Strong second half rally takes Trinity in to final

Saturday, 10 May 2025 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Trinity College produced a dominant second-half performance to secure a 29/12 victory over Zahira College in the first semi-final of the President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament, played at the Royal Sports Complex yesterday.

At the short breather scores were levelled on 12 apiece.

In a closely contested first half, both teams matched each other try for try, heading into the break with two tries apiece. Trinity’s early points came through well-worked tries from Manusha Silva and Shan Althaf, while Zahira responded through Abdullah Hassan, and Shahib Ishan scored one try each. Hassan converted one of the tries.

However, the second half saw a shift in momentum as Trinity asserted their dominance with structured play and superior fitness. Shafraz Usmaan and Nisith Kumarasinghe crossed the whitewash, extending the Kandy school’s lead. Playmaker Shan Althaf, who was instrumental throughout the match, capped off his stellar performance by scoring one try, converting three tries and slotting over a penalty to take his personal tally to 14 points.

Zahira, despite their spirited efforts and aggressive running lines in the first half, struggled to maintain their defensive shape under sustained pressure. Trinity’s forwards laid a strong platform, allowing their backs to exploit space and finish clinically.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon

Trinity reached the Knock out final after a lapse of 12 years. Last time they did was in 2013 under Halique Wadood. Defending Knock out champions, Isipathana will meet Royal in the second semi-final at the Sugathadasa Stadium tomorrow (11 May).

-(SJ)