Science college failed to counter the extraordinary ‘Green Machine’ as the Schools season’s front-runners Isipathana College strengthened their claims on the ‘Singer Schools’ under 20 cup championship by successfully passing the Science “test” by 55-07 at Havelock sports ground on Sunday evening.
Pathana first five-eighth Isuru Kongahawaththa kicked off proceedings as Isipathana almost drew first blood as early as the first minute of the game when their star player and number 8 Omalka Gunarathne collected a loose ball deep inside Science territory looking to score but unfortunately could not hold on to the ball saving Science from what could have been a dreadful start for the visitors. Of the many occasions Isipathana crossed the try line on the day, the first came through individual brilliance by Isuru Kongahawaththa when he managed to creep through the narrowest of gaps to score in the 10th minute of the match. Place kicker who is unusually a forward added the extras. Second rower Chathura Dilshan made no mistake with the conversion. (Isipathana 07 – Science 00)
Isipathana right wing Dilan Gallage scored his first try of the match in the 13th minute of the game after he received a well-timed inside pass from No.13 Anuradha Rankothge. Center three quarter Anuradha’s initial burst through the right flank opened up the space for Dilan gave him ample space to dash along the side lines and score. Chathura Dilshan failed to convert the try. (Isipathana 12 – Science 00)
A quarter of the game had gone by when Science spotted a weak link in the Isipathana defense line to score their first and only try of the match. No.8 Lasindu Ishan used the blind side space available to perfection as he broke through from a 25 meter scrum which was not far away from the left touch line and drew the last Pathana defender and gave a timely pass to Harsha Kumara Sandaruwan to run along the touch line and score for his team. No.15 Ravin Fernando added the extra points to reduce the deficit to only five points. (Isipathana 12 – Science 07)
Science College’s tactic of using the underarm throw in a three-man line out which is similar to seven a side style of line outs did not come out too well as they lost several lineouts in the opposite half. Isipathana fly-half Isuru Kongahawaththe used his preferred left boot to great advantage as he gave his runners a chance to chase down booming kicks to gain territorial advantage for the home team.
On the stroke of half-time whistle, Isipathana worked their magic once again as their hard working forward pack out-hooked a Science college scrum feed to their benefit and gave Omalka Gunarathne an opportunity to launch his assault and his unselfish pass found wing three-quarter Dilan Gallage crossing over for a soft try to boost Isipathana’s confidence going into half time. Chathura Dilshan converted successfully as referee A.C Tennakoon blew the half-time whistle.
Half Time: Isipathana 19 – Science 07
After the half-time break Isipathana resumed their brilliant display of fast open rugby as skipper Shenal Silva exploited an opening early in the 2nd half to score a try also securing a bonus point. Chathura Dilshan converted. (Isipathana 26 – Science 07)
Isipathana College showcased brilliant team work in the 50th minute as replacement scrum-half Sudam Parinda Sooriyarachchi finished off a superb try through support play as Isuru Kongahawaththa’s grubber was chased down flawlessly by Anuradha Rankothge and outside center Rankothge’s who was prominent in creating try scoring opportunities during the game ended in a try for Isiapthana. Isipathana’s newly found place kicker Chathura Dilshan bisected the uprights to add the extra points. (Isipathana 33 – Science 07)
Science College enjoyed a good passage of play until the start of the last quarter of the game as they retained the ball continuously as they kept asking questions from the ‘Pathana’ defense but their attempts in scoring points were foiled by the courageous Isipathana defenders.
Against the run of play, Lock forward Chathura Dilshan scored the 6th try for the hosts with only 15 minutes left in the clock after the Isipathana players broke free from their own territory through Sudam Parinda and full back Rehan Silva. Chathura Dilshan missed the conversion. (Isipathana 38 – Science 07)
Isipathana College opened up the flood gates in the final 10 minutes to add on to the scoreboard with the impressive no.8 Omalka Gunarathne scoring his first try of the match after he took a quick tap, 5 meters out on the try line and the burly 18 year old was unstoppable as he barged over few defenders to score his 7th try for the current season. Chathura Dilshan failed to add the extra points. (Isipathana 43 – Science 07)
Rehan Silva dived under the posts in the 75th minute from a spectacular move by Isipathana backline who expressed their exemplary talents catching the Science defense unaware. Chathura Dilshan converted the try with ease to bring up the half-century for the Havelock town ‘Green Machine’. (Isipathana 50 – Science 07)
Isipathana sealed off their resounding victory with a final minute try by replacement wing three-quarter C.A Fernando after second row forward Akila Perera judged an offload pass to pin point accuracy to open up an overlap near the right corner flag. Chathura Dilshan’s difficult conversion went astray as referee A.C Tennakoon blew the long final whistle to end another inspiring victory for the ‘Greens’ from Havelock town as they have put one hand on the title with two important games coming up.
Full Time: Isipathana 55 – Science 07
Isipathana head coach Nilufer Ibrahim shared his views with ThePapare.com after the win –
“I’m overjoyed with this win. We have peaked at the right time as our performances in the 2nd round have been more dominant than in the 1st round. Looking forward to win the next two games as well.“
ThePapare.com Man of the Match – Chathura Dilshan (Isipathana No.4)
