The clash of the crème of Sri Lankan schools rugby was seen at the Havelock park where the Western and Central provinces threw their stars at each other in what was promised to be a chilling thriller as they clashed with the hopes of shining in the eyes of the selectors of the Sri Lanka under 20 squad.
The central province lads who came in to the encounter with heightened spirits dictated terms from the very beginning of the encounter. Blood was drawn early by the Colombo lads as Anuradha Herath who dished out some quality rugby till the very end was let loose to score the first touchdown of the evening putting the his team in the lead. However Rimzee Jamaldeen was unable add the extra points with the boot.
Though the warriors from the hill country struck back hard at every possible opportunity, opportunities were scares. Eight man Gavin Seigertz extended the lead for the home team pummeled over to score the second touchdown of the evening, collecting a “will Genia” styled inside flick from scrum half Rahul de Silva. Jamaldeen made no mistake with the conversion further establishing the early dominance of the home team.
Both teams displayed resilient defense throughout the encounter as neither team conceded an inch nor gained one without fierce opposition.
The central province managed their first touchdown through a series of vigorous phases of forwards play only for the ball the ball to be held up atop the goal line. The central province lads were also guilty of making fundamental errors that cost them both precious yards and invaluable possession in the form of infringements at the break down and drop passes.
The Central province managed to put a touchdown on the board again through what seemed like their superior forwards division. However fly half Ratwatte who had a patchwork season sent the ball sailing past the uprights.
The Western province back division showed what seemed like exceptional chemistry after working together over short period of time. This proved to be a major asset for the home team as veterans such as Isipathana wing three quarter Bandara Science college skipper Richard Dharmapala to and Rimzee Jamaldeen melded well together to harass the already vexed Central province whenever possession allowed.
The Central province came tumbling back with the touchdown in the form of Antonian Panduka, and the conversion was successful. This re-invigorated the central province team in to frenzy that tested the defensive capabilities of the home team to the utmost. However after man phases, tackles and ambitious passes the Central province was beaten in to submission as the Gratien cup was claimed by the victorious Western province.
