Royal-Joes clash today

Royal College, Colombo who finished third in the Singer schools 'A' Division Segment one League Rugby Tournament will come out for the first time this season when they play host to St Joseph's College at the Royal Sports Complex today.

Royal led by No 8 Shehan Pathirana will have the services of eight coloursmen in skipper Pathirana, hooker Adil Jabbar, prop forward Iroshan de Alwis, flanker Madusha Kularatne, lock forward Lahiru Pavithra, fly half Arshard Jamaldeen, full back Rimzie Jamaldeen and centre Tharaka Wijesuriya.

Among the newcomers the most promising are centre Damien Ratwatte (who has played junior rugby in Mauritius) and scrum half Ravishan Dassanayake.

The Josephians who were promoted to the segment one after emerging segment two champions last year should give the Royalists a run for their money in today's game.