Trinity College are determined to end their 13-year wait for glory when they meet Isipathana College in the Dialog President’s Trophy Inter-Schools Knock-Out Rugby Tournament final today. The much-awaited clash between the two unbeaten teams kicks-off at 4.15 p.m. at the Royal Sports Complex in Colombo.
This is Trinity’s first final appearance since 2011, when they famously defeated Isipathana to lift the trophy.
Led by Usmaan Shafraz and coached by former Sri Lanka Skipper Fazil Marija, the Kandy schoolboys are in top form this season and eager to repeat history.
Trinity will rely on a strong pack, with players like prop forward Manusha Silva, Achintha, second rowers Akash Fernando, Hamza Abdeen, Nisith Kumarasinghe and Shrayan Sathiskumar.
The backline will be led by scrum half Udan Weerakoon and fly half Malik Mohamed with wingers Manzil Amar and Minula Yaddehige providing speed out wide. Full back Shan Althaf will once again be a key player in defence and attack.
Isipathana, one of the most successful schools in knock-out rugby, have won the President’s Trophy 12 times since 1985. Coached by Dhanushka Boteju, they are looking to extend their record.
Key players include second row Newith Mewnaka, Shaakib Zumri, Sanija Jayaweera, Skipper Thinethra Dodangoda, Sithupa Bometh and Avishka Hiran.
However, winger Isuru Umayanga will miss the final after receiving a Blue Card in the semi-final but full back Nimantha Sandeepa and the rest of the backline remain strong.
In their seven past knock-out meetings, Isipathana have won every semi-final while Trinity have won all three finals. With both teams unbeaten this season, today’s final promises to be a thrilling battle for school rugby glory.
