Fast-paced running rugby showcased at Mount Lavinia where the scores were 23 – 22 in favour of the hosts at half time. Science College took full control after the break and did not allow Kingswood College to score, and won 37 (T5, C3, P2) to 22 (T3, C2, P1)
The Kingsmen fought hard in the first half when Science was leading 20 – 03 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Kandy giants could not get the score board ticking in the second half as the hosts played a controlled, composed game.
Science wheeled the first scrum and won a penalty in the 3rd minute and their leading points’ scorer Thanuja Maduranga kicked the first points. The hosts capitalizing on possession and playing aggressive rugby, caused Kingswood to infringe in the ruck and concede another penalty which was put in to touch. Science stormed in to the opposite 22m and won a 5m scrum where captain Lasindu Ishan affected a superb break and carried the ball over the try line. (SC 08 – 00 KCK)
The visitors came in to the opposite 22m for the first time with some good counter attacking moves Reeza Raffaideen opened the score with a 25m penalty. At the restart, Science engaged in a brilliant tactical ploy. They played deep and won a lineout; the jumper passed the ball to the scrum half, who worked in the shorter side sending the ball to the hooker Sajith Lahiru who dived on the try line. Center Nirosh Udayangana picked up a loose ball and went under the post to put the visitors in immense pressure. (SC 20 – 03 KCK)
Kingswood galvanized and changed to attacking gear. Just outside 15m from the try line, skipper Reeza receiving a lovely inside ball from his center, out-foxed the Science defence to socre the try. Once again in the restart Science kicked deep, fly half Faris Ali with the ball made a sparkling 70m run and then came the Science cover tackle. Ali managed to pass the ball to the support player Shenesh who off loaded to Adeeb Jibran to go under the post. Science stretched the lead with another penalty but immediately, Kingswood hit back with the same action replay as the first try and Reeza was outstanding once again.
Half Time – Science 23 (T3 C1 P2) Kingswood 22 (T3 C2 P1)
It was a one sided thriller after the break although there were plenty of turnovers from both the side. Sixteen year old Tharindu Madhuranga picked up a loose ball and made a 60m sprint under the post. His brother Thanuja Maduranga added the extras. Science took control with possession and managed play with comfort.
Dashing runner full-back Supun Dilshan made the next move with some lovely line work flashed through the left flank for scoring. Referee Pradeep Fernando getting the confirmation from his assistant and awarded the try. Kings made a few errors with the little possession that they had. They also got a 5m line out but the throw did not find 5m where as a result possession was given away.
Kasun Wimalaweera made some ferocious tackles and some good turnovers but once again it was their captain Reeza who did most of the work for Kingswood as he scored 17 points out of 22. All in all it was a very good win for Lasindu Karunathilaka’s boys and if they beat St. Peters next week they have the possible chance of finishing third in this season.
Full Time – Science (T5, C3, P2) Kingswood 22 (T3, C2, P1)
ThePapare Player of the match – Thanuja Maduranga & Reeza Raffaideen
