S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia pulled off a stunning win over Trinity College, Kandy today to bring back the Canon R. S De Saram trophy back home after a lapse of two years.
The Thomians won this encounter last in the year 2010 under the captaincy of Rajindra Gunasekera.
The Lions coming into the game were certainly the favorites since they are considered the cream of the A division league having maintaining an unbeaten record so far in the season. The under dogs- the Thomians turned tables on their more fancied opponent in a thrilling come-back to big time rugby giving them the much needed boost to regain the former glory of days of S Thomas rugby.
The Trinitians had the better side of the toss at the start of the game as they managed to score within the first five minutes through S. Etulgama. Ratwatte failed to convert the extra points. He also missed out on a brilliant drop goal attempt seconds later straying in direction. Minutes later Thomian skipper Devin Jayasinghe was awarded with a 25 meter penalty conversion which went unconverted as well.
However, the Thomian leading his side for the first time in a big game, having played B division rugby thus far, began the true display if his kicking abilities. The next penalty conversion which was awarded to the home side due to an infringement of the Lions being offside subsequent to many warnings, was put away easily by Jayasinghe adding first points on the board for the Thomians.
Once again in reply the’ Lions’ went on to score a quick try through the use of their heavy pack which controlled majority of the game right through out the match. U. Samaraskera touched down with five more points for the visitors; Ratwatte was once again unsuccessful with the conversion. A few moves later, much to the elation of the Thomian support present, Eeeza Ibrahim scored the first try for the Thomians exhibiting some old school rugby moves, touching down near the corner flag. Devin once again was spot on with his conversion, leveling the scores 10-10.
Thereafter both teams were under pressure with scores tied. This led to an array of silly mistakes from both ends as play had to be shuffled in and out of many scrums and line outs. The Thomians were awarded with another penalty just before the end of the first half in which Devin came good on to end the first half in favour of the school by the sea.
At lemons the scored read as 13- 10 in favour of the Thomians.
Rejuvenated after the break, Thomians drew first blood through skipper Devin’s boot for another addition of three points to their score. A consecutive penalty conversion by Devin took the score to 19 points to 10 with just 15 minutes played into the final half. With the scoring of this conversion the under dogs infused with tremendous self-belief, took complete control of the game. Some daunting runs by full back Aathif Jawwa right across the ground put an immense amount of pressure on the Lions, thus putting them on the back foot. Thomian number 8, Shanel Perera also contributed with heavy hits right along the game.
Gaining some momentum, the Trinitians were back in the game during the latter stages through the help of fly half Tarindra Ratwatte who managed to score under the post, bridging the scores. S. Sheik taking over the kicking duties failed to add the vital extra points for the Kandy lads but in the very next move Devin added one more penalty conversion into his record taking the score to 22 – 15.
Vice Captain Hashaka Senananyake added finesse to the Thomian game with a final try scoring under the post. Once again, faithful Devin made sure to add the vital points.
Full Time score read as 29- 15 in favour of the Thomians.
Skipper Devin Jayasinghe, playing a real captains role helped the home side gain valuable 16 points while he was backed by the entire team for a well deserved victory.
