Isipathana College, the ‘Green Machine,’ pulled off a thrilling 34 points (one goal, three tries, four penalties) to 29 (three goals, one try, one penalty) victory over St. Peter’s College in the Dialog ‘A’ Division School Knockout Rugby Championship final at Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. Entering as underdogs, Isipathana handed the Peterites their first defeat of the season after leading 20-12 at halftime in a hard-fought contest.
Isipathana’s wing, Abdul Aziz, set the tone in the 16th minute, breaking through the Peterite defense to score the first try. Shaahid Zumri added the conversion, giving Isipathana an early 7-0 lead. Three minutes later, Peterite forward Revone Perera powered his way over the line, but the conversion by Sithuma Bomith hit the post, leaving the score at 7-5.
In the 24th minute, Isipathana captain Nisaja Jayaweera crossed the line for their second try, extending the lead to 14-5 after Zumri missed the conversion. Peterite forward Ranithu Ridmal responded with a try, and Raul Peter’s conversion leveled the score at 12-all in the 30th minute. Isipathana regained the lead shortly after when Nimantha Sandeepa kicked a penalty, putting them ahead 15-12.
At the stroke of halftime, Sandeepa scored another try, confirmed by the TMO, giving Isipathana a 20-12 advantage at the break.
After the resumption, the Peterites narrowed the gap with a penalty, making it 15-20. Isipathana responded with a penalty kick by Zumri, extending the lead to 23-15. Peterite Pasindu Bandara then capitalized on a loose ball to score a try under the posts, and Raul Peter’s conversion brought them within one point at 22-23.
Zumri’s reliable boot continued to add points for Isipathana, with another penalty in the 48th minute stretching the lead to 26-22. A further penalty in the 54th minute increased their advantage to 29-22. Zumri’s unconverted try in the 61st minute gave Isipathana a commanding 34-22 lead.
St. Peter’s fought back with a late try by fullback Pasindu Bandara, who ran 30 meters down the wing, with Peter adding the conversion. However, it wasn’t enough as Isipathana held on for a dramatic 34-29 victory, sealing the championship in a nail-biting final.
Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon
By – Daily News