Impressive, Ananda College produced a gritty performance to beat the fancied CWW Kannangara College by 18-17 points in the 1st semi-final match of the Milo Premier Trophy at Royal Sports Complex.
CWW Kannangara College had the edge over Ananda College as they won their ‘Singer’ schools plate championship game by 35-17 on 12th June at CR & FC.
Ananda full back D.M Pushpakumara kicked off from right to left to start the match. Kannangara made a cardinal error in the 4th minute of the game when they were caught offside by the referee. Easy penalty kicked by D.M Pushpakumara added points on the score board for Ananda. (Kannangara 00 – Ananda 03)
Anandians used the width of the ground to their advantage and executed attacking moves early on as both teams looked to settle down their nerves in this crucial encounter. Afternoon start was tough for the players on the field with humidity levels been high.
Kannangara got into the lead for the first time when their center three-quarter K.G Madushan dummied the Ananda defense with a tactical run to score his 1st try for the match. Kannangara skipper Dinesh Lakmal converted with ease. (Kannangara 07 – Ananda 03)
Just before the cooling break, Ananda College playmaker D.M Pushpakumara added 3 more points to the Ananda points tally through a penalty kick which Kannangara conceded for hands in the ruck offense. (Kannangara 07 – Ananda 06)
Kannagara three-quarter line was all about side stepping and speed as they attacked the Ananda defense on several occasions but the lads from Maradana displayed a rock-alike strong defense work in stopping the Kannangara boys.
In the 35th minute of the game, Ananda capitalized a weak link in the Kannangara defense line to score their first try of the match. No.8 D. Madusbhashitha used the blind side to perfection as he broke through off a 25 meter scrum which was only meters away from the right touch line and drew the Kannangara defender and gave an inside pass to full back D.M Pushpakumara to run along and score. D.M Pushpakumara converted his own try to add the extra points. (Kannangara 07 – Ananda 13)
On the verge of half time break, Kannangara struck through their hard-working and nippy scrum-half M.S Amaratunga who side-stepped past few lazy defenders to score and cut down the deficit going in to the break. Fly-half Dinesh Lakmal failed to convert.
Half Time: CWW Kannangara 12 – Ananda 13
After lemons, Kannangara center K.G Madushan kicked off the 2nd half’s proceedings. Both teams took the field for the final 40 minutes hoping to entertain the crowd with another exciting half of classic Sri Lankan schools rugby.
Unforced errors by Kannangara lads costs them points scoring opportunities which went down begging as no points were scored in the 2nd half until the 55th minute of the game when Kannangara flanker A.C Perera dazzled his way past Ananda defenders to touch down near the right corner flag. Dinesh Lakmal’s conversion kick went astray. (Kannangara 17 – Ananda 13)
Both teams showed poor performance with their dismal ball handling skills while Kannangara place kicker missed the touch line at crucial moments when he was given the job of punting over the penalties to gain territory.
Against all odds, Ananda regained the lead in the 62nd minute of the game when their center three-quarter S.Jayanka sprinted 80 meters through the left flank from a turnover ball to score a scintillating try. D.M Pushpakumara failed to bisect the posts. (Kannangara 17 – Ananda 18)
The game was set up perfectly for a nail biting final few minutes as the fitness levels of both teams were tested as attacking phases were dished out with only few minutes left on the clock. Tactics of the Kannangara think-tank was not up to standards as Kannangara received penalties on kickable range during the final minutes but they opted to take the quick tap, without trying to kick for 3 points and win the game.
Kannangara players who looked out of gas for a late burst gave their best in the last few minutes but could not penetrate the Ananda defense as referee blew the long final whistle handing a surprising win for Ananda College as they booked their slot in the finals of the 2014 Milo Premier Trophy. CWW Kannangara boys have been consistent right throughout the season putting in more than a few gutsy performances. It was encouraging to see them improve and do well in the schools rugby arena.
Ananda College will take on the winners of the 2nd semi-final between Prince of Wales College vs Lalith Athulathmudali College.
Full Time: CWW Kannangara 17 – Ananda 18
Referee – Priya Suranga
ThePapare Player of the Match – S.Jayanka (Ananda)
