Trinity, Isipathana in K/O semi…..

Isipathana College, who failed to defend their league title, will be desperate to beat Trinity College, Kandy when the two teams meet in the Milo President’s Trophy Knockout semi final match at Royal Sports Complex this evening.
The lads from Havelock Town maintained an unbeaten record until their last league game, which they lost to Royal College, who eventually clinched the title. Pathana however, will still be the favourites to win the knockouts, especially with Royal expected to field a second string side during this particular tournament.
The team from the Hill Capital on the other hand will travel to Reid Avenue with a point to prove. They haven’t had an awful season, but they haven’t done much either this time around. Last year of course they were in the title race until the final week and did win the Bradby. The expectations are always high on a team like that and if they do end the season without a trophy that would certainly be a disappointment.
Omalka Gunaratne’s team would look to capitalize on their backs, who in comparison to Trinity are very experienced. Two wing three quarters Dilan Gallage and Asitha Punchihewa have performed well this season. Place kicking still appears to be their problem although fly half Isuru Koongahawatte had a few decent matches. Captain Gunaratne himself hasn’t been in very good form in recent weeks. He was marked very well by most teams and he’d want to score more tries than he has in the last five weeks.
Isipathana will play this match without their coach Nilfer Ibrahim who has been handed a one-match touchline ban by Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA).
Trinity are far from being a one-man team, but their full back Saranga Gunatilake’s contributions have been quite instrumental whenever they succeeded. He has scored nine tries so far.
Isipathana XV (Probables): Sachin Dulshan, Nisal Deshantha, Lahiru Vishwajith, Chathura Dilshan, Matheesha Sarathchandra, Wageesha Weerasinghe, Dilan Devinda, Omalka Gunaratne (captain), Harsha Maduranga and Isuru Koongahawatte, Asitha Punchihewa, Kushan Indunil, Sumudu Anuradha, Dilan Gallage, Rehan de Silva
Trinity XV (Probables): Ghazail Ismail, Nethmal Sakalasooriya, Nathan Yee, Rahul Karunatilake, Sajith Roshan, Rukshan Dhammapala, Anuka Boyogoda, Isuru Rangala (captain), A. Bandara and Thisila Perera, Sanishka Abeywickrama, Ryan Weerakoon, D. Hettige, Saranga Gunatilake