Isipathana ends Peterites unbeaten run

Isipathana College secured a dramatic 34/29 victory over St. Peter’s College in their Dialog President Trophy Knockout rugby final which concluded at the Sugathadasa Stadium last weekend.

Winners scored their points through 4 tries, 1 conversion and 4 penalties to Peterites. 4 tries, 3 conversions and one penalty thus ending the latter’s two-years unbeaten run. The tightly contested match saw both teams put on a display of skills and determination, with Isipathana edging out St. Peter’s in the final moments.

At the short breather Green Shirts led 20/12.

The win was bolstered by standout performances from Greens’ skipper, Nisaja Jayaweera and play maker, Shaahid Zumri playing their last game for the Havelock Town school. Their combined efforts, both on attack and defence, helped Isipathana maintain their lead and hold off a strong comeback attempt from St. Peter’s College being the leader in schools’ rugby for the last two years with a number of trophies wins, which is safe kept at their cupboards in Bambalapitiya.

This final also marked the end of an era for Isipathana’s Head Coach Saliya Kumara, as it was his last game coaching the Greens. Kumara’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Isipathana’s rugby program, and his tenure concludes with this memorable victory. Peterite Head Coach and veteran Sanath Martis, having won a number of trophies for many schools would have liked to end on the winning side, but it was not the Bamba lads’ Sunday evening at Sugathadasa, as the Greens dished out better brand of rugby.

Both teams were hit with injuries, but all who replaced came out with strong performances keeping their pride in playing for their school. Shahid Zumri missed an early penalty, but their winger, Abdul Azeez touched down the first try. Zumri added the extra 2 points. Immediately Revon Perera scored the Bamba lads’ first try to cut the deficit to 2 points.

Skipper Nisaja Jayaweera’s ghostly moves had been a constant occurring and a headache for the Peterites, as he touched down their second try. Once again reliable Zumri missed the conversion kick at goal, but the Greens increased their lead 12/5. Peterites, who never gave up scored through a forwards rush, which ended in Ranithu Ridmal touching down for the second Bamba lads’ try. Rahul Peter was on target to equalise the score line at 12 a piece.

The next move saw Nimantha Sandeepa taking kicks and putting the Greens ahead with an easy penalty kick. Next move saw some Zumri special, when he made a beautiful cross kick which was collected by Sandeepa to dive over the try line. Zumri failed with the conversion, but took the lead at the short breather 20/12.

After the turn around around, both schools added one penalty each through Rahul Peter (SPC) and Shaahid Zumri (IC). Silently kept Pasindu Bandara broke through, when he ran through about 4 to 5 Isipathana defenders untouched to score. Rahul Peter added the 2 points to cut the deficit to a single point. Zumri though was ordinary at kick at goal, his individual play reached the top gear when he scored a try plus put over 2 penalties for the Greens within 10 minutes which floored the Bamba lads. Greens increased the lead to 34/22. Pasindu Bandara had time for one more consolation try, plus Peter’s conversion took them within 5 points for a win, but it was too late to make a comeback as the final whistle was blown by Referee Ishanka Abeykoon who had a grand game. TMO was Anil Jayasinghe.

Chairmans Trophy was won by Lalith Athulathmudali College defeating Nugawela Central 27/22 while Mahanama edged out Ananda in another thriller 24/21 in the Premier Trophy final. Both these games were played at Havelock Park.

Both Ananda and Mahanama are tipped to play in A division in 2025 rugby season.

-(SJ)