St. Anthony’s College Katugastota better known as the Eagles went on to humiliate the defending champions by beating the Dharmaraja 36 points to 16 in their Singer A Division Schools Rugby League 1st round match held at the Bogambara Stadium this evening.
Both St. Anthony’s and Dharmaraja were having trouble getting themselves accustomed to the new rugby format withe both their previous outings ending up in misery. St. Anthony’s started their season with a loss over Science College which was followed by a loss against STC. The Rajans coming in from a golden year had to bear the sourness of defeat earlier with S. Thomas’ and later on to archrivals Kingswood. It was a do or die situation for both sides as a win here was crucial for the side’s existence or promotion to the next round.
The game kicked off under overcast conditions with the hosts, the Rajans taking the upper hand with an easy penalty kick from the boots of Weerasekara. Hesitant Antonians equalized the score right after restart with a penalty off the boots of Dilan Jayatissa.
The first half of play can be regarded to be an inconsistent passage of play with no probable opportunities created by either sides to score.
Dharmaraja were soggy on the field with them carving out many openings for the visitors to capitalize due to them missing out the basics of the game such as ball handling and passing. Several attempts were mastered by the Antonian three quarters with Nimesha Gunasinghe trying his best at kicking but it was seldom that it materialized.
The Antonian outbreak came however in the dying stages of the 1st half, towards the 34th minute with Centre Dushyanth side stepping himself towards the inner gap scored the first under the post. With an easy under the post conversion, it gave the visitors a plausible lead to cherish. (10-3)
Dharmaraja quick to deliberate cut the deficit by three points as Weerasekara kicked another penalty over before play was called for lemons.
Half time 10-6
With no probable victor seen, the second half was all left to play for. The Antonian engines would’ve possibly received a boost of adrenaline during the drinks break that they started working on overdrive. Try #2 came for the Eagles in the second minute with the wing three Ranaraja chasing down a chip off the boots of Nimesha Gunasinghe. (15-6)It was followed by the skipper who single handedly crossed over when St. Anthony’s were awarded a 5 meter scrum. (20-6)
Ranaraja the wing three was having a great day on the field, as he crossed over for the next off a set play which was triggered through yet again another 5 meter scrum. (25-6) The three tries not making through were later reconciled for two penalties by Dilan Jayatissa which increased the score line to 31.
The only consolation that the Rajans received was the penalty by Weerasekara which elevated the Dharmaraja score to 9 points. Ranaraja the highlight of the day, brought in a summary of the game with him showcasing the potential of the Eagles as he covered a mighty 75m to score his hat-trick and the final try for the Antonians. (36-9)
The only consolation for the Maroons were their #8 who was having a good day out on the field as he dragged his way to the only Dharmaraja try before the referee decided to blow for full time. (36-16) The match ended with a high note for St. Anthony’s as hope and luck yet remains in the hands of the Eagles as they recorded their first win for the season.
It was not the best days of rugby out on the field as play was halted every now and then owing to cardinal infringements. The butter fingered Rajans were very disappointing as they failed in keeping hold of the ball on many occasions. That together with poor communication cost them the game this evening. The fullback Weerasekara was unexpectedly taken off the field in the middle stages of the second half which was a total blunder as the Rajans played the remaining 20 minutes without a proper kicker with the Hooker doing the kicking duties. The defending title holders would require to win the next two games if they have the hopes of not being relegated.
St. Anthony’s had a good record on the cards, their first win of the season coming on a high note. The Antonians managed communication in an optimized manner with proper coordination between their backs and forwards. Fly half Nimesha Gunasinghe and Scrum Half Dilan Jayatissa were the key strongholds in this Antonian victory as these two stalwarts carried the game till the end. Credit should go to their skipper Damien Wijesuriya who carried his men through the 80 minutes effortlessly.
Full time – 36-15
ThePapare Player of the Match : Dilan Jayatissa of St. Anthony’s College
