Isipathana firm favourites to take home league title

Trinity fly-half Lashan Wijesuriya

Trinity skipper Rahul Karunathilake

By Shamseer Jaleel

Isipathana edged closer to the schools league title but had to fire on all cylinders to beat a gutsy Trinity outfit 32-22 in a key Singer League rugby encounter worked off at Longden Place.

Despite the wet conditions both teams displayed some excellent ball-handling. The game was very well controlled by referee Dinka Peiris, who not only controlled the 30 players but also the spectators with his fair decisions.

Isipathana opted to use their swift three-quarter line, creating as much space as possible to make darting runs. Trinity though stayed close through the play of their burly forwards. Trinity skipper Rahul Karunathilke had a grand outing and received ample support from Salindra Alahakon. 

Trinity missed out on their star winger, Geshan Pethiyagoda, and Rukshan Dhammapala, both of whom were sidelined with injuries but are set to return in their next game against the Peterites. Harith Bandara and skipper Kushan Indunil were outstanding for the Pathana lads.      

Royal forwards launch team to victory

Royal College scored their first win in Kandy this season in their second attempt when they outplayed the Antonians to register a 26-13 victory at the Bogambara Stadium in another of the week’s Singer League rugby encounters. 

The game was played under challenging ground conditions at the Bogambara Stadium, which is also used for Central Province club football.

Royal as expected opted to use their heavy forwards and rolling maul to inflict maximum carnage while the Antonians worked their swift three-quarter line. Royal’s hooker Hisham Barie had a great game, faring exceptionally in defence and attack. He split the Antonian defence on a number of occasions. For the Katugastota lads it was their fullback Maduwantha who was in grand form, securing a much-needed territorial advantage for his team through some fine touch kicks. But the Antonians, like many teams this season, failed to find an answer to Royal’s rolling maul.

Royal scored four tries, two in each half, while the Antonians managed a solitary try in reply. 

Thomians continue unbeaten league run 

S. Thomas’ retained the Archibald Perera Trophy when they outclassed the Peterites 36-13 at Mount Lavinia. Though this game was expected to be a close affair, the Thomians looked a yard faster than their opponents, who are still struggling to find consistency this season. 

The Thomians, who led 19-10 at halftime, were shell-shocked when the Peterites put over a penalty early in the second half to cut the deficit to six points. But their happiness was short-lived as the boys from Mount Lavinia hit back through quick tries from Dion Diaz and Ashwantha Herath, who helped their side run away to an easy win.

Science edge out Wesley

A lacklustre performance by Science College nearly led to their downfall against Wesley College. Wesely though, despite seeing plenty of the ball and their opponents’ territory, did not take advantage of their opportunities. 

Science scored one try through scrum half Hashan Madumadawa, a potential future national team player, and two penalties through Thanuja Maduranga. Wesley scored their sole try through Thimira Ananda which Zubair converted.