Isipathana College delivered a statement performance in their league stage, showcasing the attacking brilliance and rock solid defense to secure a comprehensive 33-06 victory over newly promoted Lumbini College. From the first whistle to the last, the Green Machine dictated the pace of the game, leaving the Lumbini outfit with a harsh but valuable lesson in top-tier school rugby.
Isipathana started the proceedings with a deep kick, and Lumbini replied with an immediate clearance kick. Right from the kickoff, it was evident that Isipathana had come out with a point to prove. Their backline was firing on all cylinders, exhibiting sheer pace, crisp passing, and intelligent offloading that repeatedly sliced through the Lumbini defensive line. Phase after phase, Greenmachine gained the territory and marched forward by applying early pressure on Lumbini. Suddenly, the Isipathana skipper, Shaakib Zumri noticed that the Lumbini was not doing the defending duties adequately at a ruck. Hence, he picked up the ball and ran over the ruck to draw the first blood of the game during the second minute of the game. (IC 07 – 00 LC)
After fifteen minutes of play, Isipathana came up with a brilliant attack where Lumbini went clueless. After making their way to the opposition’s 22-metre mark, the Lumbini side was penalised for a line-offside offence. As predicted, they went for a five-metre lineout and formed a powerful rolling maul. Though Isipathana barged during the initial seconds, spirited Lumbini forwards did well to hold on. Then Pathana attacked with the pick-and-drive phase, and suddenly the ball was switched to the three-quarters when the sole focus was on the forwards’ battle. Pathana’s three-quarter line was unmarked, and they easily created an overlap. Through the gap, Rishmi Jafrad easily went over and planted the second try with an acrobatic movement. Nimantha Sandeepa made an excellent conversion from the far left corner to add the extras. (IC 14 – 00 LC)
Disappointedly, Lumbini put themselves into hot water as their hooker Daham Ashendra was sin-binned for a stiff-arm tackle. Later, Isipathana invaded the Lumbini territory after another fierce attack and earned a five-metre lineout after receiving a penalty inside the red zone. It was followed by a massive rolling maul, and Lumbini brought it back to the ground illegally with a side entry. After receiving another five-metre penalty, Pathana opted for a scrum to capitalise on the numerical advantage due to the yellow card. Then the ball was given to the fly-half Costa and passed again to the centre Yuvidu Kodithuwakku, who ran along a brilliant running angle to avoid the tacklers and planted the third try just left to the goalpost. Nimantha Sandeepa continued his good rhythm with the boot to extend the lead. (IC 21 – 00 LC)
After the restart, Lumbini did well to apply the pressure on the high-riding Isipathana lads. Straightaway they created a penalty through their flanker, Dumidu Sulakshana, who caught an Isipathana forward for not releasing the ball. Without any hesitation, Lumbini opted for points, and Nadun Aloka nailed an absolute stunner to start the scoring. (IC 21 – 03 LC)
After a brief play, Isipathana made a knock-on, and the short whistle was followed by giving a solid lead to the lads in green at the lemons.
Halftime : Isipathana College 21 (3T, 3C) – 03 (1P) Lumbini College
During the fifth minute of the second half, Lumbini gave away a penalty for failure to give a clear release on the tackler before attempting a turnover. Surprisingly, Greenmachine took a quick tap and continued the game. After a few seconds, another penalty was awarded to Isipathana College for an offside play by their rivals. Pathana opted for scrum, and the skipper went for a No. 08 break. Then the ball was given to the scrum half and then again to the centre, Kidithuwakku, who charged to cut back inside and score the bonus point try near the goalpost. There, the Lumbini defence were astonished with the excellent line movement by Isipathana, which displayed their true class. (IC 28 – 03 LC)
After some action-packed minutes that went without scoring, Lumbini launched a better attack by applying immense pressure on the defence line by giving some of their own medicine to the Isipathanahana lads. Their valiant effort finally paid off as they received a penalty for a high tackle offence in front of the posts. Hence, Lumbini opted for points, and Nadun Aloka made a successful placekick to cut the lead by three points. (IC 28 – 06 LC)
When the game was heading towards the final whistle, Isipathana forward Nevith Mewunaka was sin-binned by the referee Hasantha Weranga by creating an advantageous phase for the Lumbini lads. But Isipathana never changed their game plan and kept their attacking mindset. Later, Lumbini made a crucial mistake with a dummy throw at a lineout, most importantly from inside their own 22-metre mark. Isipathana attacked fiercely after receiving a free kick, and again the referee gave a free kick for not retreating 10 metres by sending Lumbini players on to the tryline. Then the ball was sent wide, and Nimantha Sandeepa, who had an excellent game today, went through the gap at the right corner with an acrobatic dive to put a cherry on their victory. (IC 33 – 06 LC)
After a brief play, the referee blew the long whistle while Isipathana managed to walk away with another dominating victory. To their credit, the newly promoted Lumbini side showed immense grit and never threw in the towel despite the mounting scoreline. Their hard work and perseverance were finally rewarded when they managed to slot two penalty kicks through the uprights, ensuring they did not leave the pitch empty-handed and bringing their tally to six points.
When the final whistle blew, the 33-06 scoreline accurately reflected the difference in class between the two sides on the day. For Isipathana College, it is a flawless execution of their game plan that will serve as a massive confidence booster for the challenging fixtures ahead in the league. For Lumbini College, while the defeat is heavy, the baptism of the elite stage against a formidable opponent like Pathana will provide invaluable experience as they look to find their feet and carve out their own identity in the top tier of school rugby.
Fulltime: Isipathana College, Colombo 33 (5T, 4C) – 06 (2P) Lumbini College, Colombo
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Nimantha Sandeepa (Isipathana College)
Points Breakdown
Isipathana College, Colombo – 33
Shaakib Zumri 1T, Rishmi Jafrad 1T, Yuvidu Kodithuwakku 2T, Nimantha Sandeepa 1T, 4C,
Lumbini College, Colombo – 06
Nadun Aloka 2P
Match Referee – Hasantha Weranga
