Defending champions Isipathana College will take on Royal College Colombo in the second semi-final of the Dialog President’s Trophy Schools Knockout Rugby Tournament, onMay 11, Sunday, at 4:15 pm.
On May 9, Friday, at Royal Sports Complex, Trinity College Kandy will face Zahira College Colombo in the first semi-final. Trinity, having shown strong form this season, will be looking to secure an easy victory over Zahira at Reid Avenue.
Isipathana started their season with an impressive 61-5 victory over Sri Sumangala College Kandy in the pre-quarter-finals. However, they had to fight hard in their quarter-final clash against Wesley College Colombo, where the scores were tied 10-all at halftime. But the Havelock Town side
came back strong in the second half, with number eight Shaakib Zumri scoring two tries both convertrd by fly half Avishka Hiran to steer Isipathana to a 24-10 win, securing their spot in
the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Royal College Colombo, who had their own tense moments in the pre-quarter-finals, cruised to a convincing 41 -24 win over DS Senanayake College in their quarter-final clash at Havelock Park on Sunday. Royal College’s captain Amika Samarasinghe was the star of the match, scoring four tries. Number eight Disas Pathirana and second rower Dinupa Perera added further tries for the Royalists.
Fly-half Indris Farook had an outstanding game, converting four tries and putting over a penalty to ensure a dominant victory for Royal College.
Trinity College Kandy had to fight off a fierce challenge from St. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia in their quarter-final on Saturday. Trinity’s full back Shan Althaf was the standout performer, scoring a try and converting three tries and a penalty to help his team secure a strong win
Trinity’s scrum-half Udan Wijekoon, centre Usman Shafraz and winger Yenula Yaddehige made daring runs, putting pressure on the Thomian defence
Trinity’s forwards, including second rower Evin Jayasena, prop Manusha Silva, and number eight, Sathiskumar also played crucial roles in their team’s success.
By – Daily News