Isipathana claim number 2 in league

Wednesday, 24 May 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Isipathana College came back to overtake Trinity in the league when they ended in number 2 position behind Royal. Royal stamped their class with a close win over Trinity in their first leg of the Bradby Shield encounter which put them through to number 1 position to claim the Singer League 2017 plus a step closer to retaining their shield when they lock horns with Trinity in the return leg in two weeks’ time in Colombo. Trinitians dream of claiming the league runs into three decades now.

Thomians draw level with Peterites

St. Thomas’ = 25 points

St. Peter’s = 25 points

Thomians with the help of a late second half burst retained the Archibald Perera Memorial Trophy for the third consecutive year after the game ended at 25 a-piece.

Peterites led 15/12 at the short breather. Thomian skipper Naveen Heenakankanamge and Dion Dias played their hearts out while the Bambalapitiya outfit saw Diyath Fernando and Theekshana outstanding in defence as well in attacking positions. It was a sad end for both teams. Thomians had a bad season ending only ahead of Zahira at number 7 while the Peterites continued their inconsistency season while ending a yard faster on number 6. The only positive thing the Peterites could take from this tournament is that they were able to beat two top teams in the league, Trinity and Isipathana.

Isipathana outclass Wesley

Isipathana = 28 points

Wesley = nil

Isipathana after their defeat to Trinity hit back in top form by outclassing Wesley in a one-sided affair. Though Isipathana won this encounter they lost custody of the Singer League to Royal but claimed number 2 position in the league. For Isipathana, skipper Sumudu Rankothge and Chamod Fernando played well while the Wesley outfit saw the Lee brothers continuing their good form. Wesley after settling down in round 2 ended at the number 4 position which was a good recovery after a slow and sloppy start for the Singer League.

Joes hand off Zahira

St. Joseph’s = 38 points

Zahira = 14 points

Joes continued their good form to beat the last team in the league table, Zahira and once again their three stars, Gemunu Chethiya, Sachith Silva and Chathura Seneviratne, showed classy rugby under their belt. Joes completely dominating proceedings scored 6 tries and the lads from Maradana could reply with only 2 of them. It was a disappointing end for Zahira and Shamly Nawas after the lads from Maradana showed up as one of the most dangerous outfits almost knocking out the Thomians and Trinitians in close games but lost their form in round 2. According to the latest points table, Royal, Isipathana, Trinity, Wesley, St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s and St. Thomas’ will make up the numbers for the President’s Trophy knockout along with the Plate champions.

Antonians claim Plate

Katugastota Antonians playing in the lower division accounted for the Plate trophy will get a promotion next year to division I plus a spot in the President’s Trophy knockout rugby as well.