Isipathana returns to the scene of a crime

Under pressure to make Science College pay in today's Milo Knock-Out final after Royal bust-up at contentious venue

Isipathana College will have both their pride and a conscience to safeguard and salvage when they meet the bubbly Science College team as they contest the Milo inter-school knock-out rugby final at a venue that will bring back memories of a hurtful League decider against Royal College which cost them the title last month.

The result may be a foregone conclusion as far as the pundits are concerned, but still Isipathana will have to appease and soothe their followers who are still sulking over the Royal loss.

"We will go out will a plan in place and we will not make the same mistakes we made (against Royal). Science College is an improved team from the one we beat in the League. We lost the Sevens final (to St. Peter's) and the League decider (to Royal). We are not prepared to lose a third time", said Isipathana coach Nilfer Ibrahim.

Isipathana are the defending champions in the knock-out tournament having beaten Royal in last year's final.

To stop Isipathana, Science College will have to do much more than just halt a juggernaut hell bent on making someone pay for the terrible lapse of their past.

Science College although beating a downsized Royal College team that was devoid of nine League champion players in the semi finals, have justifiably earned their goose and deserve to be on the big stage sporting their Sunday best. It is their biggest day in the history of their unenvied rugby and showcasing their wares could bring them equal pride as winning final.

They contest a final for the first time since they were promoted to the big league 15 years ago.

They will have to watch out not just for Isipathana's thundering backline but also the free-running Number Eight Omalka Gunaratne who will be at his farewell match in the green jersey for his school.

"The boys have now started to believe in their potential and they have the confidence to take on any team. This may be something no one expected. They are also enjoying the game and don't underestimate their opponents", said Science College coach Colin Denish, a former Peterite centre who has almost worked a miracle.

Both teams will be at full strength, but Isipathana perhaps hold the edge as they possess a harder and faster set of players needed to counter the brand of open rugby played by Science College.

Unlike Science, Isipathana take the field after a bolstering performance against Trinity College in the semi finals.

When the two teams last met in the League, Isipathana had a somewhat off-colour rendition before winning 49-27 while Science College did everything except pull it off in front of a mammoth home crowd at Mount Lavinia.

Isipathana College:

Sachin Alawathugoda, Nisal Desaka, Lahiru Perera, Chathura Dilshan, Matheesha Sarathchandra, Dilan Devinda, Wageesha Weerasinghe, Omalka Gunaratne, Harsha Maduranga, Isuru Kongahawatta, Asitha Punchihewa, Ushan Indunil, Sumudu Anuradha, Dilan Gallage, Rehan de Silva.

Science College:

Charith Janitha, Dulsara Prabu, Viranga Kavinda, Madushan Ayeshmantha, Daminda Lakshitha, Janith Laksara, Udesh Madushanka, Lasindu Karunatilleke, Hashan Madumadawa, Nishad Niranjan, Tharindu Maduranga, Niror Udayanga, Thanuja Maduranga, Sajith Roshan, Supun Dilshan.