Royal-Isipatana clash should be a thriller

Chris Dhambarage

Royal College will be looking to clear another tough hurdle in their attempt to win the President's Trophy when they take on Isipatana College in a high profile inter-school under 20 division one league rugby tournament match at the Royal Sports Complex, Reid Avenue today.

Royal, the only unbeaten side in the tournament are just a couple of games away from winning the title and will take the field while brimming with confidence. They will take the field with their heads high after having crushed the reigning champions Kingswood College Kandy by 43 points to 17 points last week at the same venue.

In contrast Isipatana College are still recovering following last week's shock 12-27 defeat at the hands of Trinity College Kandy at the Pallekelle Stadium.

They of course raised their hopes with a stunning victory over Kingswood College Kandy in the previous week.

However Isipatana College failed to live up to expectations and simply threw away their chances with a poor performance.

This time they will have another opportunity to redeem their lost prestige and also to retain the Major Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy.

Last year of course Isipatana College came out with a splendid performance to beat Royal College by 17 points to 12 points in a thrilling game at Longden Place. But on present form Royal seem to have a massive advantage over their opponents and will be determined to add the finishing touches to another rousing victory.

Peterites out to bounce back

St. Peter's College will be hoping to redeem some of their lost prestige when they confront St. Anthony's College in their inter-school under 20 'A' division league rugby tournament match at Bambalapitiya today.

The Peterites suffered a demoralising 3-36 defeat at the hands of S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia last week at the same venue and will be determined to bounce back with an improved performance.

In contrast St. Anthony's College had a highly successful outing last week where they hammered Mahanama MV by a huge 58 points to 12 points at the Nittawela Stadium.

This time they will be keen to maintain the same momentum and provide some anxious moments to the home side.

Joes should have in easy

St. Joseph's College will take on Mahanama MV in another inter-school under 20 'A' division league rugby tournament match at Longden Place today.

The Joes are currently placed eighth in the points table and will be looking to consolidate their position with another pleasing performance.