The grand finale of the President’s Trophy Dialog ‘A’ Division Schools Knockout Tournament promises to be a thrilling encounter as defending champions St. Peter’s College take on last year’s runners-up, Isipathana College. The much-anticipated clash will take place at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Sunday, September 15, at 4:15 PM.
For St. Peter’s, this match represents a chance to secure an impressive Triple Crown, having already clinched the Rugby Sevens title and the Dialog League Championship earlier in the season. Their unbeaten run this year places them as the favourites, but they will face a determined Isipathana side aiming to secure their first major trophy of the season, after finishing as runners-up in the ‘A’ Division League.
In their previous meeting at Havelock Park, St. Peter’s narrowly edged out Isipathana 6-3 in a tense encounter. Both teams have faced challenging paths to the final. Isipathana advanced after a dramatic extra-time victory against S. Thomas’ College, with playmaker Shaahid Zumri scoring a crucial try to level the score 20-20 at full time, before sealing the win 25-20 in extra time. St. Peter’s, on the other hand, had a hard-fought 27-20 win over a spirited Wesley College side, withstanding some nervous moments to claim their place in the final.
The Peterites will be eager to complete their Triple Crown and finish the season unbeaten. However, they face a significant challenge with injuries to two key players in their backline—centres Emith Jayaweera and Yumeth Shihara. These absences could disrupt their well-oiled backline, but they remain confident with Pasindu Bandara stepping in as outside centre to fill the void.
Led by dynamic Number Eight and captain Dulaj Nawodya, St. Peter’s boasts a formidable forward pack, including Aiden Fernando, who has been a standout throughout the season. Their three-quarter line is one of the best in the competition, with the halves combination of Sajith Gallage and Raul Peter functioning smoothly. Despite Yumeth Shihara’s injury, the attacking threats posed by wingers Vishenka Silva and Praneeth Silva, along with fullback Pasindu Bandara, make them a force to be reckoned with. Bandara, in particular, has proven his ability to score from overlaps, adding to the Peterites’ attacking arsenal.
Isipathana College, known for their fighting spirit, will look to make amends for their narrow defeat to St. Peter’s earlier in the season. Captain Nisaja Jayaweera, playing at Number Eight, will lead from the front. Their halfback pairing of Kalindu Silva and Shaahid Zumri has been pivotal in their journey to the final, with Zumri emerging as the match-winner on several occasions. Zumri’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial if Isipathana is to topple the Peterites.
While Kalindu Shenal, who was red-carded in the semifinal, will be unavailable, Isipathana will rely on Sithupa to step in as his replacement. Winger Avishka Hiran has impressed with his pace and finishing ability, while fullback Abdullah Faizer has been solid under the high ball and efficient with his kicks to touch.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-matched teams. St. Peter’s will rely on their experienced forwards and their structured backline to control the game, while Isipathana will look to their speed and creativity to break down the Peterite defence. The outcome may hinge on how well St. Peter’s adapts to their injury setbacks and whether Isipathana can capitalize on their opponent’s weakened backline.
Both teams are driven by a strong desire to win—the Peterites to complete their dream season with the Triple Crown, and Isipathana to claim their first trophy of the year and avenge their earlier defeat.
Rugby fans can expect a high-intensity, closely fought battle at the Sugathadasa Stadium. With so much at stake, the final will undoubtedly be a fitting conclusion to an exciting season of schools rugby.
By – Daily News