Trinity surge to the top with three wins
Trinity was impressive throughout - Pix by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
Trinity surged to the top in the Schools Segment of the Sri Lanka Super Sevens beating their opponents on the first day of the tournament at Nittawela. Contrast that with the fortunes of Isipathana who lost all four games they were involved in.
Science came off second best in their joust against Trinity. However, they made amends later on, thumping the Anthonians and Dharmaraja by biggish margins.
Kingswood who was disappointing early on, came good when it mattered most to beat the Josephians and gain entry to the semis where they will be up against Science who overwhelmed them comprehensively in the league stage.
Science played good Sevens rugby, but the pick of the teams could well be the unbeaten Trinity side.
The Schools Segment produced a lot of excitement. But it was the feeling some former National players that the standard could have been higher.
In the franchise matches, two players – the Thomian skipper Naveen Henakankanamge and Buddhima Piyaratne – stood out. Both scored tries in a game. Piyaratne had seven tries in the day, while Henakankanamge totalled five. The former seemed to have an eye for the gaps and the way he went through them was a treat.
Action between Access Kings and Mobitel Eagles
Sri Lanka Sevens players Sudarshana Muthuthanthri and Srinath Suriyabandara also were outstanding.
Mobitel Eagles won all their games on day one and the chances of them repeating last year’s success are indeed good.
Sri Lankan stalwart Fazil Marija was rather low key, and one did not see those quick-off-the mark runs. He preferred to let others hog the lime light and contended himself with accepting the ball and giving it out. He has declared that this will be his last season of club rugby and his timing seems to be spot on.
RESULTS
- SCHOOLS: St. Peter’s beat Isipathana 17-14; Dharmaraja drew with St. Joseph’s 19 all; St. Anthony’s beat Kingswood 12-7; Trinity beat Science 11-17; St. Joseph’s beat St. Peter’s 26-0; Trinity beat St. Anthony’s 24-15; Science beat Kingswood 16-5; Science beat Kingswood 26-5.
- QUARTER FINALS: Kingswood beat St. Joseph’s 17-12; Science beat Dharmaraja 31-19; St. Peter’s beat St. Anthony’s 24-7; Trinity beat Isipathana 29-21.
- FRANCHISE: Cargills Gladiators beat Walker Vipers 10-12; Etisalat Panthers beat Ezy Wolves 19-15; Mobitel Eagles beat Access Kings 26-12; KBSL Dragons beat Softlogic Warriors; Etisalat Panthers beat Walkers Vipers 26-7; Ezy Wolves beat Cargills Gladiators 26-5; Access Kings beat Softlogic Warriors 17-14; Mobitel Eagles beat KBSL Dragons 24-21; Walkers Vipers beat Ezy Wolves 17-14; Cargills Gladiators beat Etisalat Panthers 19-15; KBSL Dragons beat Access Kings 26-15; Mobitel Eagles beat Softlogic Warriors 14-5.
