Science edge out Isipathana to clinch Milo President Trophy

Science College skipper Lasindu Ishan with trophy

Isipathana skipper Omalka Gunaratne with the runner-up trophy

Science College’s Nishad Niranjan with Player of the Tournament trophy

By Shamzeer Jaleel

They stormed into the finals for the very first time and won the trophy on their maiden visit. This was the story last evening for the lads from Science College when they edged out defending Milo President Trophy champions Isipathana 21 points (3 goals) to 18 Points (1 goal, 1 try, 2 penalties), in a tense battle at the Royal Sports Complex with a superb last ten minutes of play. 

The game was played at a hectic pace with some quality three-quarter running rugby by both teams with unlimited strength in their three-quarter line. Isipathana dominated proceedings in the opening 15 minutes, settling down well early, attacking and scoring. But Science could score only once. On the stroke of halftime, the lads from Havelock Town scored their second try to take a clear 15-7 lead.

 After the turnaround Science played a superb brand of rugby in the last 15 minutes of the game, scoring consecutive tries to take the lead. In the last five minutes they defended well, not giving any chance to the tired Isipathana outfit to score.

 Isipathana drew first blood in the third minute of the game when they scored through a sweeping three-quarter move with fullback Rehan Silva scoring. Fly-half Isuru added the extra two points. Two minutes later Kongahawatte added their first penalty from 30 meters to take a clear 8-0 lead. 

A few minutes later Science, playing some attacking rugby, stormed into Pathana’s half and sent centre Thanuja Maduranga to score and add the extra two points. Then in the next move Isipathana missed out on a possible try when their winger Dilan Gallage fell short by inches. 

On the stroke of halftime burly Isipathana second-rower Chathura Dilshan went over for a try which was converted by.

 After the turnaround Kongahawatte put over a penalty which was the only one of the second half for Isipathana. Science scored two unanswered tries through scrum half Hashan Madumadawa and winger Sajith Roshan Silva.

The match was controlled by Irshad Cader, who allowed the game to flow without many interruptions. 

The Chief Guest for the occasion was the retired Police Senior DIG and current President of the Sports Council, Nimal Lewke. The Player of the Tournament Award was won by Nishad Niranjan of Science College with the Most Popular Player Award going to Banuka Ratnayake of Royal College.

MAS Holdings wins Mercantile Sevens

Star-studded MAS Holdings ‘A’ defeated Access Engineering by 12 points to 7 points in the 45th Mercantile Sevens Cup final, which was worked off at the CR&FC grounds yesterday under lights.

This was the third consecutive title for MAS, who were led by Kandy centre Gayan Weeraratne. The team also possessed several Sevens stars such as Fazil Marija, Mohamed Sheriff, Shehan Pathirana, Sandun Herath, Saliya Kumara and Nigel Ratwatte.