Milo Schools Rugby final today ....:

Isipathana will aim for 'Triple', but Royal will fight them all the way

By Ranjan Anandappa

Milo Trophy Schools Rugby Final: In the quest of gaining a rugby triple in the school rugby arena, Isipathana will confront a rejuvenated Royal outfit in the 'Milo' Schools Under 20 Rugby Knock-out Final at the Royal College Sports Complex grounds today (Sunday at 4.30pm)

Isipathana, having already won the schools 'sevens' and the Singer League tournament are bound to come across a fierce battle for supremacy, as the Royalists will take the field as a team which has improved tremendously with their highly motivated captain and a utility player Nimshan Jayawardena who has provided the backbone of Royal.

The Pathanians entered the final with two smashing wins over Thurstan 50-5 and Science College 38-17 in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. While Royal brought down the high riding Trinitians with a fascinating 32-19 win over St. Joseph's and nail-biting 30-29 win over traditional rivals Trinity in the quarter-finals and the semi finals.

The Royal forwards have been their key to success this season with their daring forwards play spearheaded by flanker Heshan Pieris ably supported by props Zaheer Haniffa, Thivanka Perera, Chandula Bandara, Sasindu Perera, Umesh Madusanka and hooker Supun Warnakulasuriya who has scored fourteen tries which may be arecord for a school season.

Isipathana's forte has always been their speedy three-quarter line which has helped them to emerge victorious even from losing positions.

So, this year too, there is no exception that Isipathana will use their back division to good effect.

Scrum-half Sudam Sooriyarachchi is having a highly successful season for 'Pathana' at the moment. He scored a hat-trick of tries against Kingwood. Fly-half Isuru Umayanga ,centres Ushan Indunil.

Matheesha Sarathchandra and swift winger Dilan Gallage in addition to the full-back Rehan de Silva too who has shone during the season.

Besides, the above mentioned players national cap Omalka Gunaratne at the number 'eight' position has been a source of inspiration to the side.

He has scored twenty tries this season and no doubt could be a source of irritation to the Royalists.

Utility player and the skipper and full-back of Royal Nimshan Jayawardene has been marvelous this season . He has scored over 100 points this season with his diligent play in attack and defence in addition to his unerring place kicking which has earned them extra points at crucial junctures of the match.

The two teams will be meeting each other after 28 years in a President' Trophy final. The last time they met each other in a final which was called the R. Premadasa trophy which Isipathana won 7-4 during extra time.

Isipathana last won the President's trophy in 2012 when they defeated Trinity by 21-10. Royal last won in 2010 when they were declared joint champions with St. Peter's due to a court injunction.

Teams

Royal: Shabir Haniffa, Supun Warnakulasuriya, Thivanka Perera, Chadula Chula Bandara, Umesh Madushan, Keshan Peiris, Nikhil Gunadheera , Gayal Jayasinghe, Ashok Wijekumar, Sajjad Irshad, Akash Iddawela, Bhanuka Gamage, Daniel Gulasekeran, Nimshan Jayawardena (Captain)

Isipathana: Ganuka Dissanayake, Ashan Darling, Nisal Desath, Dilan Devinda, Akila Perera, Sachin Dulshan, Shenal Deelaka (Captain), Omalka Gunaratne, Sandun Suriyarachchi, Isuru Umayangana, Kushan Indunil, Maithree Sarathchandra, Dilan Gallage, G.L.D. Padmasanka and Rehan de Silva.