ISIPATHANA INTO FINAL…..

Isipathana College staved off a strong second half rally by Trinity College, Kandy to win by 37 points (3 Goals, 2 Tries, 2 Penalties) to 28 (2 Goals, 1 Try, 3 Penalties) in their Milo Trophy Schools Knockout semi final worked off at the Royal College Sports Complex at Reid Avenue yesterday. Winners led 27-14 at half time.
In the 7th minute of play Isipathana surged into a 3 nil lead through a 30 metre penalty put over by fly half Isuru Kongahawatte.
A few minutes later in the 10th minute Trinity got into the lead when their centre Ryan Weerakoon scored an unconverted try to make the score 5-3 in favour of Trinity.
In the 13th minute Isipathana went into the lead again when their centre Kushan Indunil went over for a fabulous try. The conversion was missed by fly half Isuru Kongahawatte. Score Isipathana 8 to Trinity 5.
Six minutes later Trinity equalled the score when their full back Sanushka Abeywickrama put over a simple 25 metre penalty. Score 8 all.
In the 22nd minute of play Trinity increased their lead when their full back Sanushka Abeywickrama put over a 30 metre penalty. Score read 11-8 in favour of Trinity College.
Isipathana fought back and scored in the 25th minute of play when their winger Asitha Punchihewa went over for a superb try, but the conversion was missed by fly half Isuru Kongahawatte. Score 13-11 in favour of Isipathana.
Isipathana took control of the game through their speedy three quarter line to score two back to back tries through winger Dillan Gallage and centre Kushan Indunil in the 29th and 32nd minute of play. Fly half Isuru Kongahawatte converted both tries to increase the score in favour of Isipathana 27 to Trinity 11.
Just before half time in the 41st minute of play Trinity full back Sanushka Abeywickrama put over a simple 20 metre penalty to reduce the gap to 27-14.
This score stood at half time.
Trinity fought back and scored a try in the 52nd minute through their captain cum number eight Isuru Rangala, which was converted by full back Sanushka Abeywickrama. Score 27-21 in favour of Pathana.
In the 57th minute of play Isipathana scored a try through their hard working second row forward Chathura Dilshan and converted by fly half Isuru Kongahawatte to increase the score to 34-21.
Isipathana sealed the semi final in the 73rd minute of play when their fly half Isuru Kongahawatte put over a fabulous 30 metre penalty to make it 37-21 in favour of Isipathana.
In the last few minutes of play Trinity College came back daringly into the Isipathana half, and in injury time their full back Sanushka Abeywickrama touched down for a consolation try and added the extra points to make it 37-28 at the final whistle.
Referee: Irshad Cader