Improved Antonians favoured, Royal look to salvage dented image

By Shamseer Jaleel

Two crucial matches in the Under 19 inter school rugby League will take centre stage on Sunday with St. Anthony’s College and Royal College starting as favourites in their respective encounters.

At Nittawela the Antonians will host newcomers Lumbini College with kick-off scheduled for 3.30 p.m. The home side will enter the game with confidence after recording an impressive win against D.S. Senanayake College in their previous outing. 

However, they were beaten by strong outfits Trinity and Isipathana earlier in the season.

Lumbini are still searching for their first win after suffering defeats against Trinity, Isipathana and Sri Sumangala. Despite showing glimpses of promise in patches, they have struggled to maintain consistency for the full eighty minutes against experienced opponents.

The Antonian outfit has gradually improved and their forwards are expected to play a major role on their home turf at Nittawela. Their three-quarter line too has looked sharper and they will be keen to collect maximum points to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Plate segment. Lumbini are likely to challenge strongly in the loose phases, but on current form the Antonians hold the edge to pull off their second win of the campaign.

At the Trinity stadium in Pallekele, Kingswood College will host Royal College at the same kick-off time of 3.30 p.m.

Royal began their season positively with victories over Ananda and Thurstan before suffering a shock defeat to Zahira after 63 years. Led by dynamic Number 8, Disas Pathirana, the Reid Avenue side will be eager to bounce back strongly.

Kingswood, captained by the influential Sachintha Naweesha, have beaten Science College but lost to S. Thomas’ and Zahira. 

Though Kingswood will enjoy home conditions, Royal’s experience and attacking strength give them the edge.