Isipathana retain Major Milroy Fernando Trophy

By Shamseer Jaleel

A superb second half rally by defending Singer League champions Isipathana College helped them edge out Royal 22-17 in one of the most exciting school rugby encounters played at the Royal Sports Complex.

Both teams made a number of handling errors in the game with the Reid Avenue lads looking a better outfit in forwards play while the Isipathana line always threatened to score through most of their moves.

Though Royal led 14-6 at the breather it was the Green Shirts who hit back strongly in the latter half. Royal though made a brilliant effort in the last few minutes through their heavier set of forwards. However, it was too late for them as time ran out and Isipathana retained the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy. This trophy was first offered in 1986. 

Trinity remain unbeaten in round one

Trinity College ended their first round unbeaten when they outclassed Prince of Wales College 94-9 in a 16-try blitz at Pallekelle.

Trinity piled on the points, scoring at will with both their forwards and three quarters combining well. Trinity scored seven tries in the initial half and notched up the balance nine in the latter half with their entire bench being replaced by their coach Lote Raikabullah, giving much needed exposure for the less experienced members of the team. Trinity played open rugby with their forwards too showing great pace and matching up with their three quarter line. Referee Anil Mangala, controlling his first major Division I game, did well though it was a one-sided affair. Trinity, who ended the first round unbeaten, earning bonus points in all five of their outings, will play the fourth-placed team in round two.

Wesley edge out Zahira

Wesley College scraped through in a close encounter when they edged out Zahira College 32-29 in a thriller at Longden Place.

At halftime Zahira led 15-10. The game was deadlocked at 29 apiece but the Zahirians missed two kickable penalties which cost them the game. But with the second round coming up both Wesley and Zahira can create upsets by winning one or two games in round two.

Meanwhile, a superb second half rally saw St. Joseph’s College beat St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota 24-11 after leading 8-5 at halftime.

The Antonians, who played well during the initial half, looked threatening with most of their moves. Their team was well supported by skipper Amarasinghe, a reliable placekicker, Samuel Maduwantha and lock Mohamed Shabeer. The Joes defended for most of the first half but came back into the game with some powerful runs down the line, with their team receiving strong support from Chathura Seneviratne, Gemunu Cheethiya and Sachith Silva. The Joes, who look set to make it into round two, will meet the Peterites in their next outing.

Rajans record their first win

Dharmaraja College, after being beaten in two close encounters against Isipathana and Royal, outclassed D.S. Senanayake College 45-12 for their first win. However, the Kandyan school is very unlikely to make it into round two even if they beat St. Anthony’s College. 

Thomians scrape through

S. Thomas’ College scraped through against Science College 20-12. The Thomians started their first round on a high note but a few lethargic performances have let them down. Their skipper Naveen Heenakankanmge, who missed their game against Trinity, will play a key role if they want to impress in round two. They were placed behind Trinity and Wesley in their group.