Superlative Trinity bag U-16 rugby plum
A superlative Trinity College scored a thrilling 10 points to nil win over their traditional rivals Royal College to win the Cup Championship at the All Island Schools under 16 ten a side rugby tournament organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association and sponsored by Milo and played at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy yesterday. At half time Trinity College led 5 - 0. The winners collected their points from two tries.
There was no doubt that the junior ‘Lions’ were clear winners and gave their opponents no chance whatsoever to stage a come back.
This was for the third successive year that Trinity College entered the Cup final but this made sure that they went with the ‘plum’. Isipathana College who were the winners in 2010 and the defending champions St. Peters College fell by the way side and had to play in the Plate final. This was a tournament which saw some very close contests and some had to be decided by implementing the penalty tie breaker system after extra time failed to produce a result.
Trinity College opened their account when serum half Anuka Boyagoda spotting a gap and covered about 30 metres to score mid left
But their second try was a beauty when lock forward Charitha Nanayakkara collecting a pass from Anuka Boyagoda made a blistering 60 metre run with at least three defenders racing along with him to score mid left.
Dimithri Gunasekera refereed.
In the first Cup semi finals Trinity College scored a close 5-3 win over St. Joseph’s College.
The second semi final saw Royal College ousting Mahanama College 2-0 on penalty kicks at goal after the scores stood deadlocked nil all even after extra time.
Cup Quarter Finals
Mahanama College surprised the defending champions by holding them to a scoreless draw at the end of extra time. But Mahanama edged out the Peterites winning 3-0 on penalty kicks.
Royal College were through to the semi finals by gamblers luck when they beat Kingswood College by the toss of a coin. Even penalty kicks at goal could not produce a result.
St. Joseph’s College also scored an upset win when they beat Isipathana College 3-0 via penalty kicks at goal.
The ultimate champions Trinity College was the only school to score a clear victory when they beat Prince of Wales College 27 points (1 goal, 4 tries) to nil.
Plate Championship
St. Peter’s College became Plate champions when they beat Isipathana College by 10 (2 tries) to nil after leading 5-0 at the breather. Skipper and lock forward Senura Premawardena and Luke Lakshan scored a try each for the Peterites. Y.M.S. Ratnayake refereed. In the Plate semi finals Isipathana College beat Prince of Wales College 19 points (2 goals, 1 try) to nil. In the second St. Peter’s College beat Kingswood College 3-0 on penalty kicks after extra time failed to produce a result.
Bowl Championship
S. Thomas’ College won the Bowl championship by defeating Wesley College by 5 points (1 try) to nil. Winger Richard Samuel scored for the Thomians.
Shield Championship
Lumbini College became Shield champions by defeating Ananda College 5 points (1 try) to nil in the final. Ishan Vinod scored for Lumbini.
President of SLSRFA Ranjith Chandrasekera and Damitha Kulatunga Manager Corporate and Public Affairs Nestle Lanka Limited distributed the main awards.