Isipathana withstand Trinity challenge to win 32-22
by Sajeewa Jayakody
Isipathana survived a fierce second half challenge by Trinity to win
by 32 points (two goals, three tries, one penalty) to 22 (two goals, one
try, one penalty) after leading 17- 8 at half time in their Singer
Under-20 Rugby League match played at Longden Place, yesterday.
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Isipathana captain Kushan Indunil Silva (12) evading a
tackle to score their second try in the first half.
Picture by Sulochana Gamage |
Isipathana dominated the first half but early in the second half
Trinity came back with a vengeance with a combined effort through their
forwards and and the backs to take a 22-17 lead. In the seventh minute,
Trinity opened scoring with a 20-metre penalty through fly half Lashan
Wijesuriya. Six minutes later, Isipathana hit back with an unconverted
try by Padma Shanka, who touched down mid- right. In the 24th minute,
Trinity winger Ayesha Edirisinghe barged through to touch down mid-left,
which also went nconverted.
Thereafter Isipathana took control in the last 15 minutes before
lemons when centre and skipper Kushan Indunil powered his way to touch
down mid-right, a splendid try, which full back Gayan Weeraratne added
the extra points.
Two minutes before the breather, winger Padma Shanka touched down
close to the corner flag which also went unconverted as Isipathana led
17-8.
Early in the second half Trinity struck back strongly scoring two
tries. tries. The first one by skipper Rahul Karunathileke, and
converted by full back Lashan Wijesuriya easily. A few minutes later,
number eight Salinda Alahakoon touched down. and Lashan Wijesuriya made
no mistake with the conversion and the Lions reduced the lead as 22-24.
Isipathana came strongly in the last 10 minutes when second row
Adeesha Weeratunga crashed through to score by the right corner flag.
Padma Shanka made a spectacular conversion as Isipathana led 29-22.
Two minutes before the final whistle Isipathana was awarded a
20-metre penalty and Padma Shanaka, who had a grand game, sent the ball
sailing over the cross bar and Isipathana ran out worthy winners by
32-22 to take their unbeaten record intact this season.
Referee: Dinka Peiris
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