Isipathana mean business

Isipathana College will go all out to beat Science College, Mount Lavinia and win the Milo President’s Trophy Knockout tournament when the two teams meet in the grand final at the Royal Complex this evening.
Pathana of course defeated Trinity College, Kandy in the semi final 37-28 and will certainly be the favourites to retain their knockout title although Science have been magnificent this season.
Isipathana led by big number eight Omalka Gunaratne have only lost two matches this season, and it cost them two titles. They dominated the league competition until the final match when a tactical master class from Sanath Martis’ Royal stunned them.
Science played the entire season without a lot of pressure. At the beginning of the season no one would have expected them to finish fourth in the league and to reach the knockout finals, but today could be a whole new experience for the Mount lads.
They have been able to beat some top teams this year which included an absolute hammering of 52-26 against Royal, but they should know Isipathana is the real deal.
Lasindu Ishan’s side certainly has the pace in the wings, and on their day Science backs could outclass mighty Isipathana with the pace. However, the experience and the power of the Havelock boys could make the difference in the end.
Science centre Thanuja Maduranga’s performance would have a huge impact on the outcome of the match as he is one of the players who have the potential to sneak through the Isipathana defence.
One should also not forget that the defending champions have got some good forwards including blokes like Chathura Dilshan who has had a good season.
It would also be interesting to see the tactical ploys adopted by the two veteran coaches Nilufer Ibrahim (Isipathana) and Collin Denis (Science).
Isipathana XV (Probables): Sachin Dulshan, Nisal Deshantha, Lahiru Vishwajith, Chathura Dilshan, Matheesha Sarathchandra, Wageesha Weerasinghe, Dilan Devinda, Omalka Gunaratne (captain), Harsha Maduranga and Isuru Koongahawatte, Asitha Punchihewa, Kushan Indunil, Sumudu Anuradha, Dilan Gallage, Rehan de Silva
Science XV (Probables): Chathura Janith, Dananjaya Fonseka, V.Kavinga, Daminda Lakshan, M.Ayeshmantha, U.Madushanka, Janith Laksara, Lasindu Ishan (Captain), Hashan Madumadawa and Nishad Niranjan, Sajith Roshan, Nirosh Udayanga, Thanjua Maduranga, Tharindu Maduranga, Supun Dilshan