Last Gasp Penalty Seals Thrilling Isipathana Win Over Zahira

A dramatic last-minute penalty from flyhalf Thenul de Costa earned Isipathana College a thrilling 31-29 victory over Zahira College in the final Cup Segment match of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 at Havelock Park yesterday.

Zahira looked set to pull off a memorable win after battling back to take a 29-28 lead late in the second half. However, de Costa held his nerve to slot over the decisive penalty in the closing moments, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and helping Isipathana finish their league campaign on a winning note.

Isipathana scored four converted tries and a penalty, while Zahira replied with four tries, three conversions and a penalty in an entertaining contest.

Zahira dominated the opening half and opened the scoring in the 15th minute when flanker Shaheel Shiyam crossed for an unconverted try. Six minutes later, scrumhalf Afham Abdeen extended the lead with another try, which was converted by flanker Shaifullah Zulfikar to give Zahira a commanding 12-0 advantage.

Isipathana finally found a breakthrough just before halftime. Flyhalf Thenul de Costa sliced through the Zahira defence to score before adding the conversion himself, reducing the deficit to 12-7 at the break.

Zahira made an ideal start to the second half as flyhalf Zain Hassan touched down for their third try, with Zulfikar once again adding the extras to stretch the lead to 19-7.

The momentum then shifted dramatically in Isipathana’s favour. Centre Naveed Thahir crossed in the 48th minute before captain and No.8 Shaahid Zumri added another four minutes later. Thahir grabbed his second try of the match in the 58th minute, with de Costa converting all three tries to put Isipathana ahead 28-19.

Zahira refused to surrender. Hassan claimed his second try in the 62nd minute, converted by Zulfikar, to narrow the gap to two points. A minute later, Zahira earned a penalty, which centre Basith Feroze successfully converted to edge his side into a 29-28 lead.

With time running out, Isipathana were awarded a penalty, and de Costa calmly split the posts to complete a remarkable comeback, sealing a dramatic 31-29 victory and denying Zahira what had seemed a deserved triumph.