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| One more in the bag, one more to take -- Royal rugger team pose with the Milroy Fernando trophy. Pic Ranjith Perera |
Royal are virtually assured of the championship title in the schools A Division rugby tournament when they beat Isipathana by 22-3 in a keenly contested game at the Royal Complex Grounds yesterday. Royal gained their points through a goal and 3 tries to Isipathana’s solitary penalty. Thus Royal regained the Milroy Fernando Trophy. Isipathana were in possession of the trophy having defeated Royal 17-12 last year.
Royal have one remaining fixture against St, Joseph’s on July 4, which they should win with ease going by their performances so far. Royal led 5-3 against Isipathana at the breather.
However it was Isipathana who gave butterflies in the stomach for Royal supporters when they gained a 3-0 lead in the first minute itself through a penalty put over by Prasad Devinda. Royal had a chance of equalizing in the 18th minute but Muhsin Falil’s penalty kick lacked direction.
It was left for Hamza Hassen to put Royal in the picture when he scored off a 5 meter scrum to put them ahead at 5-3 at the breather. Isipathana missed a penalty in the 37th minute.Royal gained the upper hand with telling effect in the second half and winger Dilshan Palihakkara set the pace with a blazing run for an unconverted try.
Royal increased the lead when flanker Shehan Pathirana broke through to score and Muhsin Falil was on target with the conversion to put Royal firmly ahead.
Royal were in a class of there own from then onwards and second rower Kalana Amarasuriya put the issue beyond doubt when he scored much to the dismay of the Isipathana supporters.
Referee: Irshad Cader
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