Trinity College Kandy registered a nail biting 27-24 victory against their hometown rivals Kingswood College who came into the game unbeaten in a match that went down to the wire.
This was certainly the most exciting encounter in the 2014 league and kept the spectators on the edge of their seats right throughout the game. Since the inception of this encounter in the year 1906, there has been no love lost between the two teams and has always been known as a clash that displayed high standards of rugby. A crucial game for both teams was kicked off in front of full house at the Bogamabara stadium in conditions that aided fast open rugby.
The two outfits understanding the importance of this encounter spared no quarter to settle down as both teams tried to gain momentum from the first kick off. Both teams looked equally potent and were unshaken in defense in the first few minutes. However, the Kingswoodians were caught by surprise when in the 22nd minute Trinity scrum half Ryan Weerakoon intercepted and passed to Sanchana Shiek who drew first blood for Trinity (5-0). Ratwatte kicking against the wind could not find his target to add the extras.
The Kingswoodians known for their three quarter game were able to score at the stroke of half time when a pass was intercepted by scrum half Shezan Salleh allowed Jaleel to score their first try which was converted by Wijesinghe to take the lead going into halftime (7-5).
There was still everything to play for with the lead giving little advantage to the home team and needing to play better in the second half. Trinity is known for their high fitness levels and great come backs during the second half. They started matters in a positive note when outside center Sachintha Dissanayaka triggered a break allowing full back Saranga Gunathilake to score the second try which went unconverted 10-7). The conversion wasn’t successful and Kingswood came back immediately after off a 5m lineout allowing their prop forward Premathilake to score (12-10).This was as a result of terrible coordination between the hooker and the jumper for Trinity. Conversion was good and extended the lead for Kingswood (14-10). Kingswood was by no means out of danger; Trinity possessed the composure many school teams have not shown this season to make strong come backs.
After a few phases of possession and continuity, the Lions got themselves into the driving seat once again with their fullback Saranga Gunathilake stealing the limelight to score being assisted by Sachintha Dissanayaka. The dynamic full back was having the match of his life, as few minutes earlier he single handedly prevented a probable try as well. This was followed by a successful attempt by skipper Ratwatte who spotted a gap to score under the post (20-14). Both tries went unconverted with the deficit still being just a Goal away. Skipper for Trinity seemed to have left his kicking boots out for this game.
As predicted Kingswood tore in through the Trinity defense which was in disarray in a 5 m lineout to score an unconverted try by the efforts of Chathura Seneviratna (19-20). Trailing by one point, the money was on Kingswood as they were on attacking the Trinity defense line relentlessly and it was Kingswood who predominantly took advantage to score their fourth try off another similar move off Chathura Seneviratna. This made the Kingswood stands go berserk in delight and happiness. The unconverted try gave the home team a lead of 4 points with just two minutes of extra time to play (24-20).
But the Lions had not called the game to a close yet. They never lost hope and never gave up making a determined surge to the opposition 22m.With the referee calling last play of the day the Lions pressurized the defense with quick passes out to Ratwatte and to Dissanayaka who showed composure and some soft skills to get the ball to the hands of Saranga the full back who touched down for his third and most important try. Finally the Lions roared and conquered the home turf of the Kingswoodians.
With this win Trinity marked the sixth consecutive victory over Kingswood College since 2009 and also ended their unbeaten streak in the season. This leaves the title open for grabs till the last week.
ThePapare adjudged Saranga Gunathilake to be the player of the game as he successfully completed his hat trick of tries. He had the match of his life steering his team to Victory.
