The Green army powerhouse Isipathana College was too much heat for the Lions to handle as they cruised to a well earned victory at the full time whistle.
The Isipathana Green Army was too much heat for Trinity College to handle as the defending champions went on to continue their unbeaten streak registering another victory with scores reading 37 – 22
Isipathana had an arduous task, travelling to Kandy and having to maintain their unbeaten streak. The home team had nothing to lose in this outing and were all out to stop a Green machine victory at Pallekelle. If history bears testament, Isipathana has always been successful in the Pallekelle greens winning all of their away encounters in the last four years.
The Lions, famed for their majestic opening statements, continued their act as Saranga Gunathilake kicked through an easy 22m to open the scoring (3-0). Isipathana responded right from the restart as the experienced Gunarathne opted to go for points as Isuru Kongahawatte leveled scores (3-3).
Trinity continued their form from their previous outing at Mt Lavina where they got the better of Scienc College as Isuru Rangala was successful in chasing a box kick from Boyagoda allowing Diluksha Dange to score on the outside. The venomous Greens were not that lenient to dance to the Lion’s tune as skipper Omalka Gunarathne made his signature break from a 22m line out to score after a surprisingly quiet last two outings. (8-8)
The even contest had its decisive outbreak from Saranga Gunathilake who took Trinity to the driving seat just before lemons. A quick decision by Saranga Gunathilake to take the 5m quick tap when referee awarded a penalty for his team, allowed him to shove through to score under the try line. With the conversion being spot on, Trinity had breathing space in the second half (15-8)
Half Time: 15-8
Crown contenders Isipathana who had not showcased their optimum performance thus far, stepped up their game in the second half as the dangerous visiting forwards came into action. An Omalka Gunarathna break allowed lock forward Dilshan to cross over in the first quarter of play in the second half for Isipathana to cut the deficit to just two points (13-15).
Dilshan’s try was followed up by his prop forward Alawathugoda who huddled away the Trinity line of defense to score the next to put Isipathana in to the lead for the first time in the game (18-13). With Alawathugoda scoring, this time it was his tight head prop who crossed for the try (23-13).
With the three tries coming up in the second half, Isipathana gave out predictions out on the outcome of the game. Trinity’s forward play failed to capitalize in almost all possible instances in the second quarter of the second essay as Isipathana showed no mercy on the Lions. With Isipathana clearing the Trinity attack in their 22, it was #6 for Isipathana who broke through the line cruising his way to score right under the posts. (28-13) The unlucky Isuru Kongahawatte who had not had a good day at all with the boot, got this easy under the post conversion right as Pathana moved to the 30’s (30-13).
A last minute comeback by Sachintha Dissanayake with a try did not formulate a possible turn around in the game for Trinity as Isipathana had the luxury of a ten point cushion to rely on. (20-30)
As Fernando intercepted a loose ball on Trinity’s attacking 22, he had the honor of performing the final rites to the game with a single handed try which had Kongahawatte adding the extras as referee Dinka Peiris called it a day. The final score read 37-20 in favor of Isipathana as the Green army from Colombo continued to walk all over their opponents and hold the unbeaten tag.
Kongahawatte’s disappointing performance with the boot affected Isipathana adversely but it did not seem to affect the outcome of the game.
ThePapare Player of Match – Rehan Silva
