President Trophy Knockout Final: Clash of Titans tomorrow

Saturday, 17 May 2025 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Isipathana skipper Thinethra Dodangoda

Trinity skipper Shafraz Usmaan

By Shamseer Jaleel

The much looked forward President’s Trophy Knockout Final 2025 will see defending champions Isipathana College take on a resurgent Trinity College outfit at the Royal Sports Complex on 18 May.

Kick-off is at 4 p.m.

This encounter promises fireworks, as two of Sri Lanka’s premier rugby schools go head-to-head for glory. In the previous knock out finals between the two schools out of the 4 encounters lads from Kandy had won thrice – in 1987, 1993 and 2011 and losing only in 2012.

Isipathana College, with a rich legacy in schools rugby, are aiming for their 13th title since the tournament’s inception in 1978. Dominant over the decades, the Green Machine has etched its name into the annals of history with consistent performances and an enviable trophy cabinet. Their road to the final saw them overcome Wesley College in the quarter-finals before a gritty semi-final win over traditional rivals Royal College. For a record they have found their berth in the last 4 years final and no one can argue on their success rate which is truly remarkable.

Trinity College, on the other hand, last lifted the President’s Trophy in 2011. They have three titles to their name won in 1987, 1993, and 2011 and finished runners-up in both 2012 and 2013, losing to Isipathana and Wesley respectively. Under the leadership of the dynamic Safraz Usmaan, and supported ably by Deputy Captains Shan Althaf and Nisith Kumarasinghe, the Lions from Kandy have shown sharp improvement this season. Udan Wijekoon and Hamza Abdeen too playing cohesive rugby for the Lions. Their campaign included convincing victories over St. Anthony’s College and Zahira College, showing their form and intent.

Isipathana led by Thinethra Dodangoda got some top class youngsters such as Sithupa Bometh, Shakib Zumri and Nimantha Sandeepa in their outfit. Unusually their forwards look mobile than the three quarter line. Both sides peaking at the right time, fans can expect a high-octane clash filled with flair, physicality, and passion.

Referee will be Gihan Yatawara.

President’s Trophy past winners

Isipathana College – 12

Chandana Deepthi (1985), Selwyn Sallay (1986), Champika Nishantha (1992), Bandula Mallikarachchi (1996), Vajira Hewage (1997), Krishantha Chandran (1999), Ranga Perera (2001), Kumendra Dharmadasa (2012), Shenal Deelaka (2014), Kushan Silva (2016), Dahan Wickremarachchi (2022), and Nisaja Jayaweera (2024)

Trinity College – 3

Tyrel Rajapakse (1987), Nalin Muhandiramge (1993), and Murad Ramzeen (2011)

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