Isipathana withstand Joes fight-back to win 29-18
By Ranjan ANANDAPPA
Isipathana withstood a fierce second half rally by St. Joseph's to
come out victorious by 29 points (3 goals, 1 try and a penalty) to 18
points (3 tries and 1 penalty) in their Singer Schools Under-20 Rugby
match at the Royal College Sports Complex yesterday.
The winners led 19-3 at the breather, but the Joes fought tooth and
nail to bridge the deficit by scoring three tries in the second half
that rattled the progress of Isipathana in no uncertain terms. If the
first half belonged to the Havelock Town school the second half should
go to the lads from Darley Road. The Joes forwards played a terrific
game driving into rucks and mauls while Isipathana displayed their usual
fluency with their three quarters. Isipathana's three quarters were
always there to combine and continue their moves, but the Joes defended
resolutely to stop them going into any menacing proportions particularly
in the second half.
Isipathana's back division played with cohesion always looking
dangerous while in possession.
They crossed the Joes line thrice in the first half through tries
from winger Uditha Prematileka Number 8 Arun Kumar and scrum half Costa
which Hirantha Perera gave them the extra points. For the Joes the only
scoring in the initial half was done by Rehan Thiagarajah who put over a
penalty.
The Joes after several invasions to the Isipathana territory Number 8
Jason Melder powered his way through a five yard scrum, the conversion
went astray as the Joes lost valuable points as they desperately needed
to reduce the gap. Isipathana there after struck back with force to
extend their lead when Sithum Chaturanga scored off a loose ball and
Costa gave them the extra points.
It was the Joes who opened the scoring through a Thiagarajah penalty.
But there after the Joes could not make much headway as Isipathana
struck through their three-quarters time and again.
The Joes tries were scored by Number 8 Jason Melder (2) and Stefaan
Gregory scoring off a short tap.
Referee: D. Nimal.
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