A review by Muhammed Jameel (Web Content Team)
The Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts Championship finals took place on the 18th of May at the Royal Complex in Colombo. The encounter saw the young Trinitians taking on the ambitious lads from Isipathana College.
The President’s Trophy was last won by TCK in 2011 under the captaincy of Murad Ramzeen. The opportunity to bring back knockout glory to College has never been closer in recent times.
The Pathanians kicked us off for the last time in this coveted tournament. Trinity with a man down early in the game were vulnerable near their try line as Isipathana College took advantage and snuck the ball across the try line. The conversion was successful. (TCK 00 – ICC 07)
The defensive manoeuvres of Trinity are their strongest weapon through out these first four games. Their efforts in this encounter resulted in Trinity receiving many penalties. Shan Althaf knocked over a penalty kick to surpass 50 points in this tournament alone. (TCK 03 – ICC 07)
Eager to get more points on the board, Trinity won another penalty through the work of their defense. Althaf made no mistake with the three pointer. (TCK 06 – ICC 07)
Halftime – Isipathana lead 7 points to Trinity’s 6
Trinity with enough momentum to get ahead in the finale, kicked the 2nd half off. Right from the get go, Trinity showed real intent in defense, trying their best to turn the ball over.
A few chances that would have tipped Trinity over Isipathana were missed due to a few mistakes. Not to be set back, Shan Althaf delivered a wonder from halfway. Similar to the drop goal in the 1st leg of the Bradby last year, Althaf struck a beautiful drop goal to win the lead in the game. (TCK 09 – ICC 07)
In the fading moments of the encounter, the Isipathana three quarters delivered a marvellous attack, piercing through the Trinity defense. Their efforts resulted in the match winning try and as the pitch was inundated by enthusiastic supporters of Pathana, the conversion was not taken.
Full-time – Isipathana regains the victory that they won the year before
Points Breakdown
- Trinity College – 2 Penalty Goals, 1 Drop Goal
- Isipathana College – 2 Tries, 1 Conversion
We congratulate Isipathana College for an exciting game of rugby which was played in the highest of spirits. To the boys from Trinity, we have been lucky to witness all the results of the hard work and preparation throughout these past four weeks. The first hurdle has been passed, we rest our eyes on what lies ahead.
