COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – In what was the most enthralling league match of the season, Isipathana College, known as the “Green Machine,” edged out last year’s runner-up, Royal College, by a nail-biting 19-18 victory to reclaim the Major Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy. The Super Round match of the Dialog ‘A’ Division Schools League Tournament was played yesterday at Havelock Park, ending with a dramatic encounter that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Isipathana College, the defending champions of the Major Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy, scored one goal and four penalties to accumulate their 19 points. On the other hand, Royal College, who fought valiantly, scored one goal, one try, and two penalties in this intense 33rd encounter of the prestigious trophy.
The game was a true test of endurance and skill, with tensions running high from the start. Royal’s Buwaneka Senanayake was shown a yellow card in the 20th minute, adding to the drama. The first 20 minutes were a grueling contest, but Isipathana was the first to draw blood with a 25-meter penalty kick in the 23rd minute, giving them a slim lead of 3-0.
The match intensity escalated when Isipathana’s Kavisha Tharusha was both sin-binned for a tackle decision, reducing both teams to 14 men. Despite the aggressive play, the first half ended with Isipathana holding a narrow 3-0 lead over last year’s runners-up, Royal College.
The second half began with Isipathana extending their lead to 6-0 in the 39th minute, thanks to a penalty kick by full-back Shaahid Zumri. However, Royal quickly responded in the 43rd minute with a successful 35-meter penalty kick by full-back Nabeel Yahiya, narrowing the gap to 6-3.
Isipathana’s lineout was solid throughout the game, and they capitalized on it in the 46th minute when Zumri added another penalty, extending their lead to 9-3. But Royal was not to be outdone; just a minute later, prop forward Thineth Gamage touched down near the left corner flag for Royal’s first try of the game. Though Yahiya missed the conversion, Royal closed the gap to 9-8.
Royal then took the lead for the first time in the 50th minute with a successful penalty by Idris Farouk, putting them ahead 11-9. The game seemed to be slipping from Isipathana’s grasp, but the Green Machine came roaring back. In the 54th minute, Zumri scored a try after a beautiful run, and fly-half Avishka Hiran added the extra points, giving Isipathana a 16-11 lead.
Royal, refusing to back down, responded in the 63rd minute with a try by Afif Farouk, and with the conversion by Idris Farouk, Royal regained the lead 18-16. The tension in the stadium was obvious as the clock ticked down.
In the 69th minute, amidst the drama, Isipathana won a penalty, but Zumri missed the crucial kick, keeping Royal ahead 18-16. The situation escalated when referee Ishanka Abeykoon reported unruly behavior from a section of the Isipathana spectators, leading to a brief halt in play. The Police Riot Squad had to intervene, and after a five-minute break, the game resumed for the final minute.
In the dying moments, a foul play was referred to the TMO, and after reviewing the footage, Royal’s Number 20 was warned, and Isipathana was awarded a penalty. With the weight of the game on his shoulders, Zumri, who had already scored 14 of Isipathana’s points, took the decisive kick. As the ball sailed through the posts, the Isipathana crowd erupted in jubilation.
The match ended in a thrilling 19-18 victory for Isipathana College, who regained the Major Milroy Fernando Memorial Trophy by the slimmest of margins. The referees were escorted off the field under police protection as the Green Machine celebrated their hard-fought victory in front of a packed house at Havelock Park.
