Vidyartha College secured a convincing victory over Thurstan College at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium, overcoming an early deficit to triumph 52-20. While a close first half kept Thurstan in contention, a dominant second-half performance by Vidyartha sealed the win.
The match started with an early advantage for Thurstan. Just two minutes in, Vidyartha was penalized, and Thurstan opted for a penalty kick. Lasanda made no mistakes, putting the ball through the posts for an early 3-0 lead (VCK 00-03 TC).
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Vidyartha quickly retaliated, scoring a well-worked try just two minutes later. Center Deshan Balasooriya crossed the try line, and Adhithya Ranaweera brilliantly converted, making the score 7-3 (VCK 07-03 TC).
In the 14th minute, Thurstan was awarded another penalty from over 50 meters. Although Lasanda’s kick was unsuccessful, a knock-on by a Vidyartha player near the posts resulted in a scrum 5 meters from the try line. Thurstan capitalized on this opportunity, with scrumhalf Hapuarachi scoring their first try. Lasanda’s conversion was good, bringing the score to 10-7 (VCK 07-10 TC).
Vidyartha’s skipper, Gayan Perera, responded in the 18th minute with their second try of the game, which Ranaweera converted successfully, pushing Vidyartha ahead 14-10 (VCK 14-10 TC).
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The match saw more action in the 25th minute when Thurstan’s flanker, Chanithu Perera, scored their second try, and Lasanda added the conversion, giving Thurstan a 17-14 lead (VCK 14-17 TC).
Two minutes later, Vidyartha conceded another penalty. Lasanda’s successful kick extended Thurstan’s lead to 20-14 (VCK 14-20 TC).
However, Vidyartha’s skipper, Gayan Perera, showcased his skills with a brilliant solo try, evading multiple defenders. Ranaweera’s conversion brought Vidyartha back in the lead, 21-20, as the first half concluded (VCK 21-20 TC).
Half Time:Vidyartha College 21 – 20 Thurstan College
The halftime break seemed to rejuvenate Vidyartha. Just four minutes into the second half, lock forward Kavishka Welikadage scored their fourth try. Though the conversion was unsuccessful, Vidyartha extended their lead to 26-20 (VCK 26-20 TC).
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In the 51st minute, Vidyartha was awarded a penalty 22 meters from the try line. Number 9 Roshitha Malinga took a quick tap and scored, with the conversion successfully added (VCK 33-20 TC).
The momentum was clearly with Vidyartha. At the 60-minute mark, they executed a perfect line-out and driving maul, resulting in a try by Pasan Dullewa. Ranaweera’s reliable kicking added the conversion, making it 40-20 (VCK 40-20 TC).
Two minutes later, Pasindu Rajapaksha scored another try for Vidyartha, with Ranaweera once again converting successfully. The score climbed to 47-20 (VCK 47-20 TC).
The final highlight came in the 68th minute when Gayan Perera, the skipper, scored his third try of the game. His 50-meter solo run added the cherry on top, although the conversion was missed, sealing the final score at 52-20 (VCK 52-20 TC).
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This victory was a much-needed boost for Vidyartha after their heartbreaking loss to Zahira last week. Thurstan, on the other hand, will be deeply disappointed, as they continue to struggle for a win.
Full Time: Vidhyartha 52 (8T, 6C) Thurstan 20 (2T,2C,2P)
NDB Player of the Match – Gayan Perera (VCK)
Points Scorers
Vidhyartha – Gayan Perera (3T), Deshan Balasooriya (1T), Pasindu Rajapaksha (1T), Pasan Dullewa (1T), Roshitha Malinga (1T), Kavishka Welikadage (1T), Adhithya Ranaweera (6C)
Thurstan – Chanithu Perera (1T), Hapuarachi (1T), Lasanda (2C,2P)
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