Defending champions Isipathana College will face one of their toughest tests of the season when they meet a vastly improved Royal College in the second semi-final of the President’s Trophy Schools Knock-Out Rugby Tournament at the Sugathadasa Stadium commencing at 4.15 p.m.
The Isipathanians are chasing their third straight final appearance having had a mixed journey so far. They began the tournament in style with a thumping 61-5 win against Sri Sumangala College, Kandy in the pre quarter-finals.
However, they had to battle hard in the quarter-final against Wesley College before securing a 24-10 win.
Isipathana, led by Thinethra Dodangoda, will rely heavily on the experience and strength of their key forwards and backs. Number eight Shaakib Zumri has been a consistent performer while fly half Avishka Hiran will have the important task of controlling the game.
Both players will need to be at their very best if Isipathana are to overcome a spirited Royal College side and keep their title hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Royal have made steady progress in this year’s tournament. After a fine 41-24 win over D. S. Senanayake College in the pre quarter-finals, booked their semi-final spot with a hard-fought 28-24 victory against Kingswood College.
Royal’s strength lies in their three-quarter line, which has performed smoothly under pressure. The halves pairing of Idris Farook has provided quick ball distribution while Skipper Amika Samarasinghe produced a superb individual effort by scoring four tries in the last match. His leadership and finishing ability will be crucial in this high-pressure semi-final.
Winger Didula Jayasuriya and fullback Yuvan Pathirana are also reliable players who can turn the game in Royal’s favour with their pace and skill. In the forwards, Naqeeb Mohamed, Akira Yatawara, Althaf Aman, and strongly-built number eight Disas Pathirana have been impressive, showing strength in set-pieces and open play. Their battle against Isipathana’s forwards will be one of the key contests of the game.
