Isipathana under 14 rugby team remain unbeaten

The curtains came down on the under 14 rugby season for the year 2007 with the cancellation of the All Island Tournament which was scheduled to be played during the month of December 2007.

The Isipathana under 14 side this year was captained by Tharbish Mowlana, brother of Aftharb Mowlana, who excelled in Gymnastics, cricket and rugby for Isipathana and took a year off from sports this year to concentrate on his studies for the O/L exams.

Tharbish, was a member of the unbeaten under 14 side which won both the Western Province tournaments and the Singer League in year 2005, and bagged the All Island Milo Trophy in 2006.

Even though only he and the Vice Captain Uditha remained from last year's under 14 side, Thushara Bandara, a veteran, pragmatic coach, having excelled in Rugby for Isipathana and CR, did a wonderful job to build another winning outfit with the support of the Principal, the POG, the Rugby Committee and the parents.

This year too these boys treated the crowd to a delightful exhibition of open rugby. Their ability to turn defense into breakneck attack through hard hitting tackles and ball-recycling skills was evident throughout the season.

As a result, the under 14 Isipathana team, remained unbeaten throughout this season. They won the Western Province League Tournament played at Royal Complex by beating St. Thomas College of Mt. Lavinia in the finals in a highly tensed match which was stretched to extra time.

Tharbish, who had been a source of inspiration to his team throughout the season with his experience and fiery loose play, fittingly scored the winning try by penetrating the strong Thomian defence to the delight of the Patana supporters.

The Western Province Knockout Tournament also had a nail biting finish with St. Peter's and Isipathana having scored seven points each. The organizers made both teams' joint champs without going for extra time.

Due to the terrific form showed by the Isipathana lads throughout this season, the cancellation of the All Island Tournament this year was big disappointment for them.

It is creditable to note that the Isipathana under 12, under 14 and the under 16 teams did not lose even a single match throughout all the tournaments this year.

Dilan Gallage, brother of Ashan Gallage, led his under 12 side to a thrilling victory in the Western Province finals against St. Peter's College by 7-5.

Dilan was supported by the Vice Captain of the side Waqqash Mowlana who is the youngest brother of Aftharb and Tharbish.

The under 12 'B' team also won the finals of the B segment of the Western Province tournament. They were coached by K. Wettasinghe.

Similarly, the under 16 Isipathana side also went on to win all the four tournaments in which they took part. The team was captained by Prasad Devinda and supported by Vice Captain Ashan Gallage. The team was coached by D.P. Udayasiri.