Isipathana upstaged the slightly more fancied Trinitians and produced a bustling display in the loose to run out 23 points (1 goal, 2 tries, 1 penalty, 1 drop goal) to 18 (3 tries, 1 penalty) winners at Pallekele last evening.
As is to be expected when two top teams meet, it was exciting rugby most of the time. Trinity dominated the first half but had only eight points to show for their efforts.
Pinned to their half for much of the time, Isipathana made a late foray into Trinity territory. A good back division move had try written all over it, but the vital pass was spilled.
Isipathana full back Shanaka Kumara had a wonderful game, scoring twice and converting twice.
A late tackle by Trinity saw Isipathana converting the penalty (3-0). Sheik then missed a penalty from an acute angle. After a few rucks and mauls in the Pathana 25, Randika Alwis went over to give Trinity the lead.
Fly half Devinda made a cross-kick which was was misfielded by a Trinitian. Shanaka Kumara was on hand to collect and run round the defense. A penalty well taken by Weerakoon made it 8 all at the breather.
Five minutes into the second half Isipathana scored. Their line was on the move, fly half Devinda sent a long pass to the second center who in turn handed over to Shanaka Kumara to score and convert.
Isipathana dominated this half but all of a sudden Mubarak burst through the middle and when tackled, Foster was on hand to score.
Trinity maintained the pressure only for Sheik to miss another penalty.
Against the run of play, M.Promodh was able to score for Pathana and Kumara did the rest.
Then came a try from the prolific Mohammed Sasham when the Lions worked the line from thirty yards out.
Trinity’s handling let them down at crucial moments. The Isipathana forwards threw themselves at the more powerful Trinity players as though their lives depended on the outcome of this match.
Referee – Roshan Nishantha.
Earlier Trinity won the Under 16 game 10-5 while the Under 14 game was drawn at 14 all.
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