Action from the match between Trinity and Isipathana
Trinity College proved their class once again as they defeated the Knock-Out Champions Isipathana College by 32 points (three goals, one try, two penalties) to 10 (two tries) in their Dialog Schools A Division League second round match played at the Pallekele Stadium yesterday.
With this win, Trinity remains the only unbeaten team in the league so far. The home team led 17-5 at half time and never looked back.
Trinity started strongly. In just the fourth minute, flanker Hamza Abdeen broke through the Isipathana defence with a powerful run and scored the opening try. Fly half Shan Althaf made the conversion, putting Trinity ahead 7-0.
Trinity extended the lead in the 13th minute. After winning a penalty, Shan Althaf kicked it cleanly from the 22-meter line to make it 10-0.
The third try was a moment of brilliance. After a clever kick ahead by Udan Wijekoon, Althaf followed it up with a smart chip near the try line and grounded it himself.
He added the extra points as well to put Trinity ahead 17-0 by the 27th minute.
Isipathana responded in the 32nd minute through fullback Nimantha Sandeepa, who finished a quick pass from winger Sihthupa Bometh. But the try went unconverted, and Trinity led 17-5 at half time.
Soon after the break, Sandeepa scored again for Isipathana in the 39th minute. That try also went unconverted, reducing the gap to 17-10.
But Isipathana’s comeback was cut short when their No. 8 Shaakib Zumri was shown a red card in the 41st minute.
Trinity took advantage. Althaf kicked another penalty in the 45th minute to stretch the lead to 20-10.
10 minutes later, winger Munula Yaddehige scored a try after collecting a perfectly placed dink kick from Althaf. Though the conversion was missed, Trinity led 25-10.
In the 66th minute, Trinity sealed the game with their bonus-point try. Disal Thomas scored under the posts and Althaf added the conversion. It was his 50th point in the league this season, making it 32-10.
Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon.
