By: Shamil Amit

(Daily Mirror) - Thurstan College, after being stagnated in the Division 1 Segment ‘B’ League for the last 12 years, and by virtue of having ended as the champions last year, will make their appearance in the Division 1 Segment ‘A’ and will lock horns with the top teams in the tournament.

The Thurstanites in bagging the title ended as the unbeaten champions with wins against Ananda, Piliyandala Central, Lumbini MV, Maliyadeva and St. Aloysius’ against whom they chalked up over 100 points.

They bagged the double as they followed up by emerging Premier Trophy Knock-Out champions defeating Sri Sumangala, Kandy. This year, the side is led by third year player Sithija Jayatileke. They will have two deputies, Chanithu Perera and Denver Outschoon. The side is coached by Collin Dinesh, who is no stranger to the rugby coaching scene. He will be assisted by Lasindu Karunatileke and Nipuna Kalhara with Sandun Madusanka as the Team Manager and Physiotherapist.

The Thurstanites will begin their campaign with a tough game against the defending League Tournament and Knock-Out champions St. Peter’s College on June 15 at Bambalapitiya.

Thurstan will also play two trophy matches against D. S. Senanayake College for the Greatian Gunawardhana Trophy and against the traditional rivals Isipathana College for the Abdul Jabbar Shield.

Thurstan College Under-19 Rugby Pool:

Sithija Jayatileke (Captain), Chanithu Perera (Vice-Captain), Denver Outschoorn (Vice Captain), Aaqib Sahaal, Nipuna Nirmam, Vinuka Hejitha, Binuka Kiuldeniya, Pansilu Ranasinghe, Kaveesha Binuwara,
Ryan Dimithri, Amitha Rusiru, Pasan Jayaratne, Dileen Nethroo, Ashen Hansaka, Chamod Hettiarachchi, Sawan Pahansara, Ruchira Hishan, Hansa Indramal, Eshitha Apoorwa, Navik Ransilu, Lesandu Athukorala, Ahad Sally, Malinda Winsara, Sadew Sathsara, Januda Bashitha, Nethupul Lasanda, Samaka Sithum, Sadila Geerasinghe, Chamuditha Dilshan, Amindu Rajapakse and Shashira Sharusha.

League Fixtures:

• June 15 v St. Peter’s at Bambalapitiya.
• June 22 v Wesley at Ratmalana.
• June 29 v St. Joseph’s at Ratmalana.
• July 6 v Royal at Ratmalana.
• July 13 v Kingswood at Bogambara.
• July 21 v Vidyartha at Nittawela.
• July 27 v Zahira at Maradana.