Defending champions Isipathana College powered into the semi-finals with a convincing 22–10 win over St. Joseph’s College in the Quarterfinal of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophy played at the Royal Complex.
St. Joseph’s kicked off through Bryan Fernando and made a strong start, dominating the early exchanges against Isipathana. Their early pressure paid off in the 10th minute when they were awarded a penalty, and Adriyano Candappa made no mistake to give the Josephians the lead.
The next twenty minutes turned into a tightly contested battle, with St. Joseph’s controlling territory and possession. However, a resilient defensive effort from the Green Machine kept them from adding to their score, as Isipathana held firm under sustained pressure.
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Just before halftime, Isipathana struck back in style. Launching an attack from around their 40-meter mark, they set up a rolling maul that carried them deep into the Josephian 22. The forwards then took control with a series of patient pick-and-drive phases, inching closer to the try line through powerful carries.
Switching play at the right moment, Methupa Bimsath delivered a quick pass to fullback Nimantha Sandeepa, who fended off one defender and powered through another to score. Sandeepa then added the conversion to give Isipathana a crucial lead heading into the break.
Half Time: Isipathana College 07 (1T,1C) – St. Joseph’s College 03 (1P)
The second half began poorly for St. Joseph’s as Isipathana took control of proceedings. An early mistake from the Josephians deep inside their own 22 handed the Green Machine a prime attacking opportunity. Skipper Shakib Zumri capitalised with a powerful No.8 break, his strong carry proving too much for the defence as he barged over the line. Nimantha Sandeepa added the conversion to extend the lead.
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St. Joseph’s responded with urgency, with their forwards producing a series of strong carries. They were initially held up over the line, but continued to press. A brilliant run from Adriyano Candappa brought play deep into Isipathana territory and earned a penalty for a high tackle. Opting for a quick tap, the Josephian forwards drove through multiple pick-and-go phases before skipper Inosh Silva made a telling carry that created space. Scrum-half Akash Rashminda spotted the gap and darted over for the try, with Bryan Fernando adding the conversion to close the gap.
However, Isipathana regained control soon after as St. Joseph’s conceded back-to-back penalties, including one for dangerous play. Kicking to touch, the Green Machine set up field position and were awarded another penalty for offside, allowing Sandeepa to slot over a crucial three-pointer.
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Sandeepa had another opportunity shortly after, but his penalty attempt drifted wide as the game entered the closing stages.
Isipathana continued to build momentum in the final minutes. A strong carry from Nevith Mevnaka took play deep into the Josephian red zone, with skipper Zumri once again leading from the front with another big carry forward. The decisive moment came when playmaker Thenula De Costa sliced through with a clever angle before delivering a perfectly timed inside pass to Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, who broke through the line to seal the result.
Isipathana College secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Royal College next weekend.
Full Time: Isipathana College 22 (3T,2C,1P) – St. Joseph’s College 10 (1T,1C,1P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Nimantha Sandeepa (Isipathana College)
Points Breakdown
Isipathana College 22
Shakib Zumri 1T, Yuvindu Kodithuwakku 1T, Nimantha Sandeepa 1T,2C,1P
St. Joseph’s College 10
Akash Rashminda 1T, Bryan Fernando 1C, Adriyano Candappa 1P
