A Cup Champion Before The Final Week's Play?

As we are moving close towards the end of the School's Rugby League, it's very certain that Trinity are the firm favourites as the only unbeaten team remaining in the Cup segment, and even have a chance of becoming the Champions before the final week. Before that's explained, let's see what we have in store this week!

The Michael Gunaratne Trophy Comes Alive

The 61st Michael Gunaratne Trophy played between the oldest cricketing rivals in the country takes place this Saturday at the Big Club Grounds. The Thomians having gained their confidence with a marginal 28-26 win over the Peterites, will be eyeing for the Silverware that has not been seen in the Thomian cabinet since the author left his alma mater (2016).

Royal on the other hand, will be coming after a defeat to Wesley College, another favourite for the title if they get their act together in their crucial match against Trinity. While Royal's trophy ambitions appear to be on the horizon, they will still go into the game as the Trophy holders. It is bound to be a very close game and the reliable Idris Farouk's boot will be tested if they get penalties within a kickable distance, with a high chance of a final minute penalty deciding the winner and the loser.

A keen tussle between the back threes of both teams is expected. The heavier forwards of Royal hold the key while the Thomian backline will look to make inroads with their elusive running. Finally, will the Thomians 'Ba Ba Black Sheep' around the Gunaratne Trophy they haven't seen since 2016 or will Royal hold on to it for another year?

The 'Finals' Battle of Yesteryear

In the recent last two years, St. Peter's and Isipathana were the two teams that played for the title with the Peterites winning both occasions, and it was the same match up in the Knockouts Finals as well. This year however, both teams now find themselves playing for pride as both are no longer in contention for the title.

The Peterites who are yet to win a game in the Cup segment, will definitely be haunted by the blocked conversion kick under the post against S.Thomas' while Isipathana went down fighting at Pallekale though the final scores read 32-10. In fact, both teams will be missing out a key Forward each due to Red Cards from last week and are equally huge blows in their forward units.

Despite the shortcomings and both teams coming off defeats from the last week, they are certain to go hard at each other to prove their fans that they still have it in them, and it will definitely be a close tussle with no clear prediction on who has the upper hand in the 50th clash between the Green Machine and the Bamba Brigade.

Wesley To Challenge the Hill Capital

There is no question that Trinity College have been the team to beat this whole season, and now the challenge lies with Wesley College to play in Pallekale against an opponent they have not faced for some time.

Trinity definitely have the upper hand playing on home turf and have been statistically superior against every team, scoring a minimum of 5 Trys every game and not conceding more than 19 points in any given match in the League. Wesley on the other hand, were one of the high riding teams until the defeat against Isipathana but defeating Royal College in the home ground last weekend is a definite confidence booster.

A keen tussle is expected between the two kickers, Haadhi and Althaf who will be commanding the backline with their elusive playmaking. If Wesley's forwards get their act together, they are certain of troubling the Trinity pack but would need more than a miracle to bring down this Kandyan giant, who will be crowned the champions IF they win with a bonus AND S. Thomas' don't get a bonus point win.

Race to the Cup Championship

Trinity College (18 points) - Their goal to become the champions this week is clear, but in case STC do win with a bonus point, just a win would suffice against St. Peter's.

Wesley College (12 points) - As the only team in the title contention that is yet to beat Trinity, they need to win both games with a bonus point.

S. Thomas' College (12 points) - Even if STC get two bonus point wins, they heavily depend on Wesley to create an upset tomorrow by beating Trinity.

Royal College (7 points) - Just like their big match rivals, two bonus point wins will not be enough as they depend on the unlikely result to Trinity losing both remaining matches without any bonus point, and Wesley beating STC.

There's a lot at stake, and we'll see you soon again with the post match analysis!