Royal, Pathana in blockbuster Schools League decider
The last time the two schools met in 2019, Royal beat Isipathana 19-6
The takers of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2022 title will be determined today soon after the showdown between the unbeaten Isipathana College and defending title holders Royal College, to be played at Havelock Park. The virtual final of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2022, also an annual traditional fixture played between both schools for the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy, will kick off at 4.00pm.
Isipathana comes to the game as the only unbeaten team with six straight wins, five from the Group 2A, and last weekend’s narrow 16-13 win against St. Joseph’s College in the Super Round. The Green Machine, as they are known in the schools rugby circle recorded wins against Science (18-9), Wesley (10-0), St. Peter’s (29-17), Dharmaraja (26-12) and Vidyartha (25-23) to come out as the favourites among all contenders.
In total they have obtained 32 points from six games, with two bonus points and have scored 124 points while conceding 72. Yet, their unbeaten march could be at stake against a much powerful Royal outfit. The comparison between the two teams can be easily outlined with the nature of wins and the final scores of the games.
Royal, too played six games, won five lost one that too their traditional rivals Trinity in the group round by a close margin 20-21. Their other wins were impressive – against St. Anthony’s (22-12), Kingswood (53-0), S. Thomas’ (28-8) and St. Joseph’s (17-3). The team from Reid Avenue have obtained 28 points in total, including three bonus points and has an impressive tally of 153 points, while conceding only 60.
The run so far, for both teams, have been contrasting and anything could be expected with both Isipathana and Royal having the only option of winning the game if they are to lay the hands on the title, unless the game ends in a draw or a tie.
If Isipathana could pull off, even a close win, they are in line to become champs after 2016, but a loss could put an end to their unbeaten march and give Royal the opportunity of retaining the plum for the fourth year running. Even if Isipathana lose the game, they will have another lifeline to tie the total points, but that too if they manage to gain bonus points. Yet, even in that situation Royal will be easily crowned the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2022 champions with their impressive record in points recorded and the tally of tries from all games.
As the title decider, the game between St. Joseph’s and Wesley can be termed as another thriller, where the winner will have the opportunity of ending the season as the third best schools rugby team. The game will be played at Havelock Park from 4.00pm tomorrow.
Both St. Joseph’s and Wesley have had an impressive season, with powerful teams, but were mostly unfortunate not to come on top. St. Joseph’s currently sits at No.3 with four wins and two losses from six games, with a tally of 24 points including four bonus points. They have scored 135 points in total and have conceded 99.
The Josephians opened their campaign with a win against Kingswood (34-3), and followed it up with a close win against S. Thomas’ (30-28). They also beat Trinity (20-15) and St. Anthony’s (35-20) while losing only to Royal (3-17) in the group stage. Their second win came against Isipathana (13-16) after a close game.
Wesley has three wins, a draw and two losses under their belt from six games to remain with 22 points, including four bonus points. They have scored 140 points in total and have given away 77. They opened their campaign with a commanding win against Vidyartha (38-7), and continued with wins against Science (38-10) and Dharmaraja (31-12) in the group stage. The draw came against St. Peter’s (17-17) while losing to Isipathana (0-10) in the group stage. Last weekend in the Super Round, they gave a good run against Royal (16-21) before going down.
Comparing the run so far of both teams, a high paced thrilling game is on the cards can be expected where the winner will easily take the third slot of the Super Round.
In the Division I Segment ‘B’ Zahira College and D.S. Senanayake College have guaranteed their places in next season’s Division I Segment ‘A’ after an impressive season this year. Both teams remain unbeaten in their respective groups with five straight wins respectively. From Group 1B, Zahira finishes their campaign with wins against Maliyadeva, Prince of Wales, Lumbini, St. Aloysius and Mahanama colleges, and a tally of 30 points, including five bonus points. They have a tally of 181 points and have conceded only 16, an impressive record from five matches.
D.S. Senanayake, from Group 2B, defeated Thurstan, Sri Sumangala, St. Benedict’s, Ananda and St. Sylvester’s colleges, also to obtain 30 points with five bonus points. They too have a far impressive tally of 239 points and have just conceded 10 points in five games.