Isipathana down Vidyartha 25-23 in rugby thriller

By a Special Sports Correspondent

Isipathana College made a memorable comeback in the second half of their Division 1 Segment A Group 1 A match against Vidyartha to post an exciting 25 points to 23 win at Nittawela yesterday. The winners trailed 16-13 at half time, but did well to rake in two tries after the turn around and take away the game from the host team. Vidyartha had themselves to blame and played with a mighty disadvantage of being reduced to 14 men due to a red card offense.

Vidyartha played cohesive rugby from the start and took a 13 -3 lead 19 minutes into the game. But Isipathana leveled scores to read 13 all with touchdown coming from Daham Wickremaarachchi and a conversion by Botheju. Vidyartha pulled ahead again just before half time with a penalty by Tillakaratne.

Vidyartha eared a try through prop Dharmasiri seven minutes into the second half. But Isipathana came back into the game again with a try by Kavisha.Ispathana sealed the game with a try by Wewalapandith which was possible due to great team work. Vidyartha earned a golden opportunity to take the lead eight minutes from the end when they earned a penalty, but the kick at goal was flawed.

 In some of the other matches scheduled for this weekend Science College will host St. Peter’s at Ratmalana on July 30 while Dharmaraja will host Wesley on the same day at Nittawela. On Sunday Kingswood take on S.Thomas’ College at Nittawela while on Monday (August 1) Joes take on St. Anthony’s at Havelock Park.