The green machine stamp their class
Isipathana was dominant - Pix by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
The green machine was busy at the Havelock Park when Isipathana completed the formalities of retaining the custody of the Abdul Jabbar Trophy for the 46th time out of the 48 rubbers completed.
It was once again another year of one way traffic for the traditional match. The gap between a Division 1 side and Division 2 school was clearly visible despite the Park School opting to rest some regulars. However, they need to revisit and review as to how they would face better teams in the second round of the league which will commence next week.
Isipathana finished with a final tally of 50 points, collected through 5 goals and 3 tries. Thurstan supporters were jubilant as they collected 7 points from a goal — an achievement for their camp.
Half-time scores were in favour of Isipathana at 31 (3 goals 2 tries) to nil.
First to go past the goal line in the fifth minute was fullback Supun Tharusha while prop Wimesha Warnapura scored again in the 8th minute and fly-half Manilka Ruberu converted to extend scores to 12 nil.
Then came fifteen minutes of erratic rugby dished out by both teams. Then the Green team from Havelock Park recovered and scored through lock Supun Sandaruwan twice while fullback Supun Tharusha scored his second try for the game. Manilka Ruberu converted two of those tries and half-time scores read 31 points to nil in favour of Isipathana.
After the turnabout once again the game meandered while Thurstan raided Pathana territory who were using the bench. Yet, Isipathana picked up and scored again though stand in fly-half Anjana Thushara, hooker Nipul Nirmala and Manjula Rashantha. Ramada de Silva added the extra points to two of those efforts.
In the latter part of the second half, Thurstan scored a consolation try when Number 8 Mohamed Riskan scored and fullback Tharusha Dharmadasa converted.
With indiscipline setting by not releasing and high at break down resulted in two each from Pathana and Thurstan being sent to the cooler.
Guest of Honor Major General Rukmal Dias and the Chief Guest Riyaz Sallay gave away the awards.
Referee Aaqil Jamaldeen
