S. Thomas’ overcome Isipathana in Cup segment
S. Thomas’ College defended their title at the Singer Schools Under- 20 Rugby Sevens Championship 2017, when they overcame Isipathana College by 19- 14 in the Cup segment final at the Racecourse ground last weekend. In the Cup final the Thomians scored off three tries and two conversions to outsmart Isipathana, who were looking dangerous. Eventually Isipathana had to concede after scoring two converted tries.
In the semi- finals S. Thomas’ beat Trinity College 21- 14, after scoring from three converted tries against two converted tries, while in a nail- biting affair Isipathana overcame Kingswood College by 19- 14. Isipathana scored from three tries and two conversions while Kingswood scored off two converted tries.
After losing the Cup quarter- finals St. Peter’s, Royal, Science and St. Anthony’s qualified to play in the Plate semi- final, which was eventually won by the Peterites. St. Peter’s beat Science 24- 10 after posting four tries and two conversions against two unconverted tries. In the semi-finals St. Peter’s defeated Royal 19- 7 with a tally of three tries and two conversions against a solitary converted try. Science overcame St. Anthony’s by 19-10. Science scored from three tries and two conversions while the Antonians scored off two unconverted tries.
St. Joseph’s annexed the Bowl championship after defeating Wesley by 26-14 in a rather one- sided battle. The Joes posted four tries and three conversions to collect their points while Wesley scored from two converted tries. In the semi-finals St. Joseph’s thrashed Vidyartha by 41-5 with a tally of seven tries and three conversions while Wesley beat Zahira by 7- 0 with a converted try to their account.
In the quarter-finals the Joes thrashed Mahanama by 46-0 after scoring off eight tries and three conversions while Vidyartha recorded a similar smashing win against Thurstan by 40-12 with a tally of six tries and five conversions. Wesley had a close confrontation with Dharmaraja before walking out winners by 19- 1. Wesley scored from three tries and two conversions while the Rajans scored from two converted tries. Zahira defeated Lumbini by 29- 10 after scoring off five tries and two conversions against two unconverted tries.
Piliyandala Central had the honour of claiming the Shield title with their well deserved 19- 14 win against Moratu Vidyalaya in the final. Piliyandala scored from three tries and two conversions while Moratu V collected their points from two converted tries. In the semifinals Piliyandala recorded a yet another close win overcoming St. Aloysius Galle by 12- 7 while Moratu V enjoyed a contrasting win when they thrashed St. Sylvester’s by 36-7 with a tally of six tries and three conversions.
A total of 31 teams competed in the twoday tournament which was organised and conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association. The competition was held on July 1 and 2 at the Racecourse ground in Torrington.