S. Thomas’ College ended the unbeaten run of title contenders Isipathana College after a thrilling and hard-fought battle for supremacy. The Thora brigade continued their own unbeaten streak with a crucial 36–24 victory in the final preliminary round game of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025. This blockbuster fixture was played for the inaugural Rizvy Suhayb Memorial Trophy at the St. Thomas’ College Grounds in Mt. Lavinia.
The Thomians kicked off proceedings and immediately showcased their attacking intent by choosing to run the ball instead of kicking for territorial advantage. This bold move allowed them to enter the Isipathana half early and apply pressure on the formidable Green Machine.
Just a minute into the game, inside centre Seneshka Liyanagunawardane created a gap in the defense with a classic show-and-go, slicing through the middle to score the first try. Winger Mayanka Dias made no mistake with the conversion.
(STC 07 – 00 IC)
Isipathana responded with some superb work from their three-quarter line, creating an overlap down the flank. The ball found its way to Avishka Hiran, who skipped past a tackler to plant their opening try. He followed up with a superb conversion from a difficult angle.
(STC 07 – 07 IC)
With momentum swinging Isipathana’s way, Thomian fly-half Udan Bulathsinghalage was shown a yellow card, raising the hopes of the visitors. Despite being down to 14 men, the Thomians stood firm, denying Isipathana any easy opportunities. However, a mistake in a lineout saw an overthrow picked up by an Isipathana defender. Pathana applied relentless pressure and were awarded a penalty advantage. Thenula De Costa launched a brilliant punt into the hands of sprinting winger Nimantha Sandeepa, who collected it mid-air and dived over for a try. Hiran once again converted brilliantly.
(STC 07 – 14 IC)
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon then issued a yellow card to an Isipathana player for tapping the ball illegally, judging it to have prevented a potential scoring opportunity—an incident that would prove crucial in the final outcome.
The Thomians advanced to the 5-meter line, launching fierce attacks. The Pathana defense was penalized for an offside. After a quick tap, Mickael Karunarathna drove toward the line but was held up. Following a couple of pick-and-go phases, Vishwa Ariwansha finally crossed the whitewash. Mayanka added the extras.
(STC 14 – 14 IC)
With the opposition still down a man, the Thomians made the most of the advantage. They shifted the ball to the right, and suddenly Tieshiya Aluvihare appeared from nowhere, dragging multiple defenders with him to score another try. Mayanka remained flawless with the boot.
(STC 21 – 14 IC)
Despite some intense exchanges before the break, neither side added to their score. The Thomians held a narrow lead at halftime.
Half-time: S. Thomas’ College 21 (3T, 3C) – 14 (2T, 2C) Isipathana College
Isipathana began the second half poorly, sending the restart kick directly into touch. Off the resulting central scrum, fly-half Udan Bulathsinghalage made an excellent break, dancing past several tacklers before being brought down just short of the line. After a few quick passes to the left, Eyan Perera capitalized on a disorganized defense to score. Mayanka added the conversion.
(STC 28 – 14 IC)
The Thomians then conceded back-to-back penalties—first for not rolling away in the tackle, then for collapsing a maul. Isipathana made full use of the opportunity, with standout player Avishka Hiran crossing the try line for the second time and converting once again.
(STC 28 – 21 IC)
The game was finely poised, with both teams battling fiercely for group supremacy. A controversial moment came when Jehan Wanigasooriya was shown a yellow card for dangerous play, having charged into a kicker. The sanction seemed harsh, but the Thomians were once again down to 14 men.
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Isipathana soon capitalized on another offside penalty. Without hesitation, Hiran slotted over the game’s first penalty to narrow the gap.
(STC 28 – 24 IC)
Despite being a man down, the Thomians smartly worked their way into the Isipathana half through a penalty. Opting for a controlled pick-and-drive approach instead of spreading it wide, they executed over ten phases of tight play before Tieshiya Aluvihare powered over for his second try of the day.
(STC 33 – 24 IC)
In the dying minutes, Isipathana were penalized for side entry at the ruck and for not releasing the ball. The Thomians went for goal, but the kick drifted wide.
However, they were awarded another penalty shortly after, this time for a high tackle. Mayanka stepped up and confidently slotted the three points as the final whistle blew.
Full-time: S. Thomas’ College 36 – 24 Isipathana College
Throughout the game, S. Thomas’ displayed superior discipline and tremendous composure under pressure, especially when reduced to 14 men. Their character and resilience saw them not only remain unbeaten in the league but also lift the inaugural Rizvy Suhayb Memorial Trophy and clinch the top spot in their group.
Full Time : St. Thomas’ College 36 (5T, 4C, 1P) – 24 (3T, 3C, 1P) Isipathana College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Eyan Pereira (St. Thomas’ College)
Points Breakdown
St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia – 36
Seneshka Liyanagunawardane 1 T, Vishwa Ariwansha 1 T, Tieshiya Aluvihare 2 T, Eyan Pereira 1 T, Mayanka Dias 4 C 1 P
Isipathana College, Colombo – 24
Avishka Hiran 2 T 3 C 1 P, Nimantha Sandeepa 1 T,
