The 2nd game of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 which took place between Vidyartha College and Science College concluded today (16th June) at the Bogambara rugby stadium with the home team Vidyartha registering a thrilling 26-19 win.
The Tigers started the game with a lot of aggression as from the kickoff they managed to put pressure on the Science outfit. This was quite evident as the visitors gave away three back-to-back penalties inside their own 22m line. Vidyartha advanced towards the whitewash with each penalty and a little stop-and-burst moment from the ruck by their flanker Ishara Kumara infiltrated the defence of Science College as the home team went over for the first try of the day in just the 3rd minute. Deshan Balasooriya converted it with ease to add the 2 extra points (VCK 07 – 00 SC)
But just 3 minutes later, the hosts knocked the ball forward inside their own 22 to give Science College some momentum for the first time in the game and they made sure to make the most out of it. Six phases after the knock forward, some terrific passing towards their left side of the field and a powerful run breaking the defensive line of Vidyartha from Ashen Jayaranjana followed by a lovely inside pass to Anuradha Lakshan the Science College halfback, they managed to begin scoring. But a missed conversion from Oshadha Perera kept Vidyartha in the lead (VCK 07 – 05 SC)
The next scoring opportunity came for the visitors when Vidyartha College conceded a penalty and a yellow card to give them the numbers advantage. Science used this opportunity to perfect and gained some territory towards their 22 with a decent kick. But what shocked Vidyartha happened next when Science College opted to go for the rolling maul as Ashen Ekanayake went over the whitewash to give them the lead. Perera managed to get the conversion right this time to add the two extra points (VCK 07 – 12 SC)
But shortly after, the tigers managed to mount a comeback when Kumara scored his 2nd try of the game to level the scores. This try showed his game awareness as the young flanker waited for the perfect moment to collect the ball from the ruck and break the final defensive line of Science. Balasooriya with another conversion edged Viydartha into the lead at half time as there were no more points added by the two teams for the rest of the half. (VCK 14 – 12 SC)
During the first 15 minutes of the second half, Vidyartha College showcased some brilliant running rugby talent, but the Science College defence was up to the task as they struggled to find the whitewash. Vidyartha also decided to go for the 5 points rather than going for the 3 points even at a kickable distance during that period. After defending for so long, Science finally got near the opposition’s 22 and they also followed the same route as their opposition by ignoring the 3 points and searching for a try. And they did exactly that by scoring a 3rd try through Roshan Ragunath to take back the lead. The conversion also went through giving them a 5-point cushion with 15 minutes to go (VCK 14 – 19 SC)
But all the hard work from Science College got completely undone when they conceded a yellow card in the 61st minute as they had to play the remainder of the game with one less man on the field. The home team pounced on this opportunity as their Center Gayan Perera who came so close to scoring a try finally managed to get the job done. Rusith Sarathkumara then converted the try as Vidyartha were once again back in the lead (VCK 21 – 19 SC)
Photos – Vidyartha College vs Science College – Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023
A couple of minutes later, Perera went over for another try to show his excellent running game as it was the final nail in the coffin for Science College. This try also confirmed a very important bonus point for the Tigers. The conversion unfortunately didn’t go over and the scoreline remained the same with Vidyartha leading by 7 points (VCK 26 – 19 SC)
A few minutes later the referee signaled the end of the game as the home crowd surrounded their local team and celebrated a close win. On the other hand, it was heartbreak for the Science College boys as they had a chance to end the day as winners. The Vidyartha Center Perera was adjudged NDB Player of the Match for his brilliant high-octane run of the two tries he scored during the 2nd half.
Full Time : Vidyartha College 26 (4T 3C) beat Science College 19 (3T 2C)
- NDB Player of the Match – Gayan Perera (VCK)
Points Breakdown :
Vidyartha College : Ishara Kumara 2T, Gayan Perera 2T, Deshan Balasooriya 2C, Rusith Sarathkumara 1C
Science College : Ishara Udawattage 1T, Ashen Ekanayake 1T, Roshan Ragunath 1T, Oshadha Perera 2C
 at the Bogambara rugby stadium with the home team Vidyartha registering a thrilling 26-19 win.){kind=link}