Sumangala host Isipathana

By Shamseer Jaleel

Unbeaten Isipathana College will take on Sri Sumangala College in their schools rugby match at the Trinity College stadium in Pallekele today.

The lads from Havelock Town have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, producing attractive attacking rugby while showing steady improvement with each outing. Their convincing victories over St. Anthony’s College, D.S. Senanayake College and Ananda College have underlined their credentials as genuine title contenders this season.

Leading from the front is skipper Shaakib Zumri, who has been exceptional both in attack and defence. 

His leadership and work rate have played a massive role in Isipathana’s unbeaten run. Full-back Nimantha Sandeepa too has been among the standout performers, impressing with his counter attacking play and safe handling under pressure.

With the form they have displayed in the opening weeks, Isipathana are undoubtedly one of the few sides capable of challenging defending league champions, Trinity College for top honours this season. Their structured forwards and dangerous three-quarter line have made them a difficult side to contain coached by veteran Sanath Martis.

Sumangala too have shown encouraging signs this season. The Kandy outfit recorded impressive away wins over D.S. Senanayake and Science College proving they are capable of competing strongly against quality opposition.

However, they struggled against Trinity in their last outing where they failed to score. Sumangala will need a much improved performance if they are to halt the unbeaten Isipathana side today. 

Sumangala will rely heavily on skipper and scrum-half Shashika Bandara to control proceedings. He will receive strong support from key players Achila Gamage, Tharusha Dilshan and Pasidu Samarakoon, all of whom have displayed excellent form this season. 

The side is coached by former Kingswood and Sri Lanka player Malith Hettiarachchi, whose experience has greatly strengthened the team.