Isipathana pull off sensational win

Monday, 11 March 2019 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Geeshaba Kularatne on his way to score a try for Trinity

Trinity number 8 Rahul Danaraj in an attacking move

Text and pix by Shamseer Jaleel

Isipathana College pulled off a fine 27 points (4 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) to 15 points (3 tries) win in their Singer League Under-19 rugby encounter, which concluded at Pallekelle yesterday.

At the short breather, it was the winners who led 17/5. Isipathana played well in the initial half while the home team stood out in the later half.

Isipathana, as usual, looked a yard faster with their three-quarter moves being outstanding. They were lightning fast on the loose ball. Meanwhile Trinity took time to settle and were very slow with their three-quarter moves, which was predictable at many times. Only Geeshaba Kularatne, and fullback and skipper Rashen Bandaranayke stood out with some lion heart performances for the Trinitians. Ball handling was below standard with a number of knock-ons by the home team. Come second half, Trinity looked yards faster in their fitness but failed to get into the opposition half to attack. There were a number of injuries for both teams. Ruberu, Ratnayake and Rizmi Javed stood out for the Isipathana outfit while Geeshaba Kularatne, Reshan Bandaranayake and Zayd Faizal were in good nick for the Lions.

Isipathana drew first blood in the ninth minute when lightning-fast winger R. H. De Silva touched down. Ruberu missed the conversion kick. Trinity defence was firm, not giving Isipathana space to cross their line. Trinity winger Amith Kulatunge was lucky to get away with a yellow card after tackling an Isipathana player in the air. Isipathana scored again through a sweeping three-quarter move with their fullback A. Goonasekera touching down. Ruberu added the extras. M. Ratnayake scored a gifted try through an interception. Trinity winger Geeshaba Kulatunge was lightning fast to score Trinitians the first try, which was initiated by the hard work done by his skipper, Reshan Bandaranayake.

After the turnaround, Trinity looked the fitter side but lacked in attacking. Not getting into Isipathana half cost them dearly. Second half tries were scored by Ratnayake and penalty by Ruberu for the visitors while Trinity scored their two second half tries through Reshan Bandaranayake and Geeshaba Kulatunge.

Referee Rohan Fernando

In the Under-16 encounter, Isipathana won 14/7 and in the second XV game, Isipathana won 17/14.

Trinity will host the Antonians next Friday at Pallekelle.