Even the hosts keep away

Isipatana are almost certain to claim their second successive sevens trophy today when All Island Inter Schools Sevens rugby tournament concludes at St. Peter’s College grounds in Bambalapitiya. Last weekend they won the Western Province Sevens with ease.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) this tournament lacks many of the so called big names in schools rugby. Trinity, Royal, St. Peter’s, Dharmaraja and Thurstan withdrew as they are concentrating on the league which gets underway in two weeks. Secretary of the SLSRFA Rohitha Indunil said that S. Thomas’ who competed last weekend had attended the draw for this tournament, but added received a letter from the Warden stating that S. Thomas’ could not play as some of their players were injured. It is perhaps a sheer coincidence that S. Thomas’ were due to face Isipatana and St. Aloysius Galle in the league stage.

Rugby pundits point out that this is not a good omen, given the schools are the feeder system for the national grid. And the problem is compounded by Sri Lanka’s abysmal performance at the Hong Kong Sevens. Many are of the view that schools should be compelled to take part or else face disciplinary action.

But nothing should be taken away from Isipatana and the way they performed in their solitary league game. The Havelock Town boys ran rings around St. Aloysius Galle scoring 56 points to nil. Thus laying down the gauntlet for their opponents in the Cup Quarter Finals namely Vidyartha. Vidyartha also played only one game in the league. They managed to subdue a stubborn Science College team by 19 points to nil.

In other Cup Quarter final games, Prince of Wales Moratuwa will take on D. S. Senanayake. Both teams were taken to the wire by Maliyadeva and St. Joseph’s respectively. Despite playing good rugby last weeks cup finalists St. Joseph’s went down by 17 points to 14 against D. S. Senanayake. Thus the Maradana lads will now compete for the Plate trophy.

Ananda who narrowly beat traditional rivals Nalanda by 15 points to 12 in the league, will face a stiff challenge from St. Sylvesters who improved tremendously as the tournament went. Realistically though Isipatana’s only challenge for the trophy is likely to come from Kingswood who play Mahanama in the fourth and final cup quarter final.

Nalanda who will be playing for the Plate, had the distinction of scoring the biggest win yesterday. They drubbed Lalith Athulathmudali MV by 63 points to nil.

Following is the draw for the Plate and bowl trophies;

St. Aloysius – Science College, Maliyadeva – St. Joseph’s, Nalanda – Lumbini and Dharmapala Pannipitiya – Zahira College.

President’s College – Embilipitiya Central, Piliyandala MMV will take on the winners of the game between Lalith Athulathmudali MV and Royal Panadura in the second semi final.