Isipathana - Petes clash again in final

Ranjan ANANDAPPA

It will be a repetition of last year when Isipathana will meet St.Peter’s in the Milo President’s Trophy Knock out ‘A’ division schools rugby final at the Royal College Sports Complex this Saturday July 12.

In the first semi final played yesterday between Isipathana and St.Anthony’s Katugastota, Isipathana were made to fight hard to register a close 27 points (2 goals, 2 tries and 1 penalty) to 24 (1 goal, 1 try ,3 penalties and a drop goal) win .

The Antonians led at the breather 9-7 but Isipathana produced their usual brilliance after the turn over. Their three quarters played exceptionally well in attack and defence to drive the Antonians into submission.

The Katugastota school opened scoring early off a penalty put over by reliable place kicker Imad Riyal.

Isipatana sprang into lead when Viswamithra Jayasinghe evaded several defenders and flung the ball to Suranga Uthpala to fall over. Anurudha Srinath added the extra points.

Thereafter Imad Riyal put over a fine 40 m kick and fullback Tharanga Bandara dropped a kick over 30 m to give the Antnonians a 9-7 lead.

Isipathana went on to score two more tries through Viswajith Jayasinghe, Sooriyabandara and Sooriyarachchi who also put over a penalty.

The Antonians closed the gap off a Tharindu Chanaka try which was goaled by Amad Riyal and a try scored by Tharanga Bandara which went unconverted.

Comfortable win for Petes

In the second semi final St.Peter’s recorded a convincing 60 points (6 goals, tries 1 penalty) to nil win over Mahanama played at the same venue.

Mahanama did not have much of a chance against a superior Peterite outfit. Mahanama came up with a gutty display at the beginning but gradually lost control as the Preterites took full toll and scored almost at will.

The winners opened scoring in the 13th minute when Harsha Weerakkody made the break and passed to Canute who when challenged flung the ball back to Weerakkody to touch down. Weerakkody added the extra points.

The Peterites led 29-0 at half time.

The try scorers for the winners were Harsha Weerakkody (2)skipper Poornika Delpachitra (2), Shenal Dias (2), Dilshan Paul (1), Gerard Canute (1) and Rukshan Fernandesz (1)Harshan Weerakkody and Amila Fernando put over the penalties and the conversions.

Pradeep Fernando and Aruna Jayasekera refereed.