Trinity College Kandy recorded a morale-boosting bonus point win at home against Science College, running in 8 tries against a solitary try by the lads from Mount Lavinia, with the full-time scores reading 55-10 in favor of the Lions.
After suffering their second defeat of the season at the hands of the visiting Peterites last weekend, Trinity were looking for a morale-boosting performance from their team, with the First Leg of the all-important Bradby shield just a week away. The young Lions donning the Red, Gold and Blue answered the call in emphatic fashion with an all-round performance.
The Trinitians were the first to get on the scoreboard through a mistake by Science College who failed to find touch off a penalty. Having collected the ball at the halfway mark, Trinity were on the counter straightaway, building up phases which resulted in winger Abeeth Jameel scoring in the corner. Fly half Shan Althaf converted from the corner to the delight of the Trinity faithful at Pallekele (TCK 07 – 00 SC)
Photos – Trinity College vs Science College | Dialog Schools Rugby League – 2023
Young Althaf’s kicking confidence was given a boost when he successfully slotted in a penalty to take Trinity to 10 points (TCK 10 – 00 SC). Trinity College had shuffled their loose forwards with Thisanga Dissanayake occupying the Number 8 spot and deputy skipper Chamendra Dhanapala moving to flanker. This move seemed to be paying rich dividends for Trinity as Dissanayake proved to be a reliable ball carrier in attack and an assured defender. Thisanga also showcased that he knows his way to the whitewash as he touched down for Trinity’s second try after some good work by the forwards. Althaf was yet again right on the mark as he added the extras from a difficult angle. (TCK 17 – 00 SC)
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Trinity looked eager to play the ball at pace but in their eagerness conceded a penalty in kicking range for Science College who did not hesitate to secure points as they opened their scoring through Dilruwan Perera’s boot (TCK 17 – 03 SC)
Minutes before half time Trinity were back on the scoreboard through a wonderful move where center Anuhas Kodituwakku charged on to an inside ball from the forwards pod and bamboozled Dilruwan Perera who was the last line of defense for Science College before touching down. Althaf added the extras. (TCK 24 – 03 SC)
Half Time: Trinity College 24 (3T,3C,1P) – Science College 03 (1P)
With the change of sides, Trinity College did not waste much time as they went into attack mode with the forwards taking charge. The Trinity forwards rumbled across the whitewash but were denied – referee Sandaruwan deeming that Thisanga Dissanayake’s charge at the line was held up. The ensuing goal line kick from Science College was well collected by Trinity College who went on the counter with Aabith Jameel attacking the corner and offloading to Lakindu Herath who touched down for Trinity’s bonus point try of the afternoon. Impressive Althaf slotted in the conversion. (TCK 31– 03 SC)
Science College showcased a brief passage of composure as they managed to build a few phases to put pressure on Trinity. The Science halfback, attempted a grubber which pierced the Trinity defensive line with a chaser in pursuit but Trinity’s skipper fullback, Ataab Manzil saw off the challenge. The ensuing goal line kick was collected by Dilruwan Perera of Science College who had been subjected to a few collisions by the burly Trinitians but showcased some eye-catching side-stepping to score under the post catching the Trinity defenders off guard. Perera converted his own try. (TCK 31– 10 SC).
Trinity were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes with their prop forward Thenuk Fernando being sent to the bin but despite the numerical disadvantage, Trinity number 8 Thisanga Dissanayake who was in top form on both sides of the ball crashed through off a line out to score his second try of the game. Althaf continued his perfect run with his 4th conversion attempt (TCK 38– 10 SC).
With the game entering the final quarter, Trinitians opted to pump in fresh legs to speed things up and this paid rich dividends as the replacement Ravin Ilangarathne touched down to take the score to 43 points, Althaf missing the conversion . (TCK 43– 10 SC)
Trinity backs were at it again as they didn’t shy away from any opportunity to run the ball. Flyhalf Althaf showcased great signs of awareness and control as he kicked a few 50-22’s that provided Trinity a great territorial advantage. Stemming from one such line out where Trinity had received possession through a monstrous 50-22 by Althaf, Trinity backs got in on the act sending the winger Sachindu Wansekara over for their 7th Try of the game. Althaf missed the conversion. (TCK 43– 10 SC)
With the game closing in on the long whistle, Trinitains were camped in the opposition red zone and were desperate to cross the 50 point mark. They eventually found their way over the try line through Thenuk Fernando, who redeemed himself of the 10 minutes he missed due to the yellow card, touching down for Trinity’s 8th try of the game. Shaan was on target this time as referee Sandaruwan blew the long whistle as the kick sailed across the cross bar. (TCK 55– 10 SC)
Full Time: Trinity College 55 (8T,5C,1P) – Science College 10 (1T, 1C,1P)
NDB Player of the Match – Shan Althaf (TCK)
Points Break Down
Trinity College – 55
- Tries – Abith Jameel (1), Thisanga Fernando (2), Anuhas Kodituwakku (1), Lakindu Herath (1), Ravin Ilangarathne (1), Sachindu Wansekara (1) Thenuk Fernando (1)
- Conversions – Shan Althaf (5)
- Penalty – Shan Althaf (1)
Science College – 10
- Tries – Dilruwan Perera (1)
- Conversions – Dilruwan Perera (1)
- Penalty – Dilruwan Perera (1)
