Royal take on determined Isipathana Today
Buoyed by a thrilling 30-29 win over their archrivals S. Thomas’ College last Saturday, Royal College Colombo will be out to prove a point as they prepare to face a wounded but dangerous Isipathana College side in a must-watch Cup Segment Round Two match of the Dialog Schools Rugby League Tournament at the Royal Sports Complex on August 9 (Saturday).
The Reid Avenue lads will also be fighting for the prestigious Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy, adding more fire to an already explosive fixture between two proud rugby-playing schools.
Royal, known for their structured style and famous rolling maul, showed heart and hunger in their comeback win against the Thomians, and they will look to carry that momentum into this crucial battle. Centre Amika Samarasinghe, who leads the side, has not only been a calm leader but also a creative playmaker in midfield. His combination with scrum half Shashrika Fernando and fly half Idris Farouk has been one of Royal’s biggest strengths this season. The halfback pairing has controlled the tempo of games well, often unlocking defences with sharp passes and clever kicks.
Winger Didula Jayasuriya and fullback Yuvan Pathirana have provided attacking spark and defensive stability, with Pathirana’s positional play and counter-attacks proving crucial in tight games.
Up front, Royal’s third-row number eight Disas Pathirana, and flankers Senuja Ranasinghe and Althaf Amaan have shown both muscle and mobility. They’ve consistently won turnovers, made key tackles, and kept the momentum rolling.
The engine room is powered by the likes of second-rower Yoshitha Jayasekara and Mohomed Naqeeb, while Akira Yatawara, the powerful prop forward, has given his team go-forward ball with strong carries and solid scrummaging. Together, the Royal pack has functioned like a well-oiled machine — not flashy, but brutally effective.
Isipathana College, after back-to-back defeats to Trinity (10-32) and St. Peter’s (7-14), find themselves on the ropes. But if there’s one thing the Green Machine is known for, it’s their fighting spirit.
Led by flanker Thrithendra Dodangoda, Isipathana will be eager to bounce back and silence critics. The forward pack boasts talent in second-rower Nevith Mewunaka, Demitha Kariyawasam, and number eight Shaakib Zumri, all of whom are known for their loose play and work rate at the breakdown. In the backline, scrum half Sithupa Bometh and vice captain/fly half Avishka Hiran will be tasked with setting the tone early.
Centres Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, and speedy wingers Sithum Senadeera and Isuru Udayanga, have the pace to tear apart any defence if given space.
Fullback and placekicker Nimantha Sandeepa will have a dual role as the last line of defence and the man responsible for converting pressure into points with the boot.
Tomorrow’s match is expected to be a clash of styles: Royal’s physical, methodical game versus Isipathana’s speed and flair. The key battle will be in the breakdown, where both teams will fight tooth and nail to secure clean ball.
By – Daily News