Pathana keeps best for the last
Magnificient Isipathana reserved their season’s best for the last as they scored a close 20 points (1 Goal, 2 Tries, 1 Penalty) to 14 (2 Goals, 1 Penalty) win over the fancied Trinity side at Pallekelle last evening. Isipathana were first on the board in the 18th minute, but by lemons Trinity had taken the lead at 7-5. Territorially and possession-wise, it was all Isipathana in the first half. The Trinitians were rattled and thrown into confusion by the fiery play of their opponents. The forwards and backs combined well to befuddle Trinity. It looked as though the Bradby win was the be all and end of their rugby season.
To begin proceedings Isipathana fly-half Hirantha Perera, who had a superb game, worked the line and sent winger Udith Prematilleke on his way with a long pass. The latter scored by the left corner flag. This wasn’t converted.
Though dominating proceedings, the Havelock Town lads could not add to their tally before the break. Trinity was more fortunate on the stroke of half time when they intercepted and ran through for a try.
The ball carrier was tackled but centre Dureka Aluvihare was on hand and in a second phase move, he went over. Ratwatte added the extra points for Trinity to lead 7-5.
Winger Uditha Prematilleke scored his second try for Isipathana early in the second half and Hirantha Perera converted to enjoy an extremely short lived lead (12-7). A Ratwatte penalty from 30 yards for Trinity out made the contest that much closer (12-10).
A long kick by Perera saw play being taken deep into Trinity territory. When the ball came out from the maul, Perera tried to burst through but was held. The ball was switched to centre Tharanath who fell over to make it 17-10 for Isipathana. A simple penalty conversion followed and the visitors were sitting pretty. Two scoring efforts were now needed by Trinity.
A costly missed tackle by an Isipathana defender well inside their 22 saw centre Lochana Girihagama go over for Trinity. Ratwatte was spot on. However that was the end of the scoring for the day.
This was a deserved win for Isipathana whose players showed far more hunger than their counterparts. They always tried to go forward and threw themselves at their opponents in defence as though their lives depended on the outcome of this game.
Referee – D. Nimal.
Under 16: Trinity won10-7
Second XV: Trinity won 21-0
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