– EXCLUSIVE –
It is an Over the Moon young and dynamic Head Coach, Dhanushka Botheju reveling in the recent trophy hurrah of Isipathana College,the Havelock Park Green Machines in thrashing Royal College in the semi-f inals 24-17 and Trinity College 12-9 in the finals of the President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament to retaining the title for a second consecutive year.
In an interview with BLITZRAGE, Botheju, the burly coach and former Patana player of 2022, said, “Isipathana’s success I would say was mainly because we went with different game plans to the key matches against Royal and Trinity. That factor and taking it match by match was important.
In the final versus Trinity the Isipathana defence was so solid we did not concede a single try.”
Of the match winning last gasp try by Kodithuwakku after Trinity had wrested the lead to 9-7 that made the ultimate difference to Isipathana emerging champions, Head Coach Danushka Botheju said, “Isipathana’s greatest asset is that the players never give up until the last minute. This unrelenting resolve of my players swung it our way by that fantastic try by Kodithuwakku.
He made the point that Isipathana had won through despite losing their top players Abdul Azeez and Isuru by injury in the match against Royal.
“Isuru was concussed in the game against Royal, but anyway he was out by a blue card as well in that game which was an all-out fiery one.”
He said that following these player setbacks, going into the final Isipathana made a major change as to their game approach against Trinity.
“As a team we took a one line decision in consultation with the Isipathana Rugby Committee, and I must say that this trophy success as champions again was great,” Danushka rejoiced.
He attributed to hard homework ahead of the tournament as a key to getting their act together.
“Besides thorough gym fitness training, the players underwent a two-week preparatory ground work including three practice matches,” the burly Head Coach who still looks player fit which speaks of his solid weight in perfecting a winning combination, said.
Of their opponents, he said almost all the sides were strong on the way, particularly Wesley before the final crunch games against Royal and Trinity. “I must say that the hard work made the final difference.”
The former Isipathana, CR & FC and Sri Lanka stand out player turned Head Coach, said that the side would go through a two week recovery period ahead of the League Tournament ahead of their match schedule against Mahanama at Havelock Park, Kingswood and Dharmaraja at Kandy, Zahia at Zahira Grounds and S. Thomas’ at Mt. Lavinia.