Pathana sends warning with commanding 41-8 win over Science
Despite a scrappy start against a dominant Science unit in the opening phase, the Green Machine gradually asserted control, eventually running in seven tries and three conversions. They led 19-3 at halftime, conceding only a penalty early on and an unconverted try late in the game. Isipathana will now meet St. Joseph’s College in the quarter-final next Sunday at the same venue.
The Green Machine scored seven tries on their way to a big win - Pic by Priyanka Samaraweera
After several early attempts, Isipathana finally breached the Science defence when hooker Kaveen Jayasinghe scored an unconverted try in the sixth minute. Science responded with a penalty from flyhalf Oshada Kompannage in the 19th minute, narrowing the gap to 5-3.
The game changed dramatically thanks to fullback Nimantha Sandeepa, whose tactical kicks and incisive play unlocked the Science defence. Sandeepa set up a try in the 26th minute and converted it himself, stretching the lead to 12-3. He then orchestrated another try for skipper and lock Saajid Zumri in the 32nd minute, with his conversion taking Isipathana into the halftime break at 19-3.
The second half saw Isipathana in full rhythm. Two successive forwards’ moves produced back-to-back tries in the 40th and 46th minutes, with flyhalf Thenula de Costa assuming kicking duties to extend the lead to 31-3. A well-prepared Science defence halted a third rolling maul attempt, a trademark of coach Sanath Martis, but Isipathana’s lock Risija Dimsara broke from the maul to score their sixth try in the 57th minute. Centre Senuth Ransara then completed a solo effort in the 61st minute, bringing the score to 41-3.
With substitutes given game time, Isipathana slowed the pace, allowing Science a late surge. In the final minute, Isipathana’s Sandeepa received a yellow card for dangerous play, enabling Science to cross the line for a consolation unconverted try by centre Demith Silva. The final score read 41-8 in favour of Isipathana.