Supreme Isipathana Hold On to Retain President’s Trophy in Nail-Biting Finish

In a heart-stopping finale at the Royal Sports Complex yesterday, Isipathana College held their nerve to edge out Trinity College 12-9 and defend their Dialog President’s Trophy Knockouts crown. The Greens clinched victory in the dying seconds when Yuvindu Kodituwakku powered past a cluster of Trinity defenders to score the decisive try, turning a 9-7 deficit into a memorable triumph.

The first half was a tense affair, with Isipathana drawing first blood in the 10th minute. Adithya Madushanka’s clinical try, complemented by Avishka Hiran’s conversion, gave the defending champions an early 7-0 lead. Both sides then engaged in a bruising contest up front, testing each other’s defensive resolve through aggressive rucking and forward play.

Trinity slowly found their rhythm, with fullback Shan Althaf reducing the margin through two precise penalties, leaving the Greens ahead 7-6 at halftime. The second half saw both teams trading blows in a high-intensity battle for territorial dominance. Trinity took the lead for the first time when Althaf executed a perfect drop goal to make it 9-7.

A dramatic moment unfolded when Trinity appeared to score a try from a long-range attack, only for it to be disallowed after consultation between the on-field referee, assistant referee, and Television Match Official (TMO). This decision proved crucial, keeping the game in Isipathana’s grasp.

Despite failing to convert multiple kickable penalties, Isipathana remained composed. Trinity’s hopes were undone by handling errors and knock-ons in critical areas, while the Greens’ disciplined play kept them in contention. In the final minute, Kodituwakku’s powerful run and offload secured the match-winning try, sending the Isipathana supporters into jubilation.

Standout performers for Isipathana included Sethum Rajapakse, Methupa Bometh, Shaakib Zumri, and captain Thinethra Dodangoda, who delivered gritty performances under immense pressure. Trinity’s valiant efforts came from Shafraz Usmaan, Shan Althaf, Sadeesha Weerawansa, Hamza Abdeen, and Ammar Manzil, who fought courageously throughout.

With this victory, Isipathana College claimed the President’s Trophy for a record 13th time, reaffirming their dominance in school rugby. Trinity, meanwhile, continues to await their next championship, having last lifted the Trophy in 2011.

The final was officiated by Referee Gihan Yatawara.