa, Shakib Zumri.