In a thrilling encounter, St. Anthony’s College claimed their first win of the season by defeating Sri Sumangala College 25-17, thereby confirming their spot in the top division for the next season.
The game started with an early setback for Sri Sumangala, as they were reduced to 14 men just two minutes in, due to a yellow card. Despite having the numerical advantage and controlling much of the possession, St. Anthony’s initially struggled to capitalize on their chances.
In the 11th minute, St. Anthony’s made a critical defensive error. A high hanging kick from Sumangala was misjudged by Kalpa Lakmina, allowing Sumangala’s wing Newton Santhuka to gather the ball and score the first try of the game. Adil Nazar successfully converted, giving Sumangala an early lead. (WSCK 07-00 SACK)
The Antonians suffered a blow in the 22nd minute when their prop forward, Rakesh Pillay, was stretchered off the field with a serious injury. However, they quickly regrouped and two minutes later, Kalpa Lakmina redeemed himself by scoring their opening try after a well-executed scrum. Omitha Dissanayaka added the conversion, leveling the score. (WSCK 07-07 SACK)
St. Anthony’s continued to press forward and earned a penalty in the 29th minute, which Omitha Dissanayaka successfully kicked, adding three more points to their tally. Shortly after, Dissanayaka made his mark again with a brilliant kick-and-chase effort, scoring St. Anthony’s second try. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 15-7 in favor of St. Anthony’s. (WSCK 07-15 SACK)
Half Time- St. Anthony’s 15-07 Sumangala
Sri Sumangala fought back in the second half, with their prop forward Rishmina Dilshan scoring a try in the 45th minute. Adil Nazar’s conversion reduced the deficit to just one point. (WSCK 14-15 SACK)
However, St. Anthony’s responded swiftly, with Skipper Oshan Gunarathne making a stunning run to score their third try. Omitha Dissanayaka added the conversion, extending their lead to 22-14. (WSCK 14-22 SACK)
With nine minutes remaining, Sri Sumangala earned a penalty, and Adil Nazar successfully kicked it to reduce the gap to five points. The final minutes saw intense pressure from Sumangala, but St. Anthony’s defense held firm. In the dying moments of the game, St. Anthony’s milked a penalty and Omitha added three more points, sealing the 25-17 victory. (WSCK 17-25 SACK)
This win not only marked St. Anthony’s first victory of the season, but also ensured their place in the top division for the next season. Sri Sumangala, on the other hand, will now face the relegation playoffs, battling it out with three other teams to secure their spot in the top division next season.
Full Time: St. Anthony’s 25 (3T, 2C, 2P) Sri Sumangala 17 (2T,2C,1P)
NDB Player of the Match – Omitha Dissanayake (TCK)
Points Scorers
St.Anthony’s – Oshan Gunaratne (1T), Kalpa Lakmina (1T), Omitha Dissanayake (1T,2P,2C)
Sumangala – Nazar Adil (2C,1P), Newton Santhuka (1T), Rishmina Dilshan (1T)
Related Articles:
- Isipathana end Super Round dream of S.Thomas’ after a high octane clash
- St. Peter’s delivers heavy defeat to Vidyartha
- Lions Roar to Victory as They Overpower Dharmaraja 40-14 in Pallekele
- Zahira demolishes hapless Kingswood
