Defending champions Isipathana College will face Trinity College in the President’s Trophy Inter-Schools Knock-Out Rugby Tournament final at the Royal Sports Complex Grounds in Reid Avenue tomorrow commencing at 3.45 p.m.

Isipathana have won the knock-out title 14 times and they are seeking to retain the title for another year. Trinity have won the title for three years and are aiming to clinch the title after a lapse of 14 years.

Trinity’s last win was recorded in 2011 when the side was led by Murad Ramzeen and their last final appearance was in 2013 where they lost to Wesley College in the final. 

The two teams last met in the knock-out final in 2012, in which Isipathana came out victorious 21-16.

However this time out it’s going to be a closely and keenly contested game as they have had ups and downs in the run to the final.

Isipathana, led by centre Thinethra Dodangoda, pulled off a convincing win over Sri Sumangala, Kandy but were made to fight hard for their win against Wesley and Royal in the quarter-final and semi-final encounters.

Trinity, led by centre Usman Shafraz chalked-up a convincing win over hometown rivals St. Anthony’s College before being given a fright by S. Thomas’ in the quarter-final and then overcome Zahira College in the semi-final.

Isipathana have in their ranks No. 8 Shaakib Zumri, winger Isuru Udayanga, fly half Avshika Hiran, full back Nimantha Sandeepa and second row Nevith Mevnaka who all have been in the thick of happenings in the previous matches. 

Trinity will bank on full back Shan Althaf, who for sure is going to be a marked man, No. 8 Shrayan Santheshkumar, flanker Abdeen Hamza,   prop Manusha Silva and Skipper Shafraz.

But the players to watch will be Shaakib Zumri who has been in top form having scored a hat-trick of tries against Wesley and playmaker Althaf, from the Trinity camp.