Isipathana conquer tough conditions and Science in opener

Isipathana College conquered Science

College on a dry and dusty pitch, under torrid conditions to record an inspiring 17-10 win in their season opener game of the Dialog Schools Rugby League Championship played at Havelock Park yesterday.

The Green Shirts, who were surprisingly held by the gritty style of play by Science players, held on to a narrow 5-0 lead at halftime, yet lost the grip of the game for a couple of minutes, before nailing down their opponents. Isipathana scored from three tries and a conversion, while Science had one each of a try, conversion and penalty.

Science probably gave Isipathana the roughest welcome to a season, which they would have totally unexpected, as the hosts were forced to keep a perfect flow or lose grip. Yet Isipathana managed to breach the Science defence to score the only try of the first half, as they took the breather at 5-0.

Sooner the second half kicked off Isipathana were stunned by the neat set piece play by Science, which culminated with a converted try off Rasanga Dinushan. Tharusha Silva, who would go on to add three more points later on in the game through a penalty, made the conversion.

From the 39th minute, Science were only given the privilege of enjoying the lead of the game for just two minutes by the Green Shirts, who retaliated immediately with their trademark running style of play. Two neat offloads from the Isipathana three-quarters shifted the ball into the hands of Riyaz Lukman, who touched down with ease under the post. Manelka Ruberu added the extra points to put Isipathana back in the lead 12-7, which was shortened to 12-10 after 13 minutes through a penalty awarded to Science.

As the game progressed Science were gradually forced to defend their territory, before Dahan Wickramaarachchi breached the wall to brace an unconverted try to seal the game for the Green Shirts with an unconverted try during the dying stage of the game.