Isipathana knocks out Royal to reach final

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Defending knock out champions, Isipathana College prevailed in a tensed semi-final encounter beating Royal College 24/17 at the Sugathadasa Stadium last weekend.

Isipathana who led 21/5 at the short breather will now meet Trinity College in the knock out final which will take place at the same venue on 18 May.

The 1st half, it was the Greens who had total domination in a three try blitz for which the Royal replied with one try. Come second half, it was total domination by the Reid Avenue boys. Second half Royal scored two tries while the Greens replied with only a solitary penalty.

For Isipathana Nimantha Sandeepa, skipper Thinethra Dogangoda and their nippy scrum half, Sithupa Bometh had outstanding performances. For Royal Pathirana boys and Jayasuriya were lightning pace.

Shaakib Zumri scored Pathana first try then the second and third scored by their prop, Nevith Manaka with full back Nimantha Sandeepa adding the extra 6 points on the three try conversions. Dudula Jayasuyiya scored Royal first try. After the turnaround Greens put over their solitary penalty through their full back, Nimantha Sandeepa. Royal second half tries were scored by skipper, Amika Samarasimghe and Dinura Perera. Shafeek Shimark added one try conversions.

In the last move of the game while Royal on attack, one of the Isipathana players tackled the Reid Avenue outfits attacking player who was tackled in the air – a probable penalty/penalty try was not given for Royal College.

Referee Raveen Alexander officiated the game. (SJ)