Joes target more victories this season

Thushan JAYASURIYA

St. Joseph's College skipper Yohan Keyzer. Pictures by Ranjith Asanka

Vice captain Jason Melder

St. Joseph College ruggerites intend to remain among the top teams of ‘A’ division schools rugby this season and they will be looking forward to clinch the Fr.Basil Wiratunga Memorial Trophy Championship too. This time their line up is a blend of youth, talent and experience.

The side is led out by Prop forward, former Josephian Basketball skipper Yohan Keyser. Jason Melder assists him being the vice captain. The team will be supported by experienced senior players including flanker Chirath Peiris, centre Vishmitha Peiris, fly half Rehan Thiyagarajah, winger Hasuru Gunawardena, prop forward Vishva Fernando and hooker Reyan Fernando.

The coach Sunanda Fernando believes that the team is well balanced and ready to take on any rival team this season.

“I hope that all players in the side will provide their maximum support with equal contributions and we have a balanced side right now. Last year, we were placed sixth in the schools rugby standings. We have won the matches against Kingswood College Kandy (32-10), Science College (28-24), Dharmaraja Colege, Kandy (18-16), S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia (24-19) and a drew with Wesley College (14-14).” When asked about their objectives for the season, Fernando said that their main aim is to win the Fr.Basil Wiratunga Memorial trophy, defeating Peterites at their annual rugby encounter.

Apart from that he mentioned that they are hoping for more victories this season. “There are some tough fixtures ahead because some of the opponents are very strong but we hope to give them a good fight,” added Fernando.

St. Joseph's College rugby team

St. Joseph's College under-19 rugby team and officials

Captain: Yohan Keyser
Vice Captain: Jason Melder

Prop Forwards: Yohan Keyser, Vishwa Fernando, Steffan Gregory, Goshen Jackson

Hooker : Reyan Fernando, Thariq Salih

Lock Forwards: Suchintha Udamalagala, Ishane Petersz, Sheggone De Soyza, Shermal Algama, Lahiru Randeniya

Flanker: Chirath Peiris, Shehan Bopearachchi

No 8: Jason Melder

Scrum Half: Shamilka Kurumbalapitiya, Brendon Keyser, Pasindu Manilka, Shiwanka Thangaiyyah

Fly Half: Rehan Thiyagarajah

Centres: Vishmitha Peiris, Kasun Mendis, Shehan De Silva

Chirath Peiris	Vishmitha Peiris	Rehan Thiyagarajah	Hasuru Gunawardena	Vishva Fernando	Reyan Fernando

Wingers: Hasuru Gunawardena, Dinesh Lakshan, Shashin Sudaraka, Akitha Hendalage Full Back: Janith Chanaka Coach : Sunanda Fernando Assistant Coach: Thuwan Bohran

Physical Trainer: Tyronne Wickramasinghe