Dazzling Zumri chokes Petes in schools’ rugby knockout final

By A Special Sports Correspondent

Isipatana College made St. Peter’s College experience a nerve tingling 70 minutes of play before winning the President’s trophy schools rugby knockout final with a thrilling 34 points to 29 win at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Sunday.

It was sweet revenge for the Green Shirts who avenged their defeat in the league tournament at the hands of St. Peter’s. Isipatana certainly looked like the side to win this knockout final with a stellar performance in both halves; the green shirts collecting their points through four tries, one conversion and four well taken penalties. The Peterites responded with four tries, three conversions and one penalty. Isipatana led 20-12 at halftime, thanks to three splendid tries that came through Abdul Aziz, skipper Nisaja Jayaweera and Nimantha Sandeepa.

Isipatana looked to enjoy a cutting edge over their opponents with some very sharp moves in the first half despite playing minus their regular linkman Kalindu Silva who was ruled out from playing a part in the final due to a red card offense he was guilty of in the semi final game against S. Thomas’. But the side from Havelock town rallied together in this do or die game and brought much respect to their school by adding another piece of silverware to the trophy cupboard.

The man to watch in the Isipatana side in the second session of play was fly half Shahid Zumri who slotted in three vital penalties and powered his way over for try to stall the Peterites.

The Peterites stood out for honours in this game with players like sipper Dulaj Nawodya, Pasindu Bandara, Revon Perera, Ranidu Ridmal and place kicker Raul Denish Peter excelling during crucial stages of the game. Bandara touched down twice and kicker Peter with his kicking sills kept the scoreboard ticking , but Isipatana’s defence and counter attacking undid the efforts of Bambalapitiya lads.

The tournament was conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association and sponsored by Dialog.