Isipathana end Super Round dream of S.Thomas’ after a high octane clash

Isipathana College hosted S.Thomas’ College in a last week game of Round 1 in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 today (04th August)  at Havelock Park. This was a high stakes encounter for both the sides as Isipathana needed a win to keep their unbeaten run alive and S. Thomas’ needed a win to qualify for the super rounds. After a high octane back and forth clash, Isipathana College ended the super round dream of the Thomians with a 41-27 scoreline.  

Isipathana College started the game strong, using their backline speed to continuously put the S. Thomas’ defense under pressure. The visitors gave away too many penalties, making things easier for the Green Machine. Nimantha Sandeepa scored the first try of the game from the right corner of the field, but unfortunately, Shaahid Zumri’s conversion attempt didn’t go over. (IC 05 – 00 STC) 

The lead didn’t last long for the home team, as S. Thomas’ managed to hit back hard with a converted try. Seneshka Liyanagunawardene went over, and Yehan Bulathsinghalage converted it to give his team the lead. (IC 05 – 07 STC) 

A few minutes later, Isipathana conceded a penalty from a kickable distance. Bulathsinghalage opted for the 3 points and successfully kicked it through, extending their advantage to 5 points. (IC 05 – 10 STC) 

Shortly after, Isipathana capitalized on their numerical advantage after a Thomian player was sent to the sin bin. Dinada Wickramarachchi found the whitewash with some lovely stepping, but Zumri failed to convert the try, keeping the scores level. (IC 10 – 10 STC) 

 

Half-Time: Isipathana College 10 – 10 S. Thomas’ College 

Isipathana began the second half in blistering fashion when Zumri produced a scintillating run off the kickoff, evading multiple defenders. Some slick passing followed, and a lovely carry from Sethum Rajapaksha towards the left corner, combined with a change of direction from left to right, opened up a massive gap for Sandeepa to touch down. However, Zumri’s conversion went astray again. (IC 15 – 10 STC) 

The Green Machine struck again when Abdullah Faizer spotted a gap between two Thomian defenders and went all the way. This time, Sandeepa successfully converted, increasing the lead to 12 points for the hosts. (IC 22 – 10 STC) 

Trailing by 12 points, S. Thomas’ needed something special, and their forwards delivered. They managed to put Isipathana under pressure, causing the Pathanians to make mistakes. Merckyle Karunaratne went over to inject some life back into his team, and Bulathsinghalage added another successful conversion, reducing the deficit to just 5 points. (IC 22 – 17 STC) 

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With S. Thomas’ finding their footing again, Isipathana’s Kenula Mihisara was sent to the sin bin after a desperate defensive effort to prevent the visitors from scoring. His absence was a huge blow for the hosts, as Karunaratne went over once again, leveling the score. However, the opportunity to take the lead slipped away when Bulathsinghalage missed the conversion. (IC 22 – 22 STC) 

Isipathana finally regained some momentum when Faizer initiated a good move with a lovely kick and chase collection, with Zumri also contributing by doing the same to bring the team closer to the whitewash. Kaveen Tharsusha almost made it all the way, but a high tackle prevented him from touching the ball down. The referee deemed it a major infringement and awarded a penalty try. (IC 29 – 22 STC) 

Isipathana once again made inroads deep into opposition territory, but the visitors managed to get the ball back. However, the Thomians made the critical error of trying to run with the ball just 10 meters away from their own try line, leading to a holding-on penalty. With just 10 meters to go, Kaveen Tharusha overpowered his way through the opposition’s defensive line. The conversion was unsuccessful this time. (IC 34 – 22 STC) 

The intensity of the game reached new heights when Avishka Perera found the whitewash from the left corner, giving the Thomians a glimmer of hope in the final minutes. Bulathsinghalage missed the conversion from a difficult angle. (IC 34 – 27 STC) 

Isipathana then extinguished the last ray of hope for the Thomians when Zumri connected with a lovely cross-kick pass from left to right. Sandeepa positioned himself brilliantly, made a great run, collected the ball, and went all the way. Avishka Hiran kicked the conversion through to add the last points of the game. (IC 41 – 27 STC) 

It was an entertaining game of rugby between two very good sides, as both teams showcased sheer talent. With this win, Isipathana goes into the Super Round as an unbeaten team, hoping to win the crucial moments against two formidable sides in Royal and St. Peter’s in the upcoming weeks. For S. Thomas’, they can be proud of producing a solid league season, which should give them the confidence to come back as a much stronger unit in the knockouts. 

Shahid Zumri once again walked away with the NDB Bank Player of the Match award, despite not scoring a single point. He was instrumental for the boys in green with his brilliant touch finders and mesmerizing runs through the heart of the defense. His form will be vital for the Green Machine heading into the Super Rounds.

Full Time : Isipathana College 41 (7T 3C) beat S.Thomas’ College 27 (4T 2C 1P)

• NDB Bank Player of the Match : Shaahid Zumri (IC) 

 

Isipathana College : Nimantha Sandeepa 17 Points (3 Tries 1 Conversion), Abdullah Faizer 5 Points (1 Try), Kaveen Tharusha 5 Points (1 Try), Dinada Wickramarachchi 5 Points (1 Try), Avishka Hiran 2 Points (1 Conversion) ]

S.Thomas’ College : Merckyle Karunaratne 10 Points (2 Tries), Avishka Perera 5 Points (1 Try), Seneshka Liyanagunawardene 5 Points (1 Try), Yehan Bulathsinghalage 7 Points (2 Conversions 1 Penalty)