Trinity College Kandy once again prevailed at home as they went on to counter the “Zam Zam Zakey” brigade; Wesley College 15-9 in their Singer ‘A’ Division Schools Rugby League 2014.
The visitors for the day, Wesley College Colombo were back on the field after a lapse of three weeks and having ended on top prior to their break against DS, they intended to make a fruitful statement this evening with their focus struck on that 4th spot. The Lions on the other hand were recovering from a deadly loss to the Green Army last week at CR & FC and a win in here would set the stage perfectly for the upcoming Bradby encounter.
It looked as if the plea made to the weather gods had not been taken into consideration as the downpour of rain took a dramatic increase in line with the kick-off time. It was a very and soggy ground with the rain depreciating the playing conditions, referee had to blow for a start under heavy storming conditions.
Play kicked start in a passive note with both teams struggling in the prevalent wet outfield. Incidentally the home team had first chance of breaking the ice with skipper Tarinda Ratwatte getting a penalty through in the 15th minute of play (03-00).
It was followed by a very futile effort by the Ishan Madusanka which would’ve given the double blues an early lead. The first half laid out the setting for both teams to utilize their quarterbacks to make some ground but all such efforts fell short of the try line. Wesley center Ishan Madusanka led in a run through the open territories of the Trinity defence but fell short of 5 meters under the heavy counter-movement.
The first half did not consist of the rugby flair with both teams not making proper opening statements. Minutes prior to the call for lemons, Wesley received a very important equalizing opportunity when they were confronted with a 22m penalty that Ishan Madusanka kicked to make it all even.(03-03)
With the second half all left to play for, Wesley came in to the second half with intentions of increasing the lead from the right beginning. They started off in style with Ishan Madusanka successfully opting for a drop goal which is a rare sight in the school arena. (03-06)
With momentum deviating to the visitors, the Lions hit the gas on the pedal to fire up their scoring department. Set-pieces have been one of the scoring strategies utilized by the Lions. This time around it was once again a set piece that awarded them a try. Quick movements in play allowed the ball to deviate to the right corner where Sanchana Shiek collected the ball crossed over for the first try for the Lions. (08-06) Fly half Thushila Perera did not quite get hold of the kick thereby the lead was restricted to just two points.
The game having the liberty of deviating either way, was sealed through with a magnificent display of rugby by the Trinity three quarters. A run by Wing three Saranga Gunathilaka covering almost 50 meters passed an offload over to Ratwatte who ran in to contact and swindled in a single handed pass to Shiek who stepped inside towards the goal posts as he dived for try #2. This was no doubt in the conversion as Perera converted the try with ease (15-06).
There was nothing left to play after this break-through, it seemed to be going in favour of the Lions. But the Wesleyites not too quick to give up served the fans gathered there at the Pallekelle stands a value for their money as they fought till the very end. It was clear to see skipper Joel Tilekeratna moving his forces to and fro to create a window for a try but his wing three quarters Kuthubdeen and K. Samarathunga always fell short in front of the Trinity defence.
The only consolation for Wesley was the penalty which came in during the 37th minute to cut short the deficit to 6 points at the closure of play. The game ended giving Trinity the opportunity of registering their fourth win for the season.
The game today was disorganized and the weather factor would have been a premiere reason for such obstruction. Wesley being alien to such rainy and soggy conditions performed quite well to equal the standards of Trinity College this evening. Their cost incurred for such a display under these conditions was the injuries of two players who had to be taken out via a stretcher during play.
Trinity College cannot be content with their performance as they did not perform to their optimum capabilities this evening. Them being acclaimed to have a strong and strenuous three quarter line up did not live to the expectations as they failed to deliver at crucial instances. With the 70th edition of the Bradby Shield just around the corner, they would have to focus on a stronger layout and agenda of play.
Scores Summary – Trinity 15 (1G 1T 1P) to Wesley (1G 1DG)
ThePapare Player of the Match – Sanchana Shiek
