The plate category got under way in the Singer Schools Rugby league 2014 between Wesley College and Prince of Wales` College at Longdon place which was a superb display of rugby where Wesley beat Prince of Wales by 22 (1G 3T) – 20 (1G 2T 1P) points after trailing 17 – 00 at the first half.
A rollicking performance showcased by the underdogs Prince of Wales` College(PWC) at today’s encounter, with the first half belonging to the Moratuwa school 17 – 00. Wesley staging one of their famous come-backs grabbed the encounter in the last few minutes.
Ishara Madhushan of Wesley kicked off the game as the game got under way to a slight drizzle which caused some problems in handling the ball for both the teams. Sloppy passes and waved off loads did not bother the scoreboard until the 25th minute of play. The double blues had two early chances to score which was denied by a strong defensive work by the Cambrians. Wesley full back Lahiru Prasad was only three steps away to score a try to his left instead he chose to cut inside and was intercepted by the Wales` defence.
Wenura Mayuk the captain of PWC played a blinder and he scored the first points with a pick and go from the ruck as no counter defense was at him. Fly half Rohan Peiris added the extra points ( PWC 07 – Wesley 00 )
The confidence of the Moratuwa boys soared with the initial points and since then the game became electrifying until the final whistle. Sujan Kodithuawakku the full back of PWC scored the second try from a well worked line out in the opposite 22m line. Peiris missed the conversion. (PWC 12 – Wesley 00)
PWC capitalized all their chances in the first half, Wesley #8 was sin binned and with one man short PWC made use of it as skipper Mayuk scored his second try in a similar fashion as his first. Once again Peiris could not add the extras.
Half Time PWC 17 ( 1G 2T) Wesley 00
It was perfect weather conditions for rugby but it was not as perfect for Wesley fans as they looked lugubrious with less fervent hopes. However, Chaminda Samaratunga’s early try in the second half suddenly exhilarated the fans and it added extra spark to the game despite Ishara Madhushan missing the conversion. Wing Samaratunga did not have to wait too long to score his second try in the left corner showing his pace from a good move created by Madhushan but the little centre- three quarter failed once again with his kick to add the two points. (PWC 17 – Wesley 10)
Coach Henry made some changes and their usual scrum half Tarindu Asela was asked to play as a wing as a result he scored his first try no sooner he was in the pitch with preluded some brilliant support play. This time Lahiru Prasad missed the conversion. (PWC 17 – Wesley 15)
The one sided game in the first half became a thriller in the second half from back to back tries by Wesley. With less than 10 minutes to go PWC won a penalty from a Wesley infringement. Peiris made it, absolutely in control of 35m. (PWC 20 – Wesley 15)
Time was ticking to the final whistle and Wesley stormed through the opposite territory with collective composure to keep the position with them. Tarindu Asela sealed his second try with a beautiful side step almost close to the touch line as he was trying to run under the post but POW knowing the two points will decide the winner managed to have him deviate away from the post. A limping skipper Joel Tillekaratne who came to the field in the 75th minute, nailed the match winning conversion to the disappointed of the POW lads who literally stepped up to the plate.
Full Time (POW 20 1G 2T 1P) (Wesley 22 1G 3T)
ThePapare Player of the match – Chaminda Samaratunga – Wesley
The Prince of Wales coach S.Samarakoon speaking to ThePapare.com “I take this as a win for us and we did play really well it was unfortunate with some lineout decisions by the referee; however, we will come back strong and win next three games. Therefore we can promote ourselves to play in the top tier”
“It was a close game our attacking in the second half was excellent. Disappointed with number of injuries we have playing in the first round but credit to all the lads who did great”. Coach Henry Terrance shares his words to ThePapare.com
