Gutsy Green Shirts Clinch Dialog President’s Trophy Knockout Title

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, presents the Dialog President’s Trophy to the winning captain of Isipathana College, Master Thinethra Dodangoda, in the presence of Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC (standing second from the left), along with Mr. Amal Edirisooriya, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and Mr. Kamal Ariyasinghe, President of the SLSRFA and Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education.

Isipathana College pulled victory from the jaws of defeat to clinch the Dialog President’s Trophy Schools Knockout Rugby Tournament, edging out a brave Trinity College side 12-9 in a nail-biting final played under gloomy skies at the Royal Sports Complex after leading 9-7 at half time.

The Green Shirts scored one goal and one try to reach their 12 points, while the try-less Trinity scored three penalties to total nine points.

In a low-scoring but fiercely contested battle, the Green Shirts proved why they are called the undisputed kings of knockout rugby. They fought tooth and nail until the final whistle to capture their 15th knockout title — a remarkable achievement in their fourth consecutive final in as many years.

The match kicked off with high tension and heavy tackles. In just the 8th minute, Trinity Centre Sadeesha Weerawansa was sin-binned for an off-the-ball tackle, leaving the Kandy boys a man short in their defensive line. Isipathana wasted no time and struck while the iron was hot.

With one man down in Trinity’s defence, Isipathana Centre Adithya Madushan powered through for the opening try on the mid-left. Fly-half Avishka Hiran added the extras, and the Green Machine raced to a 7-0 lead in the 12th minute.

Trinity, known for their fighting spirit, didn’t crumble. Fullback Shan Althaf showcased his reliable boot, slotting over a 22-metre penalty a minute later to open their account. In the 18th minute, Althaf struck again with another penalty to narrow the gap to 7-6, as the Kandy fans roared in the stands.

The match saw heavy tackles, brave defensive stands, and nerves of steel from both sides. Trinity had a golden chance to take the lead in the 28th minute, but Althaf missed a crucial penalty, letting Isipathana off the hook.

Just before the lemons, Trinity’s defensive wall stood firm against a desperate Pathana attack, keeping the score at 7-6 in favour of the Green Shirts at half-time. It was a half where both teams left everything on the pitch.

The second half was a battle of attrition. Both teams were reduced to 14 men in the 56th minute due to yellow cards in a heated exchange. The match hung in the balance as both sets of supporters bit their nails.

Trinity fans were on their feet in the 58th minute when Althaf had another chance to put them ahead, but the pressure got the better of him, and he missed the target again. However, in the 61st minute, Althaf finally broke through with a penalty, giving Trinity a slender 9-7 lead — their first in the match.

Isipathana looked rattled. Avishka Hiran missed a sitter of a penalty in the 64th minute, and moments later, Althaf had a long-range 50-metre attempt to extend the lead, but it sailed wide. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Then came the match-defining moment. In the 69th minute, with the clock ticking and rain beginning to fall, Isipathana’s Yuvindu Kodithuwakku produced a stunning run, slicing through Trinity’s defence like a hot knife through butter. He touched down over the line to the deafening roar of Pathana supporters.

Referee Gihan Yatawara referred the decision to the Television Match Official (TMO), Anil Jayasinghe, who confirmed the try. It was a dagger to Trinity hearts and a lifeline for the Green Shirts.

Isipathana College once again proved they are the true kings of knockout rugby, snatching the title in a match where the result hung in the balance till the final whistle. In a tense, low-scoring battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Green Shirts held their nerve to pull off a hard-fought 12-9 victory over a brave Trinity College side.

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the National Cricket, Volleyball, Netball and Esports teams. Dialog is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and Paralympic sports by powering the National Para Games, and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games. Further, in line with its commitment towards empowering the champions of tomorrow, the company continues to power the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, and School Rugby.