Isipathana continue unbeaten run

Isipathana College continued their unbeaten run in the Schools League 2022 when they edged out Vidyartha College by 25 points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 2 penalties) to 23 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 3 penalties) in their Under 20 rugby encounter which concluded at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

At the short breather Vidyartha led 16/13.

The home team dominated play in the first half plus 15 minutes in to second half comfortably leading 23/13 but then indiscipline creeped in to their blood with their Winger Ratnayake going for a high neck tackle on an Isipathana player which resulted in a Red Card. 

Playing minus one player, Vidyartha involved in further errors which cost not only another player (Yellow) but also losing the grip on the game and allowing the Green Shirt to come in to the game giving two man advantage for the Havelock Town lads.

Isipathana drew first blood through full back Botheju penalty but Vidyartha hit back soon through Premaratne try and Menuka Thilakratne conversion. Two more Thilakratne penalties took Vidyartha in to a comfortable 13/3 lead. Full back Botheju who had a good game recued the gap through a penalty for the visitors.  

Minutes later, Dahan Wcikramarachchi of the Green Shirts powered his way for a superb forwards try to equal scored at 13 a piece but on stroke of half time Vidyartha went ahead through another penalty kick by Menuka Thilakraten.

 After the turn around Isipathana scored through Dharmarasiri and Thilakratne added the extra two points while Isipathana scored through Kavishka and Wewala Panditha. One of the try was converted by Botheju. The home team lost out two players for rough play one Red Card and a Yellow.  With three minutes of play remaining, Menuka Thilakratne missed a 45-meter penalty kick which went off target.

Referee Gihan Yatawara

With this win, Isipathana remains as the only unbeaten team in the Schools league and will move to next round and play Royal and either Joes or Trinity.

Host teams security was in big question when spectators encroached the players soon after the game was over. (SJ)