St. Peter’s College edged out Isipathana College in a scrappy, error-strewn encounter to claim a hard-fought 14-07 victory in their third-week clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the St. Peter’s College Grounds in Bambalapitiya.
The league decider in the past two years, this time it was a battle for pride as Isipathana and St. Peter’s College faced off in a high-intensity clash, with Avishka Hiran getting proceedings underway for the Green Machine.
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Isipathana controlled the early exchanges and threatened from a 5-meter scrum, but a brilliant turnover from Jamal Wahab relieved the pressure for the Peterites. Capitalising on the momentum, Skipper Vishenka Silva broke through the defensive line with a powerful run, supported by Wahab, who carried play close to the whitewash. No. 8 Shenuka Perera then picked up from the base of the ruck and bulldozed his way over to score under the posts. Rajith Geon added the extras with ease. (SPC 07-00 IC)
St. Peter’s kept the pressure on and looked likely to extend their lead, but twice missed out—first being held up over the line, and then knocking on just meters from the try line. Isipathana’s defence stood firm under heavy pressure, though they were briefly reduced to 14 men after Skipper Thinethra Dodangoda was shown a yellow card for foul play at the breakdown. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Green Machine showed resilience to keep the Peterites out and go into the break trailing by just a converted try.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 07 (1T,1C) – Isipathana College 00
The second half continued in similar fashion, with St. Peter’s dominating territory early on but unable to immediately convert their chances.
However, a turnover deep inside Isipathana’s 10-meter line allowed the Peterite forwards to go to work with patient, close-quarter phases. Eventually, tighthead prop Ashaz Farook powered his way over the line to extend the lead. Emith Jayaweera added the extras. (SPC 14-00 IC)
St. Peter’s suffered a setback when No. 8 Shenuka Perera was shown a yellow card for a late tackle—a moment that proved costly. Isipathana capitalized swiftly, as flyhalf Thenuka De Costa executed a superb cross-field kick that found playmaker Avishka Hiran, who leapt high to collect and finish the try in style. Hiran then converted his own score to reduce the deficit. (SPC 14-07 IC)
In the final five minutes, Isipathana mounted a furious comeback attempt, applying sustained pressure inside the Peterite half. But the home side held firm with resolute defence to deny the Green Machine and secure their first win in the Cup Segment.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 14 (2T,2C) – Isipathana College 07 (1T,1C)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Januth Rathnayake (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College 14
Shenuka Perera 1T, Ashaz Farook 1T, Rajith Geon 1C, Emith Jayaweera 1C
Isipathana College 07
Avishka Hiran 1T,1C
