School rugby knockout tourney to kick off tomorrow

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SSRFA) will begin the 23rd Milo Knockout tournament on 28 June, when Science College locks horns with St. Peters in the competition’s first quarterfinal. 

The second quarterfinal will be played between Trinity and D.S. Senanayake on 29 June. Both defending champions Isipathana College and Singer league champions Royal College will receive a walkover at the quarterfinal stage. 

The semi-finals will be worked off on 4 and 5 July. It is very likely that Royal’s semi-final encounter will be played at a neutral venue. St. Joseph’s, S. Thomas’, Kingswood, Wesley and St. Anthony’s pulled out citing injuries. 

Isipathana, who are defending champions, have won the President’s Trophy knockout tournament on 12 occasions followed by St. Peter’s (5), S. Thomas’ (4), Trinity and Kingswood (3 each) and Royal (2).

Premier Trophy

Piliyandala MMV v Lumbini College June 29         CR&FC

St. Benedict’s v Vidyartha College   June 29        CR&FC

Lalith Athulathmudali v Mahanama  June 30         Sugathadasa Stadium

Ananda v St. Sylvester’s         June 30         Sugathadasa Stadium

Chairman’s Trophy

Bandaranayake MV v President’s   June 29        CR&FC

St. Thomas’ Matale v St. Anne’s     June 29        CR&FC

Veluwana MV v Vidura College      June 30       Sugathadasa Stadium

Carey v Vidyaloka                June 30     Sugathadasa Stadium