The second week of the Inter-School Rugby League promises plenty of action, with five big games scheduled in Colombo — four today and another one tomorrow.
S. Thomas’ vs Zahira — The Highlight of the Week
All eyes will be on S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia as they take on Zahira College in the match of the weekend. The Thomians secured a dramatic 29-28 win over Kingswood last week, while Zahira defeated Dharmaraja 54-19 in a dominant performance. Zahira will come into the match high on confidence, but S. Thomas’ — eager to make amends after their shaky start — will be looking to up their game.
The Thomians will rely on their captain and scrum-half Venuka Wickramasuriya, alongside Number 8 Mvkyle Karunaratne, Hooker Amaan Imran, Fly-half Mayanka Dias, Flankers Treysha Aluvihara and Shalyn Wanigasooriya, and Centre Sithil Perera.
Zahira’s team is led by their captain and centre Luqman ul Hakeem, Prop forward Zain Hassan, Winger and Second row Azmil Aakif, Flankers Iyad Yusuf and Rifaz Ameen, and Centres Binuk Perea and Zain Zahim.
Ananda vs Science
Ananda College, a new powerhouse in the top division, will be looking to make their mark after putting up a strong show against the defending champions last week, when they fell short 38-22.
Meanwhile, Science College will aim to redeem themselves following their heavy 63-15 loss to Wesley.
Mahanama vs Dharmaraja
This showdown is crucial for both Mahanama College and Dharmaraja College, as each side is looking for their first win after suffering defeats last week.
Mahanama put up a spirited display against Isipathana, while Dharmaraja fell to Zahira. The two evenly-matched teams are eager to turn the corner and kickstart their campaigns.
St. Joseph’s vs Thurstan
St. Joseph’s College are favourites to come out on top against Thurstan College. The Josephians drew 24-24 with Vidyartha last week, while Thurstan fell to Royal 74-0 in a tough start to their season.
Wesley vs D.S. Senanayake (Sunday)
This game promises to be a thriller as both Wesley College and D.S. Senanayake College are looking to keep up their momentum after recording victories in their opening games against Science College and St. Anthony’s, Katugastota, respectively.
Wesley, led by Number 8 Sandul Gammanpilla, are favourites to be strong contenders for a spot in the Super 6.
D.S. Senanayake, meanwhile, led by their centre Lankesh Wickramasinghe, will be eager to repeat their triumph over Wesley from two years ago.
