Trinity College produced a stirring second-half performance to record a 29/12 come-from-behind win over Zahira College in the first semi-final of the President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament played at the Royal College Sports Complex on Friday (9).

Trinity thus secured their place in the knockout final for the first time since 2013. The last time they did so was under Halique Wadood. Defending champions Isipathana will meet Royal in the second semi-final at the Sugathadasa Stadium today (11).

At half-time, scores were tied at 12-all. In an evenly contested first half, both teams matched each other try for try, heading into the break with two tries apiece. Trinity’s early points came through tries from Manusha Silva and Shan Althaf, while Zahira replied through Abdullah Hassan and Shahib Ishan who grabbed a try each. Hassan converted one of the tries.

However, the second half saw a change in rhythm as Trinity confirmed their control with cohesive play and a well-mapped-out game plan. 

Usmaan Shafraz and Nisith Kumarasinghe crossed the whitewash, extending the Kandy school’s advantage. Playmaker Althaf, who stood out in both attack and defence, capped off a fine performance by touching down once, converting three tries, and nailing a penalty to take his personal tally to 14 points.

Zahira, despite their spirited efforts and clinical running lines in the first half, struggled to maintain their defensive shape under sustained pressure from their rivals and caved in ultimately.