Supreme Isipathana retain President’s Trophy in last-gasp thriller

Isipathana College, who successfully defended the Dialog President's Trophy edging out Trinity College, is seen celebrating their win​

By Shamseer Jaleel

In a nail-biting finale at the Royal Sports Complex yesterday, Isipathana College edged out Trinity College 12/9 to defend their Dialog President’s Trophy Knockouts title. 

The Greens secured this win with a last-minute try through Yuvindu Kodituwakku, who handed off a few Trinity defenders to touch down the winning try after Trinity were leading 9/7 with one minute of play left in the game.

At the short breather, Isipathana led 7/6.

Isipathana drew first blood in the 10th minute of the encounter through a clinical try by Adithya Madushanka. The early breakthrough gave the defending champions a 5/0 lead. Avishka Hiran added the extra two points to take an early lead 7/0. The opening exchanges saw both teams testing each other’s defensive lines with bruising forward play and aggressive rucking.

Trinity slowly settled into the game, and their fullback, Shan Althaf, reduced the deficit with a well-taken penalty. Maintaining their pressure, Althaf slotted over another penalty just before halftime to bring the score to 7/6, leaving the Greens with a slender lead at the break.

After the turnaround, Trinity, attacking from their 22 with hands changing, Shan Althaf covered more than 70 meters to touch down, which looked a good try that was awarded by the referee, but to the surprise of spectators, Assistant Referee Raveen Alexander came in to the spotlight, informing Referee Gihan Yatawara that not enough time of advantage was played in the earlier for Isipathana. This was referred to Television Match Official (TMO) Anil Jayasinghe. The TMO passed the decision back to the on-field referee to make the final decision, who changed his mind and disallowed the try, giving the penalty to Isipathana.

The second half opened with high intensity as both teams fought for territorial dominance. Trinity took the lead for the first time in the match when Shan Althaf executed a precise drop goal to make it 9/7 in favour of the boys from Kandy. The shift in momentum gave Trinity faith, and they upped their game in attack.

Isipathana, however, remained calm under pressure and continued to threaten the Trinity defence. Despite being awarded five kickable penalties, they failed to convert any of them into points, keeping the opposition in the contest and raising tension among their supporters. They knew how to win finals and never gave up and played at the final whistle.

Trinity’s undoing came from poor ball handling, especially in crucial phases deep inside Isipathana territory. Knock-ons and misdirected passes halted their progress at key moments, allowing Isipathana to stay in the hunt as the clock ticked down. On the other hand, Isipathana did not opt for the easy kickable five penalties, as they did not have a reliable place kicker.

The final minutes saw a surge of attacking play from the Greens. In a dramatic twist, they crossed the whitewash in the dying seconds of the game through a Kodituwakku try, sealing the match with a try that broke Trinitians’ hearts and brought the Isipathana-faithful to their feet. There was no way the kick at goal was taken as the Greens supporters invaded the playing field.

Standout performers for Isipathana included Sethum Rajapakse, Methupa Bometh, Shaakib Zumri, and skipper Thinethra Dodangoda, all of whom delivered gritty, all-round performances. Trinity skipper Shafraz Usmaan, Shan Althaf, Sadeesha Weerawansa, Hamza Abdeen, and Ammar Manzil fought valiantly throughout for the runner-up team.

With this win, Isipathana secured the prestigious President’s Trophy for a record 13th time, reaffirming their dominance in school rugby. For Trinity, the wait to lay its hands on the Trophy remains longer. It last won the championship way back in 2011.

The final was officiated by Referee Gihan Yatawara. 

Pix by Sameera wijesinghe

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presents the Dialog President’s Trophy to the victorious Isipathana College Rugby Captain Thinethra Dodangoda yesterday. Dialog Axiata Director and Group CEO Supun Weerasinghe, Education Ministry Secretary Amal Edirisooriya, and Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association President Kamal Ariyasinghe are also present

Isipathana fullback Avishka Hiran on an attack for the Greens