Science College, Mount Lavinia with a combination of youth and experience will look to keep their tag as underdogs in the current Inter-Schools Under-20 ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament. They have already made their presence felt with an outstanding performance in the two games played so far while competing in Group-2 of the Division One Segment.
In fact, Science College were able to stretch the former champions and the favourites Isipathana College to a great extent before going down fighting 9-18 in their opening match of the tournament.
Thereafter, they produced their best performance for the current season by forcing a thrilling 15-15 draw to their match against Dharmaraja College at the Nittawela Stadium in Kandy.
Science College were set to take on St. Peter’s College in their third match of the tournament last week but unfortunately it was postponed to August.
Now they will meet Wesley College this weekend followed by the game against Vidyartha College on July 23. No doubt, Science College are really up against it with some top teams in their group but are determined to give off their best in an attempt to reach the Cup Championship Segment of the tournament. They had a couple of practice matches ahead of the tournament proper and the players have been working hard under the guidance of Coach Amila Chathuranga, who has returned after a lapse of a few years.
In addition to their regular training sessions, a weekend workout programme in the beach is something that Science College have been performing successfully to enhance their fitness level.
The other significant feature in their performances over the years have been their fearless attitude on the field and their capability of challenging any opposition on that day.
It is that kind of positive thinking and their excellent body language among the players that have brought them great results in the past few seasons.
In fact, one of their finest moments on the field came when they clinched the President’s Trophy Knock-Out Tournament in 2015 after defeating Isipathana College in the final encounter.
Science College came closer to producing a repeat performance in 2020 before losing 10-17 after a close contest at Havelock Park. But that was the only match they could play as the season was called off thereafter, due to the pandemic.
Last year of course, Science College had to be content with the last place in the Cup Championship points table, but they had the satisfaction of overcoming the fancied Wesley outfit 26-21 at Ratmalana.
Science College First XV Rugby Pool:
Prop forwards: Methmina Nawanjana, Dananjaya Sahan, Sandun Kumara, Alon Thirash, Samitha Senarathna and Kavishan Moraes.
Hooker: Tharusha Gimhana, Siyath Dewmith, Ashen Jayarandana and Kisara Wenuraka.
Second row forwards: Roshen Singh, Pramod Nalaka, Malshan Dewmin and Isuru Chathuranga.
Flankers: Roshen Deneth, Theekshana Imajith and Shavinda Induranga.
Number Eight: Hansaka Lakshan (Captain).
Scrum half: Anuradha Lakshan and Ishara Dilshan.
Fly half: Nadun Kaveesha and Oshada Dilruwan.
Centres: Ashan Induwara and Manik Singh and Yomith Banula.
Wingers: Mohamed Shaheer, Sasitha Dewjan, Isuru Withanage, Kaveesha Meditha and Aruna Hasitha.
Full back: Kavindu Dilshan.
Coach: Amila Chathuranga.
Assistant Coach: Richi Dharmapala.
Master-in-Charge: A. P. Jayasuriya.