Isipathana put a spanner in the work of Science

Isipathana College defeated Science College at Rathmalana by 9 (3P) – 19 (3T 2C), handing the lads from Mount Lavinia their first defeat in the Dialog Schools’ Rugby League 2024.

Both teams were unblemished prior to the game and aimed to keep their win record intact going into week three.

After a few minutes’ delay due to crowd commotion, the game kicked off’ and it took the visitors less than 15 minutes to get off the mark.

Flanker Thinethra Dodangoda was the beneficiary, finding himself at the right place at the right time to dive over the whitewash. Shahid Zumri added the extras to make it a perfect 7. (SC 00-07 IC)

Dilruwan Perera managed to punt over a pair of penalties to cut the deficit to a single point. However, neither team really hit the ground running as handling and unforced errors piled on.

The game was a stop-start affair as both teams were plagued with errors. However, the visiting halfback Kalindu Silva added the finishing touch to a well-worked move, handing Isipathana the early lead. Zumri added the extras. (SC 06-14 IC)

With Half Time on the horizon, Dilruwan Perera added his third, to cut the deficit. Perera made no mistake from the tee, keeping the hosts in the game.

Half Time: Science College 09 (3P) trail Isipathana College 14 (2T 2C)

Two minutes into the second half, Gesadu Benthothge scored the only points in the second half to extend the visitors’ lead further.

This meant Science College were chasing the game throughout, but failed to score any points due to handing and unforced errors.

This defeat means that Science College’s unblemished record ends, giving Isipathana the opportunity to push toward the title, even though it is still early in the season!

Full Time: Science College 09 (3P) lost to Isipathana College 19 (2T 2C)

NDB Player of the Match: Kalindu Silva (IC)

Points Breakdown:

 

Science: Dilruwan Perera 3P

 

Isipathana: Thinethra Dodangoda 1T, Kalindu Silva 1T, Gesadu Benthothge 1T, Shahid Zumri 2C