Schools rugby officials welcomed the announcement that the second round fixtures of the Singer Schools Rugby League is scheduled to resume on May 31 following assurances from the Ministry of Defence because of the security situation in the country.
“The Ministry of Defence has given us clearance to conduct the league matches at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo and Bogambara Stadium in Kandy apart from the two legs of the Bradby Shield between Royal and Trinity in Pallekelle and Royal Complex after we submitted a revised schedule on Wednesday,” said Nirodha Wijerama, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA).
“This followed several meetings we had with the Sports Minister Harin Fernando and Education Ministry officials. We are just waiting for final confirmation of the neutral venues in Kandy and Colombo. All matches will be played amid a heavy security presence,” he said.
Coaches of leading contenders for the Cup such as St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s and Isipathana were elated at this news though it posed a different challenge caused by the disruption of training following an extended break after the Easter Sunday attacks.
“No one has prepared because of the prevailing situation. Some have been training individually. We will resume full training from Monday,” said Nilfer Ibrahim, coach of St. Joseph’s, the only unbeaten side in the competition.
The Josephians will face Wesley on June 2, S. Thomas’ on June 9 and Royal and June 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium with kick-off at 4.00pm.
“The option to play at Sugathadasa Stadium is okay. It is fair for everyone. No one will have home advantage,” Ibrahim said.
St. Peter’s coach Rajiv Perera said the players did not train at all during the break.
“It’s a big challenge to bring the boys back close to the condition they were two months ago. Also playing at home ground would have been a big advantage but we have no option now,” he said.
The Peterites face Science College on June 1, Trinity on June 8, Isipathana College on June 15 and St. Joseph’s on June 22 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Training has been continuing at Isipathana despite the uncertain situation in the country.
“We are ready to play. It’s okay to play at a neutral venue because of security concerns. The security of players and spectators comes first,” said Lasintha de Costa adding teams would have lost momentum because they will be competing after eight weeks.
Isipathana lock horns against S. Thomas’ on May 31, Wesley on June 7, St. Peter’s on June 15 and Royal on June 23 at Sugathadasa Stadium.
The eagerly awaited Bradby Shield will be held on June 1 and 15 with the first leg taking place at Pallekelle Stadium in Kandy and the second leg at the Royal Complex in Reid Avenue.
The Singer Schools Rugby League is set to conclude on June 30 and will be followed by the President’s Trophy knock-out tournament which is scheduled to kick off on July 6 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
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