Action from the Isipathana vs Royal sevens final encounter which Isipathana won 26-15. Pic by Ranjith Perera

Isipathana recorded a convincing 26-15 win over Royal in the Cup Final of the Zahira Invitation Under 20 Rugby 7’s tournament concluded at Longden Place yesterday. The winners led 12-0 at lemons and accumulated their points through three goals and a try as against three tries by Royal.

The tournament organized by the Zahira Group of 60’s was in conjunction with their alma mater’s 85 years of involvement in rugby. The one day tournament saw 14 of the 16 teams, with the exception of Piliyandala MMV and Science, contesting for the title.

The Isipathanians took the lead through tries from Srinath Sooriyabandara and Vishwajith Jayasinghe in the first half and on resumption increased through another converted try by skipper Dinusha Chathuranga. Prasada Devinda made the two conversions.

It was turning out to be a one sided affair before Royal went over for two successive tries - one minute apart - through Chilanka Subaraka and Bilal Hassan. But Isipathana counter attacked through a try from Prasad Devinda to make it 26-10. A late burst by Royal was in vain as referee D. Nimal blew the long whistle after the try scored by Mushin Falal.

Meanwhile CWW Kannangara MMV, who beat fancied St Peter’s in the Milo All Island Under 18 Rugby 7’s two weeks ago, continued their giant killing performance when they outplayed Wesley 17-7 to clinch the Bowl trophy.

They fought back after conceding a 7-0 lead in the first half through a goal and two tries in the second half to record this memorable win. St John’s Nugegoda took the Shield trophy defeating Lumbini MV 14-5 while St Joseph’s bagged the Plate trophy with an easy 29-0 win over Nalanda.