Isipathana to bounce back

Saturday, 20 May 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Isipathana College will be back in action against Wesley at Havelock Park today. After a close encounter against Trinity, going down in a tight game, Isipathana should break free against Wesley and make use of their three quarter line to the maximum. Their nippy scrum half Harith Bandara had a grand game against Trinity, and was unstoppable in his moves. He should be marked well; if not, the Wesley outfit will find it tough to stop him. Chamod Fernando and skipper Sumudu Rankothge too are great players. For Wesley, the Lee brothers have done a yeoman service along with Aponso. Both teams are out of contention for the League, but all are to play for pride and position which will be used as a yard stick for the knockout game to follow.

The unpredictable Peterites will host the Thomians who are fighting hard to get back in form. Led by national youth skipper Naveen Heenakankanmge, the outfit from Mount Lavinia are struggling big time this season. Petrites through a talented outfit inconsistent had let them down very badly. They have beaten two very good sides this season - namely Trinity and Isipathana. With all due credit to the Bambalapitiya lads, they will need to be on top of the game for a good finish in their last game.

Zahira College will be all out to end their dream rugby season when they play St. Joseph’s at Welisara. The Joes though investing heavily could not get the best return this season and will heavily depend on Sachith Silva, Gemunu Chethiya and Chathura Senenviratne. They have one of the best coaches at Junior level, Nilfer Ibrahim. The Zahirians, coached by another Sevens player, Shamly Nawaz, have nothing to lose. They have played well to stay in the top this season. They too will expect Singhawansa and Lantra to click well at this vital encounter to decide whom they will meet at the knock out encounters. (SJ)