St. Peter’s Edge Isipathana 29-25 in Thrilling Schools Rugby League Encounter

St. Peter’s College bounced back in style from last week’s defeat to Zahira College, securing a hard-fought 29-25 victory over Isipathana College in their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 Cup Segment clash at Havelock Park yesterday.The Peterites, who held a commanding 22-10 lead at halftime, crossed for five tries and added two conversions to overcome a spirited Isipathana side that matched them with five tries but failed to capitalize on their conversion opportunities.

A crucial second-half try by flanker Lakindu Ranasinghe proved decisive for St. Peter’s. Although Isipathana mounted a late challenge and scored with just two minutes remaining, the effort came too late to deny the Bamba Brigade a memorable victory.

Peterites Recover After Early Setback

St. Peter’s opened the scoring in the fourth minute when flanker Hashara Madugalle crossed for an unconverted try. However, Isipathana responded quickly through skipper and No. 8 Shaakib Zumri, who touched down in the seventh minute, though the conversion attempt went astray.

The Green Machine continued to apply pressure with their fast-paced attacking play and took the lead in the 17th minute when Zumri powered over for his second try of the game. Once again, the conversion was missed.

St. Peter’s gradually found their rhythm and regained the lead in the 23rd minute through centre Nethshan Manthusa, who sliced through the Isipathana defence for a try. Winger Geon Rajith added the conversion to give the Peterites a 12-10 advantage.

The momentum remained with St. Peter’s as fullback Senuth Dinsara crossed for an unconverted try in the 30th minute. The Peterites continued to capitalize on Isipathana’s mistakes, and just before halftime, Manthusa grabbed his second try of the match. The successful conversion helped St. Peter’s head into the break with a comfortable 22-10 lead.

Isipathana Fight Back but Fall Short

The second half developed into a fiercely contested battle, with Isipathana striking first through lock Dimsara Witharana, who scored an unconverted try in the 42nd minute.

Both teams battled for territory and possession before St. Peter’s delivered what would prove to be the match-winning score. In the 61st minute, flanker Lakindu Ranasinghe sprinted down the right flank to cross for a superb try. Rajith converted to stretch the lead to 29-15.

Despite trailing, Isipathana refused to surrender and continued to press forward. Their persistence was rewarded with two late tries, including one in the closing minutes, narrowing the gap to four points.

However, time ran out for the Green Machine as St. Peter’s held firm to record a thrilling 29-25 victory and return to winning ways in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026.