It was not easy -- but Isipathana are Schools League Champs
Two unbeaten teams with unyielding spirit and indomitable force engaged in a clash of epic proportions at the CR and FC grounds at Longdon Place. And then there was one.
Isipathana the pre-match favourites obliged their myriad supporters with a pugnacious display to walk away with league title for 2016. They had to be at their best, as Thomian grit prevailed in the last quarter as they unleashed a string of attacks on the Pathana goal line.
What really killed off the Thomians was that early nine minute blitz by the winners. Henakankanamge made an unwise tackle on an opponent and was sin binned. Off the resultant penalty, the pack forced their way over for number eight Wageesha Weerasinghe to touch down. Full back Gayan Wickremaratne put it over. First blood to Pathana and the score was 7-0 as early as the fourth minute.
The Thomians were pressurizing the defence but, lo and behold, the Pathana lads emerged with the ball and sent it out slickly to winger Chamod Fernando who did a fifty yard run to end up under the posts. Wickremaratne converted and Pathana were up, up, and away to a fourteen point lead.
Not long after, an infringement in a ruck cost the Thomians another three points. Until then, the Pathana lads had played some superb rugby, running hard and sending out passes with good timing.
The Thomians had decided to keep play with their forwards as the Pathana outsides looked very dangerous. The exercise in damage control was successful to an extent. They had stopped the hemorrhaging. Sachitta Jayatilleke, the burly number eight, gave the Thomians a lease of life by touching down off a forwards rush. Ashwantha Herath was accurate and the score now stood at 17-7.
A brilliant break by Thomian fly half Bhumindra Dissanaike took play deep into Isipathana territory. The forwards were on fire, hounding the loose ball and going hard at the defence. Centre Dhanuja Wijeratne, who played well, was able to find a gap in the defence and fall over. Herath was probably a tad casual with the conversion and missed it. (17-12)
Pathana took a short tap and headed for the line. Skipper Kushan Indunil sent the Thomians the wrong way with a nice change of direction. He powered over the line near the left corner flag. After consultation with the Touch Judge, the try was rescinded by Referee Irshad Cader. A penalty was awarded instead. Wickremaratne put it over and at half time, Pathana led 20-12.
Another Wickremaratne penalty at the start of the second half extended the lead (23-13).The Thomians were deep in trouble when a kick ahead was made and there was no defenders in sight. But one emerged, fell on the ball, and saved their bacon. Isipathana were there in numbers, but couldn’t finish it off.
Wageesha Weerasinghe collected the ball just outside his 22 and streaked along the line. A Thomian came across and made a desperate tackle. Weerasinghe’s progress was stalled. He staggered and fell but picked himself up and went over after a 60 metre run. This wasn’t converted.
The last quarter belonged to the losers. With time running out and Pathana reduced to thirteen, they camped about 10 yards from the opponent’s goal line and kept attacking. Centre Ashwantha Herath fell over for an unconverted try, (28-19).
Thomian perseverance and persistence were rewarded when Henakankanamge was able to touch down in the closing minutes for a final score of 28-24.
Henakankanamge did make a few runs and looked dangerous. But Pathana was well aware of the damage he could inflict and kept him under close surveillance.
It was Justice that the better side won. However it was a brave performance by Pandula de Silva’s team to come back twice from the nearly dead.
Isipathana’s 28 came from two goals, a try and three penalties. The Thomians touched down four times, but converted only twice.
The Thomian dream of a league title after 16 years was dashed. But the solace is that they played a full part in a terrific battle before a fantastic crowd.
Longdon Place was not the ideal venue. Even facilities for the press were almost non-existent. The view of the people in the back rows of the Pavilion must certainly have been blocked by the packed crowd in front.