As Sajith Rohan ran from his own goal area covering 100 meters for a scintillating try, Science College breached the Lions Fortress of Pallekelle for the first time when Trinity College fell short despite their surge in the final minutes.
Full time score: Science College 15 (2T 1C 1P) to Trinity College 12 (2T 1C)
Trinity’s efforts in the final few phases proved to be futile with their continuous infringements that allowed the visitors to hold on to their defenses uptight. The first half was a equally contested forty minutes of play and poor kicking deprived the Mount Lavinia lads of two valuable conversions. Thanuja Maduranga’s penalties in the fourth and 25th minute did not bear fruit as the game progressed to the final minutes of play scoreless.
The hosts, Trinity were able to get themselves to an attacking position in the last few minutes of the first half off a 5 meter lineout. Utilizing the driving maul, Shalindra Alahakoon touched down for the first Trinity try to take the lead. With Lashane Wijesuriya kicking the conversion through, the Lions went for lemons with a 7-0 lead.
Trinity’s tactical change to let Anuka Boyagoda in for Rashean Bandaranayaka proved to be very effective for the side but it was not sufficient to counter the ever-present attacking by Science.
Science opted for their reliable choice, Tharindu Maduranga on the right wing for points but with Maduranga being hunted down on three successive occasion, they opted for Maduranga Snr. Working the ball from one end to another center Thanuja Maduranga took the Trinity team by surprise to score the first try (5-7).
Thanuja Maduranga missed the conversion that would have equaled the scores but later reconciled with a penalty taking his team to the front for the first time (8-7).
When momentum changed hands in favor of Science, it was Trinity’s fullback Sanushka Abeywickrema who brought life back into the Lions counterattacking from his own 22m and the ball got into the hands of Diluksha Dange who side stepped in and out to score the try that took earned them the lead back (12-8).
Photo Album – Science v Trinity at Pallekele
The departure of the Science College skipper Nirosh Udayanga left the visitors in some disarray but rebuilding the side was their fullback Supun Dilshan who held the last line of defense very well.
With twelve minutes to go for the final whistle, Science were put on a severe pressure situation when they were awarded a scrum within 5 meters of their in-goal area. As Hashan Madumadawa swirled the ball to wing-three Sajith Rohan, the 17 year-old affected a brilliant side- stepping run, covering the entire 100m stretch to score the try under the post. Thanuja Maduranga kicked the conversion through taking Science to the brink of a historic victory (15-12).
Trinity fought back in the last few minutes of play but poor ball handling and their failure to keep possession prevented them from making a possible comeback.
As referee Irshad Cader blew for full time, Science had themselves their first win in the Lions’ den. It was a close contest from the start but Science proved to be the better team out of the two at the conclusion of game. Earning his spot at scrum half back, Anuka Boyagoda proved that he still has talent in store. Above all, Supun Dilshan’s sensible kicking and tactical thinking in the final phase of the game brought victory for the lads of Mount Lavinia.
“We gave our best in the game but Science played better. We will take the positives from this game and work to play better“ added the losing coach of Trinity College, Sean Wijesinghe.
Once again in a school match an ugly incident reared its head as some Trinity supporters assaulted referee Irshad Cader as he walked back to the pavilion after the game. The situation was later brought to a closure after the intervention of security personnel.
ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match : Supun Dilshan of Science College
Score breakdown:
Science College 15 (2T 1C 1P)
Tries by Thanuja Maduranga and Sajith Roshan. Conversion and Penalty by Thanuja Maduranga
Trinity 12 (2T 1C)
Tries by Shalindra Alahakoon & Diluksha Dange. Conversion by Lashane Wijesuriya
12 - 15(2T 1C 1P) Science){kind=link}