In an exhilarating rugby showdown, St. Anthony’s College triumphed over S. Thomas College with a commanding score of 34-17 at Pallekele, securing their place in the Super round and claiming the prestigious Rev. Fr. Angelo Rosati Memorial Trophy.
The match started with a flurry of handling errors from both teams, leading to a scrappy opening phase. However, it was St. Anthony’s who capitalized on their possession advantage and found an opening through a dangerous tackle by a Thora player in the 10th minute.
Opting for a line out, Anto executed a well-orchestrated throw, and their No. 2 Hooker, Thisara Gallange, powered over for the first try through a rolling maul. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt from the right corner flank was missed by Keerthisiri. (SACK 05-00 STC)
Around the 16th minute, the Antonians were caught offside, resulting in a penalty for the Thomians within kicking range. Yehan Bulathsinghalage made no mistake with the kick, opening the scoring for Thora. (SACK 05-03)
In the 23rd minute, the Eagles secured their second try from a clean line out throw and a well-executed maul that found its way to Tyrone Mariyadas, who crossed the line. Once again, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. (SACK 10-03 STC)
As the first half was winding down, Roshen Kumara of St. Anthony’s was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, a move that proved unnecessary as it was the final play of the opening half.
At the breather, The Eagles held a healthy 7-point lead over Thora.
The second half kicked off with St. Anthony’s showing a determined attacking mindset. A crucial goal line kick by Yehan Bulathsinghalage in the 38th minute found the hands of the Anto backline, and Mariyadas showcased his skills, evading the Thomian defense to score on the left flank. Keerthisiri finally found his mark with the conversion. (SACK 17-03 STC)
49th minute, Thomian No.7 Shanal Fernando was shown a yellow card for foul play in their red zone.
Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, St. Anthony’s quickly tapped a penalty and, within seconds, Roshen Kumara planted the all-important bonus point try for the Eagles. Once again, the conversion was missed, raising concerns about crucial lost points. (SACK 22-03 STC)
However, Thora wasn’t ready to back down. Through a traditional forwards pick and go, Manil Fernando scored their first try of the game, and Yehan Bulathsinghalage’s successful conversion narrowed the gap. (SACK 22-10 STC)
As the game progressed, St. Anthony’s continued to dominate, entertaining the crowd with their maroon double-blue spirit. Deputy Skipper Sadhuka Athukorala muscled his way to score under the posts in the 61st minute. Sahan made no havoc with the kick. (SACK 29-10 STC)
In the 65th minute, a bumblebee yellow card was handed out to Eagles Deputy Athukorala, and Shanal Fernando, the talisman of the Thomian pack, seized the opportunity to score a try under the posts after serving his 10-minute sin bin period. Yehan Bulathsinghalage made a quick drop-kick conversion. (SACK 29-17 STC)
Pallekele went wild as they witnessed one last bit of Keerthisiri magic as the hometown skipper razzled and dazzled his way through to score on the right corner at the dying stages of the game with a change of kicking duties Full Back Amjath missed the conversion he missed a penalty too. (SACK 34-17 STC)
Now even though Keerthisiri had an off day with the boot he deserves utmost praise for marshalling his troops for using smart good rugby IQ to amass 6 tries.
The victory was monumental for the Antonian Rugby fraternity as it marked their first win over Thora in 12 years. Additionally, they reclaimed the Rev. Fr. Angelo Rosati Memorial Trophy and secured their spot in the Super round, making it a historic and joyous occasion for St. Anthony’s College.
Full Time: St. Anthony’s 34 (6T, 2C) S. Thomas’ (2T,2C,1P)
- NDB Player of the Match – Roshen Kumara (SACK)
Points Scorers
St. Anthony’s – Thisara Gallange (1T), Tyrone Mariyadas (2T), Roshen Kumara (1T), Saduka Athukorala (1T), Sahan Keerthisiri (1T, 2C)
ST. Thomas’ – Manil Fernando (1T), Shanal Fernando (1T), Yehan Bulathsinghalage (1P, 2C)
