By Akhlaq Gazzali –

A resurgent Isipathana College side delivered a dominant second-half performance to book their place in the Semi-Finals of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockout Championship 2025, overcoming Wesley College 24-10 at the Royal College Sports Complex.

Led by a hat-trick from their dynamic No.8, Shaakib Zumri, the Green Machine scored 24 unanswered points after trailing for much of the first half, showcasing grit, discipline, and sheer rugby brilliance in a comeback worthy of a champion team.

A Fast Start from Wesley

All eyes were on Colombo’s iconic grounds, with Nittawela and the knockout rounds capturing the attention of the local rugby fraternity. Wesley started brighter, controlling early possession and dictating play with pace and flair. After Isipathana missed an early penalty chance through fly-half Avishka Hiran, Wesley pounced on the momentum. A bulldozing run by centre Prarthana Rodrego had the Isipathana defence reeling. The ball was swung wide to Kaveesha Dilhara, who dashed
over for the opening try of the match. The conversion went astray, but Wesley had drawn first blood. (Isipathana 0 – 5 Wesley)

Moments later, Wesley looked to have struck again. A beautifully structured maul and quick hands saw Rodrego over the line, but the final offload was deemed forward much to the disappointment of the Wesley supporters.
Their persistence eventually paid off when Isipathana’s flanker Sanuth Jayaweera was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements. Using the extra man wisely, Wesley moved the ball out wide once again, and Dilhara dotted down for his second try. However, the conversion from the touchline didn’t connect. (Isipathana 0 – 10 Wesley)