Isipathana Eye Rizvi Suhayb Memorial Trophy Redemption Against S. Thomas’

Isipathana College will be out to avenge last year’s defeat when they take on S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, in the second edition of the Rizvi Suhayb Memorial Trophy rugby encounter at Havelock Park on Saturday (July 4), with kick-off scheduled for 4.15 p.m.

The Green Shirts head into the traditional fixture with renewed confidence after ending their Dialog Schools Under-19 League Super Round campaign on a high, edging Zahira College 31-29 in a thrilling contest. Their victory marked a strong recovery after setbacks against St. Peter’s College, Trinity College and Wesley College.

S. Thomas’, meanwhile, will be determined to defend the trophy they claimed in the inaugural match last year with a commanding 36-24 victory. The Mount Lavinia outfit also enters the contest on the back of a morale-boosting 22-10 win over St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, which secured the Rev. Fr. Basil Rosati Trophy after their relegation to the Plate Segment.

Saturday’s encounter is expected to showcase a battle of contrasting styles. The Thomians are likely to bank on the power and discipline of their forward pack, while Isipathana will aim to exploit the pace and creativity of their backs.

Leading the Thomian challenge is captain and No. 8 McKyle Karunaratne, whose consistent performances and leadership have made him one of the standout forwards this season. He will receive strong support from flankers Rometh Wijesinghe and Teshiya Aluvihare, while prop Vishwa Ariyawansa and hooker Eyan Pereira are expected to provide stability at the set pieces.

Isipathana’s attacking hopes will largely rest on fly-half Thenula de Costa, who produced an outstanding display against Zahira by scoring a try and converting all four of his side’s tries. His tactical awareness, accurate goal-kicking and game management will be vital once again.

The Green Shirts also possess dangerous attacking options in centre Yuvindu Kodithuwakku and wingers Thanuka Jayaweera and Rashwin Jafrad, all capable of turning defence into attack with their pace and power. At full-back, Nimantha Sandeepa adds security under the high ball while contributing with tactical kicking and counter-attacking runs.

The contest is also expected to be shaped by discipline and territorial control. S. Thomas’ will look to dominate possession through their forwards and control the breakdown, while Isipathana will seek quick ball to stretch the Thomian defence and create opportunities out wide.

With both schools finishing their respective league campaigns with confidence-boosting victories, another closely contested battle is anticipated as Isipathana chase redemption and S. Thomas’ strive to retain the Rizvi Suhayb Memorial Trophy.

The trophy commemorates the late Rizvi Suhayb, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated schoolboy rugby captains. He guided S. Thomas’ College to an unbeaten league and knockout double in 1989 before captaining the Sri Lanka Under-20 team during its tour of Bangkok in January 1990. The trophy was introduced by Thomian old boys to honour his lasting contribution to school rugby.