Royal-Isipathana game fixed for Wednesday
Isipathana team
Holding of the Milo President trophy knock-out final date after many days of uncertainty, will be worked out on the July 13 at the Race Course grounds. The impasse kept the rugby fans guessing. It may be the first time in the history of the tournament an incident of nature occurred.
The initial date of the final was scheduled for July 9th at the Royal College Sports Complex (RCSC). But on the decision of playing the final at a neutral venue, the SLSRFA then postponed the finals to the July 16 at Race Course grounds. But Isipathana have stated they requested only to change the venue and not the date. What they point out is, the Sri Lanka Under-18 schools tour is scheduled for July 21 and practices are planned to start on July 11.
Also prior to commencement of the tournament, the understanding of SLSRFA, the semi-final too was planned to be played at RCSC. But the understanding was if Royal enter the semi-final or finals, the match should be shifted to CR and FC, due to home advantage.
Denzil Darling, the secretary of SLSRFA stated prior to the kick start of the tournament.”The two semi-finals will be worked off at the Royal Sports Complex, but if Royal is one of the teams to feature in semis then we will shift that game to CR and FC. Same will apply if Royal feature in the finals”.
Royal team
But in the middle of the ongoing tournament SLSRFA changed their pre-tournament stance, stating the semi-final and final should be shifted to RCSC due to security reasons.They highlighted the case of post match incidents,the damage caused to CR and FC club house in the aftermath of the league decider between Isipathana and S.Thomas’.
S. Thomas’ College, the league runners up too lodged a complaint with the SLSRFA, expressing their displeasure to play at the chosen venue RCSC for the semi-final clash against Royal . But later S.Thomas’ went onto play the semi-final at the same venue and lost 15-24.
On the decider next week Wednesday, the head coach of Royal First XV, Sanath Martis stated. “We will play with most of the same players who played against S.Thomas’. We will play our natural game according to our strength”.
Nilfer Ibrahim, the head coach of Isipathana First XV stated. “Royal have proven they are a good side. They have been playing tremendous rugby since the second round of the league. We know their strengths and weaknesses.”
Isipathana Team (Probable): Isuru Udayakumar, Kaveesha Madushan (Props), Hasitha Mapitigama (Hooker), Lahiru Wisvajith, Sudeera Dissanayake (Locks), Adheesha Weeratunga, Devin Gunratne (Flankers), Vageesha Weerasinghe (No.8), Harith Bandara (Half Back), Randy Silva (Stand Off) , Chamod Fernando (Wing), Kushan Indunil, Sumudu Rankothge (Centres), Ranidu Padmasanka (Wing) and Gayan Wickremaratne (Full Back).
Royal Team (Probable): Ayesh Maduranga, Nikhila Gunadeera (Props), Azmir Fajudeen (Hooker), Harith Lokugamage, Shavindra Viduranga (Locks), Pasindu Amerasinghe, Maleesha Madhumewan (Flankers), Hamza Reeza (No.8), Ashok Viyayakumar (Half Back), Ovin Haskey (Stand Off), Nikhil George (Wing), Janidu Dilshan, Sabith Feroze (Centres), Thulaib Hassen (Wing) and Mahima Gamage(Full Back).