Isipathana College, the reigning champions, achieved a remarkable second bonus point victory by defeating S. Thomas’ College with a score of 29-20 in their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 week two fixture, at the S. Thomas College Grounds in Mount Lavinia on Saturday.
The match, which was anticipated to be a one-sided affair in favor of Isipathana College, turned out to be a closely contested battle as the Thomians put up a strong fight and finished with a respectable scoreline.
>> Royal back on track with thumping win over Science
The game kicked off positively for the hosts, as Yehan Bulathsinghalage easily converted a penalty within the first three minutes. Although the Thomians started off well, a couple of unfavorable decisions went against them, allowing Isipathana College to gain control of the game. (IC 00 – 03 STC)
Isipathana College’s first try was a beautifully executed move by their backline. Making use of clever loop passes from the centerfield, they managed to confuse the defense and create an opportunity for Kalindu Silva to touch down in the corner. (IC 07 – 03 STC)
Photos – S.Thomas’ College vs Isipathana College | Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023
They swiftly followed it up with their second try, as Shahid Zumri passed the ball to Rinesh Silva, who skillfully evaded Bulathsinghalage and sprinted towards the touchline. Despite a difficult angle, both tries were successfully converted by Silva. (IC 14 – 03 STC)
Just before halftime, Silva extended their lead by converting a penalty, while Bulathsinghalage missed an easy penalty opportunity to reduce the deficit.
Half Time: Isipathana College 17 (2T, 2C, 1P) – S. Thomas College 3 (1P)
The second half commenced with Isipathana College scoring two consecutive tries. The first was another impressive play by their backline, initiated by Skipper Naveen Kanishka, who passed the ball to Zumri, and then to Hashen Randimal, who managed to touch down in the corner. The bonus point try came from a rolling maul, with Chamath Iroshan carrying the ball over the try line. Silva added the extra points. (IC 29 – 03 STC)
>> Donz hunt down the high riding Eagles at Pallekele
Although the Thomians were brilliant with their forwards making valiant efforts to keep their team in the contest, they struggled with their lineouts. Isipathana College capitalized on this weakness, stealing almost all of their opponents’ lineouts, which hindered the progress of the hosts.
However, in the final 15 minutes, the Thomians staged a comeback by scoring a couple of tries. During this phase, they dominated the game, with Mohommad Hakeem and Shanal Fernando crossing the whitewash. Both tries followed a similar pattern, with the Thomians carrying the ball deep into the opposition’s territory, and the two forwards successfully grounding the ball over the try line.
>> St. Joseph’s win lacklustre encounter at the Complex
Full time: Isipathana College 29 (4T, 3C, 1P) – S. Thomas College 20 (2T, 2C, 2P)
NDB Player of the Match: Rinesh Silva (Isipathana College)
Points Breakdown
Isipathana College: 29
Tries: Rinesh Silva, Kalindu Silva, Hashen Randimal, Chamath Iroshan
Conversions: Rinesh Silva;
Penalties: Rinesh SilvaS.Thomas’ College: 20
Tries: Mohommad Hakeem, Shanal Fernando;
Conversions: Yehan Bulathsinghalage
Penalties: Yehan Bulathsinghalage
