Kingswood College dethroned the rugby kings of the country, Isipathana College to take home the All Island Under 18 title defeating Isipathana College 21 – 05 in a thrilling encounter at the CR & FC grounds a short while ago.
Full time: 21 – 05 in favour of Kingswood College
Going into the encounter as favourites as undisputed defending champions, the Green Machines were given a rude shock by the Kingswood team who dominated all forms of play right from the kick off the whistle.
Kingswood showcased their best form of rugby for the entire season all formats combined and delivered when it mattered. With both teams remaining scoreless till the dying stages of the first half, it was the Kingswood’s Center #13 R. Ekanayake who barged his way through the green army to draw first blood under the posts. A converted try for Kingswood took them to a 7-0 lead and it was all left to play for in the second half.
The breakthrough came however in the second half of play where the Kandyan kings got two tries in quick succession. A well-worked try by the Kings back line saw Flanker R. G. Ramanayake scoring the second one for the side while wing three quarter Supun Senevirathne hit the final nail in the coffin as he cruised through the left corner to score under the posts for the third and decisive try.
With three converted tries gathering a strong 21 points, the likes of a possible comeback by Isipathana was nowhere near reality. Isipathana scored a late consolation with the efforts of N. Chaminda in the far corner but it was not enough to stop Kingswood cruising to a title win.
The Kingswood outfit played their optimum game and held their defences strapping down the fast moving Green Machines outfit. Isipathana’s reign in the under 18 division comes to an end as Sri Lanka has a new contender for the title from Kandy.
This is Kingswood’s first all-island title in six years having last won the Under 16 All-Island Championship in 2010.
Maliyadeva College Kurunegala takes the Shield
Maliyadeva College had comfortable finish in their Shield final encounter against Moratuwa MMV winning the encounter 44-0. The Moratuwa lads did not find any luck to cross the white line.
Trinity College takes home the Bowl title
After losing out to St. Anthony’s in the quarterfinals, the Trinity lads had to be content with a Bowl title finish as they went on to defeat hometown rivals Vidyartha College 41-07.
St. Joseph’s College Plate champions
St. Joseph’s College showcased the grit and capabilities in their three-quarters as they clean swiped St. John’s College Nugegoda to win the Plate final 38-3.
The St. John’s players went onto the game scoring an early penalty but the destructive three-quarter line of St. Joseph’s College led by Gemunu Chethiya did the needful to take the Josephians to a win.
