Isipathana extend unbeaten streak with convincing victory over Zahira

The Green Machine produced a dominant first-half performance to overcome a spirited Zahira College outfit, registering a 38–27 victory in their Week 4 encounter of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the Zahira College grounds.

Zahira kicked off proceedings with a deep restart, but Isipathana responded well and cleared their lines effectively. Early pressure from the hosts paid off when Zahira drove deep into Isipathana territory with a rolling maul. Isipathana were penalised for illegally stopping it, and Zahira fullback Abdullah Hasan took a quick tap from five metres out to score the opening try.
(IC 00 – 05 ZC)

Isipathana hit back almost immediately. From a line-out, the Green Machine set up a powerful rolling maul, and hooker Kaveen Jayasinghe crashed over the line. Avishka Hiran added an excellent conversion from a difficult angle to restore the lead.
(IC 07 – 05 ZC)

Isipathana continued to apply pressure inside Zahira’s red zone. Scrum-half Sithupa Bometh spotted space on the blind side of the ruck and darted through for the visitors’ second try.
(IC 12 – 05 ZC)

In the 14th minute, Zahira reduced the deficit when Isipathana were penalised for holding on at the breakdown. Thuan Raheem calmly slotted the penalty.
(IC 12 – 08 ZC)

The Green Machine responded with authority. Strong forward carries laid the platform before Avishka Hiran sold a dummy, cut back inside, and crossed the line. He converted his own try to stretch the lead.
(IC 19 – 08 ZC)

Isipathana turned up the heat midway through the half. After a series of pick-and-goes close to the Zahira line, the ball was spread wide, allowing inside centre Adithya Madushan to break through for the bonus-point try. Hiran added the extras with ease.
(IC 26 – 08 ZC)

Despite an action-packed final few minutes of the first half, neither side was able to add to the score, and Isipathana went into the break with a commanding advantage.

The visitors extended their lead early in the second half through a moment of brilliance from skipper Thinethra Dodangoda, who charged down a Zahira clearance kick and gathered the rebound to score. Hiran converted to continue his flawless kicking display.
(IC 33 – 08 ZC)

Zahira responded positively. Entering the Isipathana 22 under penalty advantage, they shifted the ball wide, abandoning their pick-and-go approach. Winger Binuk Perera finished a well-worked move with an excellent dive in the corner and followed up with a superb conversion.
(IC 33 – 15 ZC)

A major turning point came in the 47th minute when Isipathana hooker Kaveen Jayasinghe was shown a straight red card for a dangerous neck tackle, following direct contact with the ball carrier’s neck.

Zahira capitalised immediately. From the resulting penalty, they kicked to touch five metres out and executed a strong rolling maul, with flanker Iyaad Yusuf touching down. Binuk Perera once again converted from a difficult position to bring the hosts right back into contention.
(IC 33 – 22 ZC)

Isipathana missed an opportunity to extend their lead when Hiran pushed a penalty attempt wide. Although Zahira enjoyed a period of momentum, repeated infringements at the ruck—particularly for offside—halted their comeback.

Taking advantage, Isipathana worked their way back into the Zahira 22. From a line-out, they shaped for a rolling maul before Damsara Witharana broke away and caught the defence off guard to score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
(IC 38 – 22 ZC)

Zahira refused to give up and struck late. Advancing into the Isipathana 22, they exploited space on the blind side, allowing Zain Zahim to score their bonus-point try. The conversion was missed.
(IC 38 – 27 ZC)

In the closing stages, Isipathana managed the game intelligently, spending valuable time in Zahira’s half and controlling possession despite playing with 14 men. Zahira made one final push, showing skill and determination, but handling errors under pressure prevented them from adding further points.

At the final whistle, Isipathana College emerged with a hard-earned but deserved victory. The resilience and composure shown by the Green Machine—particularly while a man down—underlined why they continue to be regarded as the standard-bearers of school rugby.

points breakdown

Isipathana College – 38
Kaveen Jayasinghe – 1 try
Sithupa Bometh – 1 try
Adithya Madushan – 1 try
Thinethra Dodangoda – 1 try
Avishka Hiran – 1 try, 4 conversions
Damsara Witharana – 1 try

Zahira College – 27
Abdullah Hasan – 1 try
Binuk Perera – 1 try, 2 conversions
Iyaad Yusuf – 1 try
Zain Zahim – 1 try
Thuan Raheem – 1 penalty