Mahanama push Isipathana hard in spirited encounter

Isipathana College hosted newly promoted Mahanama College on Sunday, 8th June, at Havelock Park in a game that swung both ways before the Green Machine sealed the match in the final quarter, finishing 34–19.

The home side got off to a flying start in the 3rd minute when Sithupa Bometh capitalized on early pressure deep inside Mahanama territory, finishing a quick pick-and-go. Thenula de Costa added the extras.
(IC 07 – 00 MC)

Moments later, Isipathana struck again from a line-out as a rolling maul proved too much for Mahanama. Hooker Thanura Witharana touched down for the second try, with de Costa converting.
(IC 14 – 00 MC)

Mahanama, however, quickly turned the momentum. Exploiting handling errors from the Isipathana backline, they executed a powerful rolling maul, allowing skipper Nivith Kannangara to score. Sithum Sandeepa converted to keep the underdogs within reach.
(IC 14 – 07 MC)

Less than ten minutes later, Mahanama returned to the attack. A misjudged cross kick by Isipathana’s Samiru Disas allowed Isuru Akash to score another try. The conversion was missed, but Mahanama had the game within reach at halftime.
(IC 14 – 12 MC)

Mahanama began the second half strongly. A poor clearance from Isipathana’s young fly-half left an open field for Nimsara Hapuhinna to break through two defenders and score. Sandeepa converted, giving the newcomers a surprising lead.
(IC 14 – 19 MC)

After tactical adjustments, Isipathana slowly regained rhythm. A penalty from distance allowed de Costa to reduce the deficit.
(IC 17 – 19 MC)

The Green Machine kept pressing. Rolling mauls and clever running lines produced a try from powerhouse Nevith Mevnaka, putting Isipathana back in front.
(IC 22 – 19 MC)

Mahanama’s discipline began to waver, with repeated offside penalties and line-out errors. Isipathana exploited these mistakes, with Shaakib Zumri, de Costa, and captain Thinethra Dodangoda combining for a bonus-point try, giving the hosts a comfortable lead.
(IC 27 – 19 MC)

Despite late efforts, Mahanama could not breach the Isipathana defence again. Isipathana added a final try through Kaveen Jayasinghe, with Nimantha Sandeepa converting to seal the game.
(IC 34 – 19 MC)

The scoreline does not fully reflect Mahanama’s spirited performance. At times, they pushed the much-fancied Green Machine to the brink and looked capable of taking points from the encounter. Their unforced errors, however, ultimately cost them.

Thenula de Costa, stepping in at fly-half due to an injury to Avishka Hiran, was adjudged SWISSTEK Perfect Player of the Match for his excellent work with kicks, passing, and ball carrying—a bright prospect for Isipathana in the future.

While Isipathana will be satisfied with the win, the match served as a reminder that even champions can be tested when their opponents play with skill and heart.

points breakdown

Isipathana College – 34
Thinethra Dodangoda – 1 try (5 pts)
Nevith Mevnaka – 1 try (5 pts)
Kaveen Jayasinghe – 1 try (5 pts)
Sithupa Bometh – 1 try (5 pts)
Thanura Witharana – 1 try (5 pts)
Thenula de Costa – 2 conversions, 1 penalty (7 pts)
Nimantha Sandeepa – 1 conversion (2 pts)

Mahanama College – 19
Nivith Kannangara – 1 try (5 pts)
Nimsara Hapuhinna – 1 try (5 pts)
Isuru Akash – 1 try (5 pts)
Sithum Sandeepa – 2 conversions (4 pts)