Dharmaraja Overcomes Science College in a Stop-Start Encounter

Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024

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Dharmaraja College vs Science College

In the sixth week of the Dialog Schools Rugby League season, Dharmaraja College secured a hard-fought 15 (2T 1C 1P) – 10 (2T) victory over Science College in conditions that were dry and favorable for fast, open, running rugby. Despite the dry conditions underfoot, the match at Bogambara Stadium was marked by numerous errors, leading to a stop-start affair dominated by set pieces.

From the outset, both teams struggled to find their rhythm. The game began with a series of handling errors and scrums, as both Dharmaraja and Science College attempted to gain a foothold. Dharmaraja College broke the deadlock first through Ravindu Wickramage, the flanker, who scored an unconverted try following a series of well-executed phases, finally crashing over the line. The conversion attempt by Sadeesha Weerawamsa was unsuccessful. (Dharmaraja 05-00 Science)

Science College responded with a try of their own to level the score. Taking advantage of an attacking set-piece scrum awarded for sealing off at the ruck, they caught the Dharmaraja defense off guard, and Captain Anuradha Lakshan darted into the corner for the score. The conversion attempt was missed, leaving the score tied going into halftime. (Dharmaraja 05-05 Science)

Half Time – Dharmaraja College Kandy 05 (1T) – 05 (1T) Science College Colombo

After halftime, Science College, playing with an extra man advantage, capitalized on a penalty resulting from a high tackle. They executed a classical rolling maul, with Pramod Malaka dotting over the whitewash to take the lead for Science. However, the kick didn’t find the target. (Dharmaraja 05-10 Science)

The second half mirrored the first, with both teams committing numerous errors that led to frequent stoppages. Despite the frustrating nature of the game, Dharmaraja managed to score what would be the decisive try. Another well-orchestrated lineout move saw their forwards drive deep into Science territory. After several phases of pick-and-go, their No. 5 Ravindu Wickramage powered over the line. Sadeesha Weerawamsa successfully converted the try, restoring Dharmaraja’s lead. (Dharmaraja 12-10 Science)

Midway through the second half, Dharmaraja capitalized on the lead with a penalty kick. Awarded for an offside infringement by Science College, Sadeesha Weerawamsa made no mistake, slotting the kick between the posts to give his team a three-point lead. (Dharmaraja 15-10 Science)

As the match wore on, both sides had opportunities to score, but the errors continued to pile up. Science College, in particular, found themselves on the wrong end of the referee’s whistle, conceding several penalties that thwarted their attempts to regain the lead. Dharmaraja, for their part, managed the game effectively, using their forwards to control possession and run down the clock.

In the closing minutes, Science College launched a final assault, but Dharmaraja’s defense held firm. A crucial turnover in their own 22 allowed Dharmaraja to clear their lines and secure the victory.

Full Time – Dharmaraja College Kandy 15 (2T 1C 1P) – 10 (2T) Science College Colombo

  • NDB Bank Player of the Match :– Ravindu Wickramage (DRCK)

Points Breakdown

Dharmaraja: Ravindu Wickramage (2T), Sadeesha Weerawamsa (1C 1P)

 

Science : Anuradha Lakshan (1T) , Pramod Malaka (1T)