Royal Storm Past Isipathana 39–13 to Reach President’s Trophy Final

Displaying disciplined defence and clinical execution, Royal led 19–8 at halftime and maintained control throughout the match to seal a convincing win and book a place in the final against Trinity College Kandy.

Isipathana made the early breakthrough when winger Jefraz crossed over in the corner for an unconverted try, giving them a 5–0 lead. Royal responded swiftly, with winger Khyan de Silva finishing off a well-worked move, while fullback Shimak Shafeek added the conversion to edge Royal ahead 7–5.

Royal gradually took control of the game, with De Silva scoring his second try soon after, once again converted by Shafeek. Captain and number eight Disas Pathirana then powered over for an unconverted try just before halftime, extending the lead to 19–5. Isipathana managed to narrow the gap just before the break, as Nimantha Sandeepa slotted a penalty to make it 19–8.

The second half began brightly for Isipathana, with winger Manuja Boteju slicing through the defence to score an unconverted try, reducing the deficit to 19–13. However, that proved to be their final highlight as Royal regained full control.

Pathirana added his second try early in the second half, with Shafeek converting to stretch the lead to 26–13. Shafeek then extended the advantage further, calmly slotting two penalties in the 47th and 55th minutes to take the score to 32–13.

The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Royal were awarded a penalty try following a TMO decision for foul play by Isipathana. The infringement also resulted in Sandeepa being shown a yellow card, reducing Isipathana to 14 men and pushing the score to 39–13.

From there, Royal’s defence remained resolute, shutting down any chance of an Isipathana comeback and securing a dominant victory at the final whistle.