U-20 Rugby: Isipathana and Science clash in Milo President’s Trophy Knockout final

This is not going to be a softtoy exhibition for the faint hearted.   This is the inter-schools rugby knockouts where two of the meanest sets of players would test their skills to the hilt at the Milo Schools Under-20 President’s Trophy final between defending champions Isipathana College and Science College scheduled to be played at the Royal Sports Complex ground at Reid Avenue today (12) with the kickoff set for 4.30pm.   For Isipathana the arena is not a strange stage.   For them it is déjà vu.   As for Science this is new ground.   It is the first time that they would be in this strange location – fighting for a big cup with none other than goliath.   Isipathana will be getting on to the field with the aim of retaining the knockout title while Science having qualified for the first ever time will no doubt be seeking to win their first ever major title in the schools rugby arena.   Of course for the boys in green jersey winning a cup has been a habit and another reason they would put in all their effort is that, having been the triple champions last year they have been unable to lay their hands in the two trophies which were on offer so far – the 7s and league.   Looking back at the early stages of the knockout tournament, Isipathana received a bye in the quarter-final before overcoming Trinity 37-28 whom they beat for the second successive time, this season.   Science on the other hand after having ended a successful league season rocked the daylights of St. Peter’s, whom they defeated 27-22 in the quarter-final and then went on to outclass a depleted Royal side 52-26 in the semi-final to book a berth in the final.   Of course Isipathana will be coming into the game as hot favourites and also has the edge but the Science side is not going to be easy nuts to crack as they have been performing some giant killing performances in the last few seasons.   Now they have made themselves a side to keep an eye on.   Isipathana will pin their hopes on skipper and No.8 Omalka Gunaratne, hooker Nisal Desaka, flanker Wageesha Weerasinghe, locks Chathura Dilshan and Matheesha Sarathchandra, wingers Dilan Gallage and Asitha Punchihewa, flyhalf Isuru Kongahawatte and fullback Rehan Silva to deliver the good with support from scrumhalf Harsha Maduranga.   In the Science camp eyes will be focused on flyhalf Nishad Neranjan, skipper and No.8 Lasindu Ishan and the two siblings Tharindu Maduranga, Thanuja Maduranga, flankers Udesh Madusanka and Janith Laksara, fullback Supun Dilshan and scrumhalf Hashan Madumadawa.   Science has been an unpredictable side. No one could know what plans they have under their sleeves, but as Isipathana they too are known as die-hards who would never give in easily.   Even though Science lost their league encounter 20-45 to Isipathana earlier in the season they became an improved side.   If Isipathana are trying to take things easy they better watch out as Science could surprise them.   With Isipathana having the last opportunity of winning a title this season and Science looking forward to win a major title for the first time the supporters of both sides and spectators who would throng to witness this blockbuster will be given their money’s worth.   Isipathana: Sachin Dulshan, Nisal Desaka , Chathura Dilshan, Lahiru Perera, Matheesha Sarathchandra, Wageesha Weerasinghe, Dilan Devinda, Omalka Gunaratna (Captain), Harsha Maduranga, Isuru Kongahawaththa, Asitha Punchihewa, Kushan Indunil, Sumudu Anuradha, Dilan Gallage, Rehan Silva, Harith Udara, Chamodh Fernando, Gayan Wickramaratne.   Science: Charith Janitha, Dananjaya Fonseka, V. Kavinga, Daminda Lakshitha, Madushan Ayeshmantha, Udesh Madushanka, Janith Laksara, Lasindu Ishan (Captain), Ashan Madumadawa, Nishad Neranjan, Sajith Roshan, Niroshan Udayanga, Thanuja Maduranga, Tharindu Maduranga, Supun Dilshan, Umesh Madusanka, Ravindu Sampath, Himesh Madushan.