Isipathana Roar Back to End Royal Challenge

Isipathana College produced a dominant second half performance to defeat Royal College 31-12 and reclaim the Major Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy after a two-year wait in their opening Super Round encounter of the Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament at Havelock Park yesterday.

The scores were locked at 12-all at halftime, but Isipathana took complete control after the break, scoring three converted tries and a penalty to seal an impressive victory.

Royal struck first in the 19th minute when winger Dinuka Perera crossed for the opening try. Fly-half Shimak Shafeek added the extras to hand the Reid Avenue outfit a 7-0 advantage.

However, Royal’s momentum was disrupted four minutes later when Perera was shown a yellow card. Isipathana capitalised immediately, with prop forward Nevith Mevnaka gathering a loose ball and crashing over beneath the posts in the 25th minute. Full-back Nimantha Sandeepa converted to level the scores at 7-7.

Royal regained the lead just before the interval when hooker Akira Yatawara powered over from a maul for an unconverted try. Yet Isipathana responded in the final play of the half through winger Dilum Senadeerage, whose unconverted effort ensured the teams went into the break tied at 12-12.

The Green Shirts emerged strongly after halftime and were rewarded in the 48th minute when full-back Nimantha Sandeepa touched down near the posts. Thenula Costa added the conversion to put Isipathana ahead 19-12.

Royal’s difficulties deepened when flanker Senuja Ranasinghe was sin-binned in the 51st minute. Five minutes later, No. 8 and skipper Shaakib Zumri pounced on a loose ball to score, extending Isipathana’s lead to 24-12.

As heavy rain set in, Royal suffered another blow when centre Hiruka Jayanidu was sent to the sin-bin. Isipathana continued to press their advantage, with Zumri crossing for his second try in the 60th minute. Sandeepa converted before later adding a penalty to complete the scoring and secure a comprehensive 31-12 victory.

Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon.