Defending Knockout champions Isipathana College began their 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, thumping Science College 41–08 in the Pre-Quarterfinal of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophyplayed at the Royal Complex.
The Green Machine stamped their authority on the contest from the outset. An early penalty was kicked to the corner and Isipathana’s forwards set up a powerful rolling maul that proved unstoppable, with Kavin Jayasinghe peeling off the back to score the opening try.(IC 05-00 SC)
- Dialog Axiata powers the 2026 Schools Rugby Season
- Dominant First Half Powers Trinity Over Thurstan
- Wesley College steamrolls Mahanama College in pre-quarterfinal rout
- Shaakib Zumri to spearhead Isipathana Rugby in 2026
Science College responded with some attacking intent and managed to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty for an offside infringement. Their fly-half Oshada Fonseka calmly slotted the kick to get Science on the scoreboard. (IC 05-03 SC)
However, Isipathana quickly regained control through patient build-up play. A crucial touch-finder by Nimantha Sandeepa pinned Science deep inside their own 22. Although the forwards initially shaped for another rolling maul, the Green Machine swiftly shifted the ball to the backs. On the second phase, Sandeepa spotted a gap and burst through at pace to score under the posts before converting his own try. (IC 12-03 SC)
Isipathana added another soon after with a well-executed counterattack. The backs moved the ball wide where winger Manuja Botheju drew the final defender and produced a clever offload to Saajid Zumri, who powered through the last tackle to touch down under the posts. Sandeepa added the extras as Isipathana built a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Half Time: Isipathana College 19 (3T,2C) – Science College 03 (1P)
Isipathana College began the second half in similar fashion to the first, once again opting for territory. A penalty was kicked to the corner and the forwards went to work, executing another powerful rolling maul. Second-rower Damsara Witharana eventually broke away from the driving pack to dive over for an easy try. (IC 24-03 SC)
Moments later, the Green Machine forwards struck again using the same tactic. Another well-organised rolling maul marched towards the line, with Kavin Jayasinghe peeling off the back to score his second try of the match. Thenula De Costa added the conversion to extend Isipathana’s advantage. (IC 31-03 SC)
With momentum firmly on their side, Isipathana continued to pile on the pressure. Their forwards dominated possession with a series of pick-and-drive phases close to the line before Risaja Dimsara powered his way over for another try. (IC 36-03 SC)
Minutes later the Green Machine struck again after another patient build-up through the forwards. The ball was then moved quickly to the outside where Dimsara created the final pass to send replacement winger Senuth Senadeerage over in the corner. (IC 41-03 SC)
Science College managed to finish the match with a consolation try when powerful prop Demith Silva crashed over the line late in the game.Despite that late score, Isipathana College marched comfortably into the quarterfinals, where they will face St. Joseph’s College next weekend.
Full Time: Isipathana College 41 (7T,3C) – Science College 08 (1T,1P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Nimantha Sandeepa (Isipathana College)
Points Breakdown`
Isipathana College 41
Kavin Jayasinghe 2T, Saajid Zumri 1T, Damsara Witharana 1T, Risaja Dimsara 1T, Senuth Senadeerage 1T, Thenula De costa 1C, Nimantha Sandeepa 1T,2C
Science College 08
Demith Silva 1T, Oshada Fonseka 1P
