Can Wesley subdue St. Peter's dominance?
Wesley College, who oppose St. Peter's College in the second semi- final of the Milo Schools Knockout Tournament today at the Sugathadasa Stadium, have been through it all – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Starting off with the good, their near-defeat of Royal (17-18) was, funnily enough, the high-point of their fortunes. Toppling a school team that has endured two seasons sans a single defeat proved to be beyond them - but only just.
Then again, last weekend's win over Isipathana showed that the past does not haunt them and that they can indeed come back from the dead. The Green Shirts beat them 22-17 in the first round. The Peterites also beat Wesley 33-17 in their season- opener. So it is up to the lads from Campbell Park to show that they can come back.
Number 8, Daiyan Sabar has led the team by example and the players have responded well. Full back Mursheed Zubair is, probably, the most inspirational and dynamic player they possess. A good fullback, who can turn defence into attack in the space of a minute or two. Zubair is a place-kicker who can be depended on. A very experienced player, he has it in him to evade his markers.
Out on the wings, Wesley has two regular try- scorers in Kavindana Perera and Paramitharan Mohanandas. Both were among the tries in the Pathana game and they are running hot at the moment. This is especially so in the case of Perera. Centre Sahan Hansaja is a good runner and ball carrier. He will have to contend with the likes of the Madushankas - Rukshan and Dilshan. Lock Aaquib Thahir has proved his try-scoring ability time and time again. He is a very potent force in the Wesley pack. Prop Seshan Jayawardena and locks Dexter Gunathilleke and Sidath de Moore will have their hands full coping with the Peterite advances.
The Peterites beat the Anthonians comfortably in the quarters. It could be said that the Anthonian challenge was not stern enough. For all the possession they enjoyed, and the attacking they did, the Peterites should have scored more.
Forwards Abdullah Faiz, Julian Charles, Nizram and Bilal Hilmy have contributed lavishly towards their success.
That will- of- the- wisp Jason Karunaratne has been a delight to watch. Ostensibly a scrum half, but in actual fact he is all over. Rukshan Madushanka and Dilshan Madushanka have performed well as centres. The former, in particular, is incisive. Fly half Kenneth Wimaladasa, Sunera Fernando and Sandesh de Mel are three other players who have played important roles in the lead up to this game.
The Peterites are tough competitors. They have pace and power. Wesley cannot be unaware of all this and would have made their own plans. They will be going in as slight underdogs. But one capable of springing a surprise.