Ananda College put on a standout performance to preserve their unbeaten record with a commanding 38-22 victory over Sri Sumangala College, Panadura. The match, part of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 Division 1 Segment B, was held at the Ananda Rugby Grounds in Rajagiriya.
The visiting team started the game with significant possession and territory but struggled with their line-out set piece, failing to capitalize on several promising opportunities. In contrast, Ananda College played a disciplined and methodical game, maintaining possession and building their attacks patiently. Playmaker Rehan Attanayake eventually breached the Sumangala defense with a remarkable run before offloading to Number 8, Shanal Costa. Costa advanced the ball close to the try line, where second-rower Visal Nanayakkara picked up from the ruck and powered over to score the opening try. Attanayake, the creator of the play, then converted successfully. (AC 07 – 00 SSCP)
Ananda College continued their dominance with a well-executed play following a penalty awarded in front of the posts. Rather than taking a straightforward kick, they opted for a scrum. From this set piece, Number 8 Shanal Costa made a powerful break, advancing the play to just short of the 5-meter line. Scrumhalf Senuth Randinu swiftly passed the ball to captain Kalindu Kaveesha, who then delivered a precise pass to winger Vimath Henuka, enabling him to score in the corner. (AC 12 – 00 SSCP)
Ananda College struck again when playmaker Rehan Attanayake took a quick tap penalty, surprising the Sumangala defense. He effortlessly broke through and made a deft pass to his captain, Kalindu Kaveesha, who smoothly navigated his way to score the hosts’ third try. Attanayake then added the extras with a straightforward conversion. (AC 19 – 00 SSCP)
Sri Sumangala College Panadura mounted a strong comeback in the last five minutes of the half, demonstrating patience with their forwards through several pick-and-drive phases. Despite their efforts, the Ananda defense initially held firm. However, the sustained pressure from the visitors took its toll on Ananda College, who lost two players to the sin bin, making it easier for Sumangala. Panadura capitalized on the numerical advantage with a series of pick-and-drives from subsequent penalties. They also attempted to spread the ball wide, though a long pass from center Lakvidu Perera was off-target. The loose ball was gathered by fullback Chanthul Kularathne, who exploited an overlap to score and open the visitors’ account.
Half Time: Ananda College 19 (3T, 2C) – Sri Sumangala College Panadura 05 (1T)
Ananda College began the second half with 13 players but faced further adversity when outside center Deneth Chamuditha was penalized for a high tackle, reducing them to 12 players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the home side managed to overcome the odds. Scrumhalf Senuth Randinu orchestrated a quick move, passing to his powerful prop, Sadew Dassanayake. Dassanayake then offloaded the ball back to Randinu, who created a gap and passed to captain Kalindu Kaveesha, allowing him to score the bonus point try. (AC 24 – 05 SSCP)
Ananda College’s discipline faltered as they received their fourth yellow card of the game, with captain Kalindu Kaveesha sent to the sin bin for a no-arms tackle. This allowed Sumangala to exploit the numerical advantage. Their forwards executed a series of close-quarter pick-and-drives, with Number 8 Mandew Gunasekara breaking through the Ananda defense to score at a crucial moment. Hirushika Fernando added the conversion, keeping the game alive. (AC 24 – 12 SSCP)
Ananda College inadvertently gifted a try to Sumangala when Thewmika Pramodya’s kick from the 50-meter mark was mishandled by replacement player Jinal Kariyawasam. Instead of securing the ball, Kariyawasam’s attempt to pass it led to a fumble. Sumangala College playmaker Hirushika Fernando pounced on the loose ball and easily scored a try. (AC 24 – 17 SSCP)
With the game hanging in the balance, playmaker Rehan Attanayake made a decisive move, weaving his way from the 50-meter mark to the 22 with dazzling footwork. Ananda College then spread the ball from right to left with smooth passing, allowing Deneth Chamuditha to outflank the Sumangala defense and score a crucial try. Attanayake’s successful conversion extended the lead to 12 points. (AC 31 – 17 SSCP)
Sri Sumangala College Panadura suffered a significant setback when Chanthul Kularathne received a straight red card for a reckless high tackle. Following the penalty, Ananda College quickly took a tap and passed the ball to tall second-rower Visal Nanayakkara. Nanayakkara powered his way to the try line, scoring a match-winning try. Rehan Attanayake successfully converted the try, sealing the victory for Ananda. (AC 38 – 17 SSCP)
The visitors scored a consolation try in the dying moments of the game, with Sumangala sending the ball to the corner from a center scrum. Skipper Sithum Chamuditha touched down to finish the scoring. Despite this late score, Ananda College concluded the first round unbeaten and will now prepare for a promotion match for Segment A in the coming weeks.
Full Time: Ananda College 38 (6T,4C) – Sri Sumangala College Panadura 22 (4T,1C)
Thepapare Player of the Match: Rehan Attanayake (Ananda College)
Points Breakdown
Ananda College 38
Visal Nanayakkara 10 Points (2T), Vimath Henuka 5 Points (1T), Kalindu Kaveesha 10 Points (2T), Deneth Chamuditha 5 Points (1T), Rehan Attanayake 8 Points (4C)
Sri Sumangala College Panadura 22
Chanthul Kularathne 5 Points (1T) , Mandew Gunasekara 5 points (1T), Sithum Chamuditha 5 Points (1T), Hirushika Fernando 7 Points (1T,1C)
