The mighty Isipathana College held off a valiant effort from Dharmaraja College to secure a 32-19 win in their third-week fixture of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the Nittawela Rugby Fortress.
Dharmaraja came seeking redemption on their home soil after unexpected losses against Zahira and Mahanama, while Isipathana, without a doubt, aimed to continue their unbeaten run.
The lads from the Green Machine got into it right from the start and scored within the first three minutes of the game. The Isipathana forwards set up a maul and rumbled closer to the try line. Then, with excellent handling skills on display, the ball was worked wide, and wing three-quarter Nimantha Sandeepa scored the first try of the match in the left corner. The difficult conversion attempt went astray. (IC 05 – 00 DC)
After a strong phase of play, Dharmaraja earned a penalty as the Green Machine was penalized for a line-offside infringement. Captain Damsith Rathanayake took the responsibility upon himself, but the kick went nowhere.
About five minutes later, Isipathana entered the Rajans’ red zone and kept probing the defense. A well-executed driving maul followed, and after a single phase, forward Lithuka Ruwanpathina crossed the try line for Isipathana’s second try. Unfortunately, they missed the regulation conversion kick again. (IC 10 – 00 DC)
Moments later, Thenula de Costa delivered a brilliant 50-22 kick in Isipathana’s favor. They followed up with their usual rolling maul strategy, but this time Dharmaraja held up the ball in the in-goal area to prevent the try.
Isipathana then scored their third try using the same formula: earning a penalty, kicking to touch, and executing a rolling maul. Kaveed Jayasinghe added the finishing touch to the forwards’ hard work. Nimantha Sanjeewa took over kicking duties after Avishka Hiran missed a couple of chances. Nimantha struck the ball well, but it hit the upright and bounced back into play. (IC 15 – 00 DC)
As Isipathana searched for the bonus point try, a knock-on occurred. A Dharmaraja player spotted the opportunity and kicked the loose ball forward. Winger Dumindu Rajapaksha chased it down over 60 meters, showed great footballing skills, and dived onto the ball to score what was arguably the try of the day. (IC 15 – 05 DC)
Without delay, Isipathana responded with another rolling maul, and Kaveed Jayasinghe scored his second try. At this point, Rajans looked helpless against the powerful Isipathana forwards, especially under the wet and slippery conditions. (IC 20 – 05 DC)
Half-time: Isipathana College 20 (4T) – Dharmaraja College 5 (1T)
In the second half, Isipathana picked up right where they left off. A perfectly executed rolling maul led to another try, with powerful forward Lithuka Ruwanpathina crashing over for his second. (IC 25 – 05 DC)
Isipathana had several more scoring opportunities, but the wet conditions caused them to slip away. Eventually, after earning a five-meter lineout, they surprised everyone by choosing to work the line instead of mauling. The change in strategy paid off as lock forward Abdul Ahammed broke through the Rajans’ defense to score their sixth try. This time, Avishka Hiran made no mistake with the conversion. (IC 32 – 05 DC)
The game looked firmly in Isipathana’s hands, but the home team had other plans. Suddenly, Dharmaraja mounted serious pressure near the try line. Isipathana’s fly-half attempted a clearance kick under pressure, but substitute Shashika Senarathna blocked it and scored Dharmaraja’s second try. Sadeesha Bandara successfully added the extras despite the tough kicking conditions. (IC 32 – 12 DC)
Buoyed by their momentum, Dharmaraja enjoyed a dominant four-minute spell near the Isipathana try line. After a series of pick-and-goes, scrum-half Pawan Manodya found a gap and darted through the defense to score their third try. Once again, Sadeesha Bandara nailed the conversion, lifting the hopes of the hometown crowd. (IC 32 – 19 DC)
Trailing by 13 points, Dharmaraja pushed hard for a fourth try to secure a try bonus point and a losing bonus point. Their task was made easier when Isipathana hooker Kaveed Jayasinghe was sin-binned for a high tackle. A penalty was awarded just five meters out. Though the Rajans crossed the try line, they failed to ground the ball, and with that, referee Nipuna Amarathunga blew the final whistle.
Isipathana managed to survive Dharmaraja’s late comeback to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Though Dharmaraja are still searching for their rhythm in this league, they delivered a commendable performance today—especially in the second half.
Full time: Isipathana College 32 (6T, 1C) – Dharmaraja College 19 (3T, 2C)
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Sithupa Bometh (Isipathana College)
Points Breakdown
Isipathana College – 32
Lithuka Ruwanpathina 2T, Kaveed Jayasinghe 2T, Nimantha Sandeepa 1T, Abdul Ahammed 1T, Avishka Hiran 1C
Dharmaraja College – 19
Dumindu Rajapaksha 1T, Shashika Senarathna 1T, Pawan Manodya 1T, Sadeesha Bandara 2C
