In the 2nd Super Round fixture of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023, Royal College faced Isipathana College at the Royal College Sports Complex, and the Tuskers walked out with the victory as the final score line read 22-17.
Royal had the chance to begin the scoring in the game after they received a penalty inside the first 3 minutes due to a high tackle. However, Nabeel Yahiya missed the penalty to keep scores 0-0.
A few moments later, Isipathana received a line offside penalty and Rinesh Silva kicked it through to give Isipathana the initial lead, which also went down as the only time they had the lead in this game. (RC 00 – 03 IC)
However, the Tuskers managed to hit back shortly, after the Green Machine was penalized for lifting a player while tackling. Yahiya did not make any mistake this time as he added the 3 points easily. (RC 03 – 03 IC)
The visitors conceded another penalty before Half Time, for a tackler not releasing offense, and the Tuskers took the lead for the first time. Both teams did not score again before lemons. (RC 06 – 03 IC)
The 2nd half began with Royal attacking with a lot of aggression to put Isipathana under pressure – the ploy worked for them as Isipathana made the worst mistake they did this season by trying to go for hits using their Forwards too close to the try line and the Tuskers turned the ball over as Thivein Perera reached towards the try line underneath the post. Yahiya converted the try with a straightforward kick as their lead reached 10 points. (RC 13 – 03 IC)
Isipathana was once again neutralized by Royal College in their own half, as this time a holding on penalty came their way, which Yahiya clinically dispatched, while matters worsened for the Green Machine with them trailing by 13 points and time running out for a comeback. (RC 16 – 03 IC)
With Royal’s lead extending and seemingly going away from Isipathana’s reach, their backline found some space to reach close to the whitewash, and they received a scrum to follow that up. The scrum was good for the visitors as Sehandu de Costa gave the ball out to his Skipper Naveen Kanishka, who produced a brilliant delayed pass to Rinesh Silva, who in turn just ran his way over the try line underneath the post. He converted the try himself as the difference came down to just 6 points. (RC 16 – 10 IC)
Had it been any other day, the last try would have sparked a comeback from Isipathana, but Royal were up to the task and showed that they had Isipathana’s number as they continued to pile on the pressure, which resulted in Isipathana conceding another penalty. The Royal Skipper had no hesitation whatsoever in his decision as he opted for the 3 points, and Yahiya obliged continuing his top notch day of kicking. (RC 19 – 10 IC)
To make matters worse for Isipathana, another penalty was awarded to Royal after one of the Pathana tacklers failed to roll away from the ruck. Royal continued their going-for-points strategy, and Yahiya added 3 more points to the Royal tally. (RC 22 – 10 IC)
With just 5 minutes to go, it looked like it was game over for the Green Machine – however, Shaahid Zumri’s brilliant run out of nowhere, as well as his little kick and chase, gave some life to the Isipathana crowd and the team. While trying to defend Zumri and the supporting runner Hashen Randimal, Royal College conceded a penalty try which opened the door for Isipathana to make a late comeback. (RC 22 – 17 IC)
With just 2 minutes left, it was an uphill task for Isipathana to find another try against the exceptional defenders of Royal. Silva tried to spark an attacking run, but a knock forward gave the ball back to Royal and the clinical Tuskers played the remaining minute out, and Perera kicked the ball out which was followed by deafening cheers at the Royal Complex as the Referee blew the final whistle.
The two keywords of this game were discipline and defense. Royal were the disciplined side and they had a clear cut plan of just inching away by adding all the scoring opportunities they received. All the penalties Isipathana conceded clearly played a huge part in the final result, along with the disciplined defending of Royal, where they managed to halt the Isipathana backline while not conceding penalties. Unfortunately for Isipathana, they were unable to do what the Tuskers did.
Royal College will probably be kicking themselves for conceding a defeat at the first leg of Bradby, as that would have made it possible for them to win the League after this result against Isipathana, the defending champions. But nevertheless, the high riding Tuskers will be ecstatic as they managed to clinch the Bradby Shield and the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy in two consecutive weeks.
It is fair to say this loss was clearly foreshadowed for Isipathana when Kalindu Shenal knocked forward the first pass he received, which was the first pass of the game for the Green Machine. Isipathana, despite having suffered a loss here, are still in contention for the League title, and their clash against St. Peter’s College next week at Bambalapitiya will be the League decider. This loss against a high quality battle-hardened Royal outfit is probably the perfect wake up call for them before facing the high octane and exhilarating St. Peter’s side next week.
St. Peter’s College currently sit on top unbeaten and with 40 points, while Isipathana are in 2nd place with 37 points. Whoever wins next week’s clash will become the undisputed Dialog Schools Rugby League champions for 2023.
Royal College 22 (1T 1C 5P) beat Isipathana College 17 (2T 2C 1P)
NDB Bank Player of the Match :- Duljaya Gamanayake (RC)
Points Breakdown :-
Royal College :- Thivein Perera (1T) Nabeel Yahiya (5P)
Isipathana College :- Rinesh Silva (1T 1C 1P)
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