Isipatana clinch under 18 ten-a-side rugby title

Isipatana gave a dazzling display of rugby to clinch the 'Salonpas Challenge Trophy by beating the formidable Science College Mt. Lavinia by 14 points (two goals) to 5 (one try) in the final of WPSRFA under 18 ten-a-side Rugby tournament played at the Royal Complex on August 8 and 9.

It was the speedy Science College who went for a try before lemons. After the turnaround the Pathana lads came up with a stupendous performance until the last whistle and planted two tries, which came from winger M. S. Shuhab and centre G. D. M. Pramoda while for Science College the only try was planted before lemons by Dhanushka Malinka. The Science College who played with their hearts out during the first half spilled most of the passes and never fed the three quarters, thus Pathanians took this opportunity to score two tries for a sensational win.

More than 330 participants from 24 leading schools from Western Province took part in this tournament which was organised by the Western Province Rugby Football Association (WPSRFA). This tournament was sponsored by Akbar Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd. The chief guest was Rohan Wettasinghe (Director/General Manager Akbar Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd.). Neranjan Weerasuriya (Marketing Manager Akbar Pharmaceuticals, Sarathchandra Silva (Principal Royal College, Panadura) and Susantha Mendis (Secretary (WPSRFA), also graced the occasion.

The Results: Cup-Isipatana College beat Science College 14 points to 5. Plate-St. Joseph's College beat Lumbini College 12 points to nil.

Bowl Royal Panadura beat Zahira College Colombo by 14 points to 7. Shield-Thurstan College beat Wesley College 14 points to nil. Saucer-Dharmapala College beat St. John's College Nugegoda 12 points to nil.

The final was refereed by M. Faizal.