History
Isipathana College or the Green Machine is always there and thereabouts when we talk about school rugby in Sri Lanka. As one of the most consistent sides in the last 10 editions of the Schools Rugby League, they have won 4 titles which is only second to Royal College who have won 5. The last time they won the title was just 3 years ago in 2022 under the leadership of Dahan Nithina where they ended up as the unbeaten champions.
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Last year Isipathana were in contention to win the league until the last moment but fell short against eventual winners St. Peter’s College. During the 2010’s Isipathana College won the coveted league title thrice. First up was in 2012, then in 2014 and finally in 2016. Kumendra Dharmadasa, Senal Deelaka and Kushan Indunil were the respective skippers of those seasons for the Green Machine.
Current Outfit
This year’s squad of Isipathana College is rather different than the previous as the focus is more on the forwards who have been one of the best from what we have seen so far this year. The backline is not the same dashing one which we have seen over the last few years but they do have some players with a lot of potential to win them important games just like the President’s Trophy final.
Players to Watch out for
Thrinethra Dodangoda is probably the best flanker of schools rugby at the moment. With a truckload of experience behind him, he will hold the key with his crucial jumps and decision making.
Sethum Rajapakshe is another name that can obliterate any opponent with his unbelievable defensive effort. His ability to produce powerful runs and to consistently stay on the field for a full game makes him a serious threat to all the opponents.
Shaakib Zumri the brother of talismanic Shaahid Zumri has taken a new role in playing as number 8 for Isipathana this season. Although his role has changed, he has adapted to it very well and produced some brilliant performances during the Knockouts and all the Green Machine fans will be hoping he can do the same in the upcoming weeks.
Nimantha Sandeepa who played for Sri Lana U18 last year is another key element for Isipathana this season. He is a slippery customer who can produce miracle tries from anywhere in the field which makes him a huge threat for all the teams.
Other last year players like Avishka Hiran, Sithupa Bometh, Abdul Ahmed and Adithya Madushan along with the rest of the youngsters would want to leave a mark this season and support the above mentioned key players in the best way possible to script another league winning year for the Green Machine.
Coaches
Dhanushka Botheju who worked as the forwards coach in the last few years has taken over the role of the head coach for Isipathana. His team of supporting staff includes Assistant Coach Chanaka Chandimal, Trainer Vishwamithra Jayasinghe and Physio Shafin Majid. After winning the President’s Trophy, these gentlemen will be aiming to make it a double this season.
Expectations for the Season
It’s a no brainer when it comes to the expectations of the Isipathana team and their fans. They’ll want to end this season as the champions for the 14th time in their history. Isipathana College will definitely want to go one up from their performance from last year where they finished taking the 2nd place. Since 2022, Isipathana have lost just 3 games out of 24 and they will be hoping to improve on that phenomenal track record.
The Green Machine will be disappointed if they fail to qualify to the super rounds for a fourth year in a row but they will face some tough challenges as they only have just 1 home game in the first round. Isipathana will begin their campaign at home against newly promoted Mahanama College and then will face Kingswood College in an away clash. Then the Green Machine will face Dharmaraja in Kandy making it two consecutive visits to the hill country. Their penultimate game during round 1 is against Zahira College before the big tussle of the group against S. Thomas’ College who is one of the favorites.
Although they won the President’s Trophy, Isipathana would want to stay focused and go all the way to win the 18 team tournament and they certainly do have the resources to get the job done.
Full Squad
Forwards – Thrinethra Dodangoda ©, Lahiru Sandeepa, Nevith Meunaka, Kaveen Irosh, Risaja Dinusara, Naveed Thahir, Lithuka Mansilu, Damsara Witharana, Saajid Zumri, Angelo Derrick, Shaakib Zumri, Demitha Kariyawasam, Sanuth Jayaweera, Demitha Wijesekara, Abdul Ahmed, Sethum Rajapaksha
Backs – Avishka Hiran, Samiru Disas, Tharuka Oshadha, Methupa Bimsath, Shevin Peiris, Nimantha Sandeepa, Abdul Azeez, Isuru Udayanga, Sithum Senadeera, Shevan Yanush, Abdul Hakeem, Manuja Botheju, Thenula Dewnitha, Rizmy Jafrad, Sajith Samsudeen, Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, Sithupa Bometh
Round 01 – Fixtures
- 08th June Vs Mahanama College at Havelock Park
- 15th June Vs Kingswood College at Bogambara Stadium
- 22nd June Vs Dharmaraja College at Nittawela Stadium
- 28th June Vs Zahira College at Zahira College Grounds
- 05th July Vs S. Thomas’ College at Big Club Grounds
For all the latest updates on Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024, keep in touch with Sri Lanka’s Number 1 Sports Hub www.thepapare.com
