Isipathana College once again proved why they are the kings of knock-out rugby, pulling off a thrilling 12-9 win against Trinity College in the Dialog President’s Trophy final played at the Royal Sports Complex.
It was a tense, low-scoring battle where both teams fought with heart from start to finish. Heavy tackles, missed penalties and yellow cards made it a nail-biter, with the result hanging in the balance till the very last minutes.
Isipathana made a strong start when centre Adithya Madushan crashed through for a try in the 12th minute. Vice-captain and fly half Avishka Hiran made no mistake with the conversion to give the Green Shirts a 7-0 lead. Trinity hit back soon after, with their reliable full back Shan Althaf slotting over two penalties to reduce the gap to 7-6 by half time. The second half was just as fierce. Both teams lost a player each to yellow cards after a heated moment. Trinity then edged ahead for the first time in the 61st minute with another penalty from Althaf, making it 9-7 in their favour.
Isipathana seemed under pressure and even missed a simple penalty soon after. But with rain beginning to fall and time running out, they showed their fighting spirit. In the 69th minute, Yuvindu Kodithuwakku made a brilliant solo run through Trinity’s defence to score a dramatic match-winning try.
Meanwhile, at Havelock Park, Ananda College and Maharagama Central College celebrated well-deserved victories in the other knock-out finals.
Ananda claimed the Premier Trophy with a hard-fought 25-10 win over St. Benedict’s College. After a close first half where Ananda led 8-5, they came back stronger in the second half with four tries and a penalty to seal the win.
Earlier, Maharagama Central College produced a superb second-half fight back to defeat defending champions Lalith Athulathmudali MV 12-8 in the Chairman’s Trophy final.
Trailing 5-8 at half time, they scored a goal and a try after the break to snatch victory.
