A round of Rows to reserve slots for next Segment

AS we step into week 4, it becomes more and more difficult to compare strengths and weaknesses of sides from a tactical perspective, as most Coaches have done a splendid job this season in building teams with all-round skills, and the level of some skills in comparison can be appraised, only when the two teams face each other.

- By Arun Pillai

The unbeaten Table leaders of Group 1 shall be decided this weekend, while the other two Groups would have to remain calm until the 5th week of the initial round.

D.S. Senanayake vs Science at Havelock Park on 27 June:

This is another evenly poised encounter similar to the match between Ananda vs DS. Both teams possess comparable skills of somewhat equal strengths, both in their Backs and Forwards game, hence a see-saw effect is guaranteed for the Patrons. The single factor that separates the two sides apart is their game discipline, as Science has been giving away more penalties than DS in the last two games.

How the mini battle between the Forwards may veer when they maul each other would be an interesting tussle to see, which could also influence the outcome of the game. DS shall have additional opportunities to launch Mauls from around the Science 22, due to the extra penalties that are poised to be awarded in their favour. However, the Ball handling of DS became a concern in their last game, as they spilled 8 voluntarily, which has to be improved in this game.

	Last Game	One Before
DSS Penalties	9	7
Science Penalties	14	13

Science would have a slight edge on place kicking that may gain them a few extra points, but their pitfall is likely to be their high penalty count, that must be corrected for them to have a fair chance to compete in this encounter. They might also stand a better chance with their Mauls against DS, which did not go well against the sheer power of the Brigade's Pack.

Wesley vs St. Peter's at Havelock Park on 28 June: