Isipathana, Science, Royal, Trinity battle for final slot
The Milo President’s Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament is nearing its end with four teams Isipathana, Science College along with traditional rivals Royal and Trinity battling it out in the next two days to book a berth to the final which is slotted to be played on July 13.
Of course Isipathana who are the schools 7’s and league champions for the year 2014 will no doubt be seeking to complete the triple which they done on so many occasions earlier.
Pathana have been the top side this season since season got underway in February with the schools 7’s tournament. They have kept up to their reputation even though they underwent some anxious moments in the league matches against Royal, Trinity and Wesley. But what matters at the end of the day is the win which they succeeded to become the unbeaten champions in the short and long version of the game.
So it’s all systems go with Isipathana slotted to fight against Science in the first semi-final on July 6 while traditional rivals Royal and Trinity will confront in the second semi final on July 7 with both the matches to be played at the Royal Sports Complex in Reid Avenue from 4.30 p.m. onwards.
Isipathana vs Science
Isipathana advanced to the semi-final when they outclassed traditional rivals Thurstan by 50 points to 5 while in contrast Science booked a berth to the semis with a thrilling two points (24-22) win over fancied St Peter’s.
So interestingly these two semi-finalists have had contrasting wins and looking back at the performances of the two teams the scale is no doubt is in favour of the Havelock Park boys.
But the Havelock Park boys cannot afford to take their opponents lightly as they are capable of turning the apple cart. Isipathana did not put in much effort against Thurstan but the opposition today is somewhat different which they will have to be on the lookout.
The way Science side played against the Peterites showed that they could muster any challenge will not give in till the last whistle is blown which they did in the quarter-final with a last minute try that ensured them a win.
So it’s left to be seen whether Science would be able to overrun the high riding Isipathana side to book a berth to schools knockout rugby tournament final for the first time.
Royal vs Trinity
The two teams who played their two leg 70th Bradby Shield encounter with Trinity dominating, will be meeting for the third time this season.
Royal last won the knockout tournament in 2002 before sharing it with St Peter’s in 2010 without the final being played while Trinity last won it in 2011 and was runner up to Wesley last year.
Though Trinity won the two legged Bradby convincingly the two sides are equally balanced on paper this time out.
The completion of the league tournament saw Trinity ending in second and Royal two places below.
But when it comes to a clash between them the atmosphere and approach is somewhat different to the matches they play against other opponents. So definitely an interesting tussle is on the cards for the supporters of both the sides to witness.
The two teams won their quarter-final encounters in the same pattern with Royal cruising to an easy 32-19 win over St Joseph’s and Trinity recording a runaway 45-7 win over defending champions Wesley.