Isipatana clinch under 16 rugby title

RUGBY: Isipatana College won the All Island under 16, 12-a-side division one rugby tourney held in Bogambara, Kandy, beating Royal College Colombo, 3 points to nil in a nail-biting match. Isipatana who disappointingly lost to Royal College at the Western Province Tournament held a fortnight ago, showed character, guts and a steely determination to overcome a fighting Royal outfit.

The Isipatanians who beat St. Anthony's in the quarters and Trinity College in the semi-finals with some attractive and fluent rugby looked totally focused from the outset and a cut above most other teams.

The lads from Reid Avenue, Royal too were very impressive since they too won all the matches in the tournament before they went down to Isipathana in the finals by a slender 3 points. The only penalty for Isipathana came during the second half from their fly-half P. Devindra.

St. Thomas College (Matara) were the shield champs who beat Carey College 5 points to nil.

More than 300 participants from 28 leading schools from Kandy and Colombo took part.

This tournament was conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) and was sponsored by Nestle Lanka Limited.

Semi-finals:

Cup championship:

Isipathana beat Trinity 5-nil.

Royal beat Wesley 1-nil (on penalty kicks at goal).

Plate:

Science College beat Ananda 5-nil.

S. Thomas Mt. Lavinia beat Sarasavi Uyana 21-nil.

Bowl:

Prince of Wales beat C. W. W. Kannangara 5-nil.

Zahira Colombo beat D. S. Senanayake. (Won by toss of coin).

Shield:

St. Thomas, Matara beat Nalanda 5-nil.

Final:

Cup: Isipathana beat Royal 3 points to nil.

Plate: St. Thomas Mount Lavinia beat Science College 7 points to nil.

Bowl: Prince of Wales (Moratuwa) beat Zahira Colombo 10 points to 7.

Shield: St. Thomas (Matara) beat Carey College 5 points to nil.