Trinity face fierce challenge from Isipathana
Unbeaten Trinity College Kandy will lock horns with spirited Isipathana College Colombo in a much-awaited clash on Saturday, July 26 at the Pallekele Stadium, in the highlight clash of the second week of the Second Round in the Dialog Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament.
This Cup Championship clash is expected to be a thriller as both teams come into the encounter with winning momentum and powerful line-ups capable of delivering fireworks.
Isipathana, this year’s Knockout champions, with a 12-9 win over Trinity in the final are known for their attacking flair and smart tactical play. They enter this crucial fixture after a tense 21-18 win over the formidable Wesley College last week at Havelock Park.
Led by number eight Thrithendra Dodangoda, Isipathana possess a solid forward pack and an electric back line. Their scrum half Sithupa Bometh and fly half Avishka Hiran form a steady halves combination, while centre Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, wingers Sithum Senadeera and Isuru Udayanga, and full back Nimantha Sandeepa have consistently broken defensive lines and executed long kicks to touch. Second rower Mewnaka and powerful forward Shaakib Zumri have provided the muscle up front.
In the First Round, the Green Shirts claimed victories over Mahanama (33-19), Kingswood (33-23), Dharmaraja (32-15), and Zahira,38-27 but were shocked by S. Thomas’ (24-36). Their gritty win against Wesley last weekend showed their ability to recover and fight until the final whistle.
On the other side stands Trinity College, the only unbeaten team in the league tournament. The boys from Kandy, captained by centre Usmaan Shafraz, have been unstoppable. Their most recent performance – a convincing 36-19 win against the Thomians in Mount Lavinia – underlined their all-round strength.
Fly half Shan Althaf has impressed with daring breaks and accurate place-kicking, well supported by scrum half Udan Wijekoon. In the back division, winger Minula Yaddehige has emerged as one of the top try-scorers, while fullback Amir Faizal has been reliable as the last line of defence. Sadesh Weerawansa adds punch in midfield alongside skipper Shafraz.
Their forward pack has shown tremendous unity, especially with flanker and deputy skipper Nisitha Kumarasinghe, number eight Shiyan Sathiskumar, and Hamza Abdeen dominating the loose. Second rower Evin Jayasena, prop Manusha Silva, and hooker Onija Kodithuwakku bring aggression to the tight exchanges.
In the First Round, Trinity brushed aside Sri Sumangala (43-15), Vidyartha (74-14), Thurstan (48-19), St. Joseph’s (29-7), and Royal College (34-12) before claiming the R.S. de Saram Shield by beating the Thomians last Saturday.
Saturday’s clash at Pallekele is expected to be a tactical battle between Trinity’s structured power and Isipathana’s fast-flowing style. With a large crowd expected and both teams in top form, this match could be one of the defining moments of the League
By – Daily News