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Clinical performance and Dark Horses

I wanted to write about Royal vs St' Joseph's game before this. But had butterflies in my stomach preventing it. Honestly thought if Joes to win it would be by very small margin and for Royal were to win by much bigger margin.
Game ended with just 5 points difference. I believe score line does not tell the exact story how Royal dominated the game. You might not agree with me , but if you want to verify just watch the replay.

It was a great game of rugby where simply showed why schools rugby is way ahead of club rugby in the country. Both sides played really well. Only unfortunate thing was referee Dinka Peries had a very bad day. Lets not talk about it since nothing will change from that.

Coming back to the game I really like the way current and recent past Royal teams are playing. They know exactly what to do. What opposition will throw at them. They absorb pressure like sponge. Other teams should thank the game is only 70 minutes this year. Those 10 extra minutes would have been lethal.

Royal knew the hype around the game and Joes started witth a bang. One of the best tries of the season , largely thanks to Piyathissa and former Science sensation Tharindu Maduranga. It looked like Joes in to some thing and will be a long evening for Royalists.

This Royal team did not rattle. They were patient. Decided to shut the game for Joes. No wide ball. Keep it close, use it. Tire the opposition and sap the energy out of them. The result is hard earned victory.

For those who has any doubt on Royal domination , just take the fact that Joes did not win a single line out. The only one they won was of a crooked throw that referee did not spot. At some stage they decided not to kick to touch from 50 meter mark of a penalty due to the pressure of line outs.

It was too much hyped game in my opinion due to the fact that season is not even reached half way mark. There are other sides who are willing to make their mark in the league and people were trying to make the impression that this year is all about two hoarse race. I strongly disagree with that, since there are sides like Peters, Isipathana, Kingswood, Trinity,Wesley are trying there best to make their mark.

I know it is dissaponting for Josephian fans , but you have to accept the fact that Royal know how to win games. They never seemed to be panicking. They just took the time, settled in, finished the business as usual.

St Peters vs Isipathana

Both teams were engaged in highly intense game which ended in poor crowd behavior again. Isipathana should take more responsibility controlling the crowd in my opinion. I wonder clear yellow/red card incident in the second half went without punishment due to crowd pressure. The peterites were unlucky in that situation. The game stood the anticipation level, but Peters should have scored more. I think that is the difference between Royal and Peters this year. This will be the game they wanted for sure, since they were tested and wily old fox Mr. Martis will plan his next moves now. Isipathana is young but will not be disheartened with the loss. They will try harder now.

Darkhorses

Kingswood is a side that people does not talk about in group 'A' this year. But watch out fro game against Joes on the 21st. They are just flying under the radar. They will be happy to do so, but I expect some strong performance from them in weeks to come.

Bradby is around the corner and hoping for a clean game.


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