54th Gopallawa Shield tomorrow

Friday, 15 August 2025 03:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Vidyartha skipper Pasindu Rajapakse

Ananda skipper Sadew Dissanayake

The eagerly awaited 54th William Gopallawa Shield rugby encounter between Ananda College and Vidyartha College will take place tomorrow, 16 August, at the Ananda College Rugby Ground in Rajagiriya, with kick-off scheduled for 4 p.m.

Vidyartha is led by Pasindu Rajapakse, with some good players such as Praveen de Mel in the starting lineup. Former Vidyartha old boy, Kandy SC star winger, and national winger Kavindu Perera is their Head Coach at present.

Meanwhile, Ananda is led by Sadew Dissanayake, with Deneth Chamuditha as the deputy skipper of the outfit. Akila Chathuranga is the Head Coach of the Maradana outfit.

This series commenced in 1968, with R.M. Lafir leading Vidyartha and D.S.K. Wijesuriya captaining Ananda. From 1968 to 2008, the encounter was played over two legs.

In recent years, Vidyartha has shown dominance, but this year promises a tight contest, with a newly promoted and rejuvenated Ananda outfit going head-to-head with the fighting young guns of Vidyartha, determined to retain the shield. Unfortunately, Vidyartha, already demoted to a lower division, will have a point to prove in this game.

Referee is Gihan Yatawara.