Isipathana continues unbeaten run with win over Joes

Saturday, 1 July 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Saheed Zumri of Isipathana avoiding Joes tackle

Joes skipper Naveen Marasinghe on attack

By Shamseer Jaleel

Isipathana College better known as the “Green Machines” continued their winning streak in the Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League encounter against St Joseph’s College by 28 points (4 tries, 1 conversion, 2 penalties) to 18 points (2 tries, 1 conversion, 2 penalties) at the Longdon Place yesterday.

At the short breather Isipathana led 10/8.

Isipathana continued from where they left last week with the win at Mount Lavinia over the Thomians and starting with the win over Kingswood this season. The Green Machine three quarter line looked threatening as always. Shahid Zumri and their skipper, Naveen Kanishka both looked omnipresent while Rinesh Silva gave good territory advantage for them to attack.

Joes played well in patches but their indiscipline cost them a lot. Skipper Naveen Marasinghe and Ruchitha Rodrigo were outstanding both in defence as well in attack.

Isipathana scored first through Hashen Randimal in the 4th minute of the game while Joes replied 6 minutes later through Naveen Marasinghe try. Green Machine who were unstoppable scored their second try through dashing centre, Shahid Zumri who dummied his way through for a magnificent try. Joes cut the deficit through Ruchitha Rodrigo penalty to take the short breather trailing by 2 points at 8/10.

After the turn around Isipathana scored their tries through Kalindu Shenal and skipper, Naveen Kanishka with Rinesh Silva doing the conversion and putting over two penalties. For Joes their only second half try was scored by Vishika Fernando. Ruchitha Rodrigo put over the conversion and two penalties in the game.

Referee was Raveen Alexander.

Joes beat Isipathana 15/5 in the Under-14 game while Isipathana won the Under-16 encounter by 15/0.