Isipathana College, known as the Green Machine, maintained their unblemished record by delivering a stunning 41-27 victory against S Thomas’ College in their Dialog ‘A’ Division Schools Rugby League Tournament match at Havelock Park yesterday after the score was tied 10-all at half time.
Isipathana scored three goals and four tries, totaling 41 points, against S Thomas’ College’s two goals, two tries, and one penalty, which made up their 27 points.
Isipathana College, the home team, opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Nimantha Sandeepa broke through the Thomian defence on the right corner, giving the Green Machine a 5-0 lead. Thomian skipper Yehan Bulathsinhalage reduced the gap with a penalty kick in the 16th minute, making it 5-3. S Thomas’ College took the lead when centre Chanuth Eheliyagoda scored after a driving maul, and Bulathsinhalage made a stunning conversion from a difficult angle, pushing the score to 10-5 in the 20th minute. Isipathana quickly equalized four minutes later with an unconverted try by back division player Dinada Wickramarachchi, bringing the score to 10-10. Isipathana suffered a setback when Kalindu Shenal Silva was yellow-carded in the 32nd minute for a knock-on, along with Thomian skipper Yehan Bulathsinhalage. At half time, the score remained tied at 10-10, reflecting the powerful play by both teams.
Two minutes into the second half, Isipathana scored an unconverted try, taking the lead at 15-10. In the 41st minute, fullback Abdullah Faizer scored Isipathana’s fourth try mid-left, and with Nimantha Sandeepa’s conversion, the Green Machine led 22-10.
S Thomas’ College’s Seneshka Liyanagunwardena scored, and Bulathsinhalage converted, reducing the gap to 22-17 in the 50th minute. Number Eight Merckyle Karunaratne scored another unconverted try for S Thomas’, equalizing the score at 22-22.
Isipathana responded with a penalty try in the 58th minute, increasing their lead to 29-22. Prop forward Kaveen Tharusha scored near the right corner flag, extending Isipathana’s lead to 34-22.
Thomian back division player Avishka Perera scored in the far corner after a quick tap, reducing the gap to 34-27 in the 66th minute. However, just one minute later, Isipathana’s Nimantha Sandeepa completed his hat-trick with a try from a cross-field kick. Avishka Hiran converted, sealing Isipathana’s 41-27 victory.
Isipathana College emerged victorious with a final score of 41-27, displaying their bravery and skill, and qualified for the second round. The Green Machine prevailed against S Thomas’ in an exhilarating match.
Referee: Kelum Sandaruwan.
By – Daily News