S. Thomas’ College displayed an outstanding performance, overwhelming newcomers Sri Sumangala College with a commanding 57-18 victory in the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League encounter held at Mount Lavinia.
The hosts started with a bang, opting for a scrum after an offside penalty. Their formidable No. 8, Merckyle Karunaratne, powered his way through to score the opening try. Skipper Yehan Bulathsinghalage’s conversion attempt was charged down. (STC 05 – 00 SSCK)
The visitors were under pressure as the Thomians dominated early on. The Sumangala backs struggled to maintain possession, fumbling the ball, which was collected by center Seneshka Liyanagunawardene, who touched down for a try. Bulathsinghalage successfully added the conversion this time, extending S. Thomas’ College’s lead. (STC 12 – 00 SSCK)
The Thomians struck back swiftly from a scrum, displaying slick passing from the backline that allowed Seneshka Liyanagunawardene to release Akith Cooray for the hosts’ third try within 11 minutes. Mayanka Dias successfully added the extras with ease. (STC 19 – 00 SSCK)
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The hosts continued their try-scoring spree as they opted to kick to the corner, resulting in a line-out. From there, Sithil Perera powered over the try line after a rolling maul. Bulathsinghalage successfully converted the try with a well-placed kick.
A few phases later, the forwards of S. Thomas’ College continued to dominate in close quarters. After a series of strong carries, hooker Eyan Pereira crashed over from close range to further extend their lead. Mayanka Dias then added the extra points with a successful conversion from the tee. (STC 33 – 00 SSCK)
The rolling mauls remained effective for the hosts as Kaveesha Lenagala powered over from a close-range line-out to score their sixth try. Just before the break, Sri Sumangala College managed to score their first try when Dinidu Wickramasinghe forced his way over the try line after some patient build-up play. Nazar Adil successfully added the extra points with the conversion.
Half Time: S. Thomas’ College 38 (6T, 4C) – Sri Sumangala College 07 (1T, 1C)
Sri Sumangala College showed renewed energy after the break and quickly made their mark. They capitalized on an offside penalty, and fullback Nazar Adil seized the initiative by taking a quick-tap penalty just a couple of meters from the try line. This quick thinking caught the Thomian defense off guard as Adil went over for a try. (STC 38 – 12 SSCK)
The visitors showed improvement and gained some reward for their pressure with a penalty kicked by Nazar Adil. However, the hosts responded strongly with their powerful rolling maul. The agile scrum half, Venuka Wickramasuriya, shifted the direction of play by exploiting the blind side, setting up Liyanagunawardene for a try. Bulathsinghalage then executed a stunning conversion from the corner flag. (STC 45 – 15 SSCK)
The Thomians’ forwards relentlessly pressured the Sri Sumangala counterparts, executing the rolling maul to perfection. Hooker Eyan Pereira capitalized on this tactic, scoring a try off the back of another effective rolling maul.
In the final moments of the game, Shevin Udugama broke through the Sri Sumangala defense and sprinted towards the five-meter line. Merckyle Karunaratne provided crucial support, gathering the ball and crashing over the try line to seal the game triumphantly. Udan Bulathsinghalage successfully converted the try.
Just before the final whistle, Nazar Adil landed another penalty to add consolation points for the visitors. With this, S. Thomas’ College secured the victory, keeping their hopes alive for the super round.
Full Time: S. Thomas’ College 57 (9T,6C) – Sri Sumangala College 18 (2T,1C,2P)
- NDB Player of the Match: Merckyle Karunaratne (S. Thomas’ College)
Points Breakdown
S. Thomas’ College: 57
Seneshka Liyanagunawardene 10 Points (2T), Merckycle Karunarathna 10 Points (2T), Eyan Pereira 10 Points (2T), Kaveesha Lenagala 5 Points (1T), Akith Cooray 5 Points (1T), Sithil Perera 5 Points (1T), Yehan Bulathsinghalage 6 Points (3C), Mayanka Dias 4 Points (2C), Udan Bulathsinghalage 2 Points (1C).
Sri Sumangala College 18
Dinidu Wickramasinghe 5 Points (1T), Nazar Adil 13 Points (1T,1C,2P)
