Trinity College secured a 32-19 victory over St. Anthony’s College in a crucial Dialog Schools Rugby League encounter at the Pallekele Trinity College Rugby Stadium. This win keeps Trinity’s hopes for a Super Round berth alive, while extending St. Anthony’s losing streak to a concerning five matches.
The opening exchanges set the tone for a tightly contested match. St. Anthony’s opted for a strategic lineout in the 6th minute, which paid dividends. Akesh Sampath emerged from a powerful maul to crash over the try line, putting the visitors ahead by 7 points with Omitha Dissanayaka’s successful conversion. (TCK 00-07 SACK)
However, Trinity showcased their resilience with a quick response. Yewan Hulangamuwa stepped up in the 9th minute, coolly converting a penalty to narrow the deficit to 7-3. (TCK 03-07)
While The Antonians created opportunities in the remainder of the first half, they struggled to convert them into points. Meanwhile, Trinity capitalized on their scoring opportunities. Minula Yaddehige crossed the try line in the 20th minute, breaking the defensive line after a well-executed scrum. While the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, Trinity had clawed their way back to an 8-7 scoreline. (TCK 08-07 SACK)
The momentum then shifted decisively in Trinity’s favor. Just three minutes later, Raveen Illangaratne showcased his attacking prowess with a well-worked try following another dominant scrum. Yewans’ successful conversion pushed Trinity ahead, taking the score to 15-7. (TCK 15-07 SACK)
St. Anthony’s looked rattled, and Trinity seized the opportunity. A crucial interception in the 33rd minute by Trinity proved to be a turning point. Shrayan sprinted clear after capitalizing on a loose pass from St. Anthony’s, grounding the ball for another try. Yewans’ conversion extended Trinity’s lead to a comfortable 22-7 at the Half Time break. (TCK 22-07 SACK)
Half Time – TCK 22-07 SACK
The second half began with St. Anthony’s desperately searching for a way back into the game. However, Trinity showcased their ruthlessness with a bonus-point try in the 43rd minute. Usman Shafraz displayed exceptional awareness, intercepting another loose pass from St. Anthony’s and racing 30 meters untouched to score. (TCK 27-07 SACK)
St. Anthony’s did manage a response through Kalpa Lakmina’s try in the 48th minute, but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. (TCK 27-12 SACK)
Trinity’s Skipper, Anuhas Kodithuwakku, then pulled out a clever kick and chase try in the 61st minute, further solidifying their lead at 32-12. (TCK 32-12 SACK)
While Oshan Gunarathne managed a consolation try for St. Anthony’s in the dying seconds of the game, with a successful conversion by Omitha Dissanayaka, the final score remained 32-19 in Trinity’s favor. (TCK 32-19 SACK)
This victory injects a much-needed dose of momentum into Trinity’s campaign. Their defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive on the day. They will undoubtedly be looking to build on this performance as they strive to secure a place in the Super Round.
Meanwhile, St. Anthony’s find themselves in a rut. Their losing streak exposes a clear need to address their defensive frailties and capitalize on scoring opportunities. They will need a significant turnaround in form to turn the tide and salvage their season.
Full Time: Trinity 32 (5T, 2C,1P) St.Anthony’s 19 (3T,2C)
NDB Player of the Match – Yewan Hulangamuwa (TCK)
Points Scorers
Trinity – Minula Yaddehige (1T), Raveen Illangaratne (1T), Shrayan (1T), Usman Shafraz (1T). Anuhas Kodithuwakku (1T), Yewan Hulangamuwa (2C,1P)
St.Anthony’s – Akesh Sampath (1T), Oshan Gunaratne (1T), Kalpa Lakmina (1T), Omitha Dissanayake (2C)
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