Trinity Storm Past Isipathana to Finish First Round Unbeaten

Defending champions Trinity College Kandy continued their unbeaten run in the Dialog Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament with a dominant 36-12 victory over Isipathana College at Havelock Park yesterday after leading 17-7 at halftime.

Trinity showed great resilience despite being reduced to 14 men twice during the match and completed the first round with five straight wins to strengthen their title defence.

Isipathana struck first in the 18th minute when fly-half Nimantha Sandeepa scored and converted a try to give the Green Shirts a 7-0 lead. Trinity responded strongly through their forwards, with prop Rikitha Weragama powering over for a try before the defending champions added a penalty try and another score just before halftime to take control at 17-7.

Skipper Shan Althaf starred after the break with two quick tries, including Trinity’s bonus-point fourth try, while winger Minula Yaddehige also crossed the line. Fly-half Abdul Malik added the conversion as Trinity extended their lead to 36-7.

Although Isipathana managed a late consolation try through Sandeepa, Trinity sealed an impressive 36-12 win to finish the first round unbeaten.