Beat Kingswood by 22-17 in extra time:

Wesley creates biggest upset

Chris Dhambarage

The semi-final line up was completed in the Milo Schools President’s Trophy knock-out rugby tournament after the conclusion of the last two quarter-finals worked off at the Royal Sports Complex in Reid Avenue yesterday.

Wesley College created the biggest upset of the season to beat their traditional rivals and the ‘A’ division league runners up Kingswood College, Kandy by 22 points to 17 during extra time in an absolute thriller.

The scores were 17-all at the end of the regular time with Wesley collecting their points from one goal and two tries and Kingswood responding with two goals and one penalty.

However the Wesleyites delivered the final blow by scoring first during extra time through full back Aaquil Hassen and pull off a memorable victory under fading light to earn a place in the semi-finals.

Royal in 23-13 win over Trinity

Earlier Royal College playing minus four of their regulars, came from behind with a remarkable performance to snatch an exciting 23 points to 13 victory over Trinity College, Kandy.

Royal collected their points from two goals and three penalties and also went on to complete a hat-trick of victories against their traditional rivals following their double success in the 66th annual Bradby Shield encounter.

Trinity College who were leading 13-3 at half time responded with two unconverted tries and one penalty. Royal will now take on Wesley College in the semi-finals on July 15 at the CR and FC grounds in Longden Place.

The ‘A’ division league champions St. Peter’s College who received a walk over from their traditional rivals St. Joseph’s College will take on the last year’s knock out runners up Isipatana in the first semi-final on July 14 at the CR and FC grounds in Longden Place. The final is scheduled for July 23 at the Royal Sports Complex.

Royal’s success was in the balance at one stage after they had conceded two early tries to their opponents but staged a remarkable comeback to turn the game in their favour.

In fact Royal College scored 20 points in the second half without conceding any points to their opponents which was a clear indication of their total dominance during this period. First it was prop forward Iroshan de Alwis who touched down for a typical push over try which was converted by fly half Arshad Jamaldeen. A few minutes, later number eight Shehan Pathirana chased a grubber kick and fell over on the loose ball for their second try.

Jamaldeen made no mistake with the conversion and later put over a 25 metre penalty to add the finishing touches. Trinity scored twice in the first half through Kanil Seneviratne and Sean Foster with Ramanayake putting over a 30 metre penalty. Royal managed to score only a penalty through the boot of Jamaldeen in the first half.

Referee: Pradeep Fernando.