Isipathana, Zahira and Joes move forward to quarters

Monday, 16 March 2026 02:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The opening round of the Dialog Schools President’s Trophy Rugby encounters produced thrilling encounters last weekend as St. Joseph’s, Zahira College, and defending champions Isipathana College secured their places in the quarter-finals with impressive performances.

At Havelock Park, St. Joseph’s College edged past Kingswood College Kandy 20-17 in a gripping contest that went into extra time after both sides were locked at 17-all at full time. The match kept spectators on the edge throughout, with both teams producing committed rugby.

The Josephians struck first with a penalty in extra time before both teams traded tries during the course of the game. Kingswood fought bravely and matched their opponents score for score, setting up a tense finish. However, the Darley Road outfit managed to break the deadlock during extra time to seal a hard-fought victory. The Randles Hill school dominated the initial half, while Joes made a bold comeback to draw level at full time plus score first during extra time. They will face Isipathana in the quarter-final encounter this weekend.

Meanwhile, Zahira College produced an impressive display of running rugby to defeat DS Senanayake College 27-17 under lights at the CR & FC Ground. Zahira dominated the match with four tries, showing their attacking flair and pace in open play. DS Senanayake College managed three tries and kept the contest competitive, but Zahira’s superior finishing and disciplined play ensured they remained ahead on the scoreboard throughout the encounter. Once again, Zahira looks to be the dark horse of the tournament, making a bold start, but DS, though they replied with some powerful runs, lacked the finishing touches.

The Maradana outfit will now face Trinity College Kandy in the quarter-finals, a clash that promises to be one of the highlights of the next round.

In another pre-quarter-final encounter, defending champions Isipathana College delivered a dominant performance to outclass Science College, Mt. Lavinia 41-8 at the Royal Sports Complex. Isipathana ran in seven tries in a commanding display as they continued their quest to retain the prestigious President’s Trophy.