In an exhilarating Week 07 fixture of the Dialog Schools Rugby League, S. Thomas’ College delivered a commanding performance, securing a 46-12 victory over Dharmaraja College at their home grounds.
Conditions were ideal for fast, open rugby at Mount Lavinia, though a strong breeze swept across the field. The Thomians capitalized on these conditions in the first half, scoring five tries and setting the tone for the match.
From the opening whistle, the Thomians showcased their prowess, quickly establishing control of the game. Their forwards and backs worked in perfect harmony, displaying a blend of power and finesse that left the Dharmaraja defense scrambling.
Shenesh Liyanagunawardana scored the opening try for S. Thomas’ in the first few minutes of the game. A loose ball from a charged down kick was collected by Liyanagunawardana as he went over the line. Yevan Bulathsinhalage had no trouble adding the extras from under the posts. (S. Thomas 07-00 Dharmaraja)
Dharmaraja hit back immediately through Prabuddhika Madhushan after a series of phases and advantage. However, the conversion was missed. (S. Thomas 07-05 Dharmaraja)
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From then on, it was one-way traffic in the first half. The rolling maul was used to good effect by the Thomians as Eyan Pereira scored the second try soon after. (S. Thomas 14-05 Dharmaraja)
The captain, Bulathsinhalage, scored another easy try after a series of phases inside the 22-meter line, which finally opened up the defense of Dharmaraja from the blindside. (S. Thomas 19-05 Dharmaraja)
Dharmaraja was guilty of not doing the basics right in defense. Overall, the Rajans played a good game, but 10-15 minutes of terrible defending let them down immensely. Another rolling maul drive set Eyan Pereira up with his second try of the match as they secured the bonus point try in just 30 minutes. (S. Thomas 24-05 Dharmaraja)
Avishka Perera was the next Thomian to go over. Dharmaraja let the high ball bounce, and that was enough for Avishka Perera, the fullback, to pounce on the loose ball to dot down over the whitewash under the posts. (S. Thomas 31-05 Dharmaraja)
On the brink of halftime, Avishka Perera went over again. This time the forwards turned the ball over, leaving Perera very little to do. (S. Thomas 36-05 Dharmaraja)
Half Time – S. Thomas’ College 36 (6T 3C) – 05 (1T) Dharmaraja College
The second half continued in the same vein, with S. Thomas’ maintaining their intensity and composure. Their tactical kicking and solid defense thwarted any potential comeback from Dharmaraja, ensuring a comfortable and well-deserved victory.
However, Dharmaraja had a better second half compared to the first. The Thomians could only manage 10 points to the Rajans’ 7.
Bulathsinhalage made sure that they stayed well ahead with a penalty for holding on right after the restart of the second half. (S. Thomas 39-05 Dharmaraja)
Rajans scored next through Bihanga Yapa, who scored a brilliant individual try running along the corner flag. (S. Thomas 39-12 Dharmaraja)
As the match drew to a close, S. Thomas’ added one final try to seal their victory. The Thomians scored the final try through Dehan Senarathne to put the final nail in the coffin on the brink of the full-time whistle. The final score was S. Thomas’ 46-12 Dharmaraja, underscoring their dominance and solidifying their position as formidable contenders in the Dialog Schools Rugby League.
This win not only boosts their confidence but also sends a strong message to their opponents.
Full Time – S. Thomas’ College 46 (7T 4C 1P) – 12 (2T,1C) Dharmaraja College
- NDB Player of the Match – Venuka Wickramasuriya (STC)
Points Breakdown
S. Thomas’ College – 46
Sheshan Liyanagunawardana (1T), Eyan Pereira (2T), Yevan Bulathsinghalage (1T 3C 1P), Avishka Perera (2T), Dehan Senarathne (1T), Mayanka Dias (1C)
Dharmaraja College – 12
Prabudikka Madhushan (1T), Bihanga Yapa (1T), Sadeesha Weerawamsa (1C)
