Boys from Mt. Lavinia sealed a convincing win over St. Anthony’s Katugastota 29 to 08 points at the Singer Schools Rugby league 2014 played at the Science College grounds.
It was not an action packed first 10 minutes of play with both sides making too many errors and not capitalizing the ball in hand and the position. Antonian flanker S. Weerasekera was sin binned by referee Jamaldeen for a high tackle made against Science full back Ravin Fernando in the fifth minute of play. However, Science College was unable to make use of the advantage of being one man short in the opposite team.
Nearing the half way mark in the first half, the points came on board from the boot of Science full back Fernando from a 20m penalty. It was too easy for him. That was followed by the most foreseeable team work with perfect ball handling skills which allowed the wing Sajith Roshan to score the first try of the day. Fernando added the 2 points. (Science 10 – St. Anthony’s 00)
Momentum suddenly geared Science way as they managed to keep Antonian attack under control. The boys in blue could not capitalize the ball position. Despite making good attacking moves on the opposite territory, they were unable to turn it into points. Science on the other hand showed great counter attack and skipper Prasad Malinda kicked a punt from the center line which allowed the wing Roshan to chase the ball in to the right corner to score his second try of the match. Fernando misses the conversion. (Science 15 – St. Anthony’s 00)
Under pressure, the Antonions needed something on the board before lemons. They were on path to score two tries which were denied by great defensive work by the men in maroon and white. Lasindu Ishan the Science No 8 who represented the Sri Lanka under 18, showed a great impact in turnovers and quick breaks from the scrum. However, he did not roll away on the tackle which allowed St. Anthony’s D.M. Jayatissa to score the first points from 35m. (Science 15 – St. Anthony’s 03)
HALF TIME (Science 15 – St. Anthony’s 03)
It was a much needed break for both teams to re-gather and correct their mistakes as they made numerous knock on’s and forward passes. Another yellow card this time to the centre Pradeep for a foul play saw Science making no mistakes in using the one man advantage and a great dummy by skipper Prasad and his off load allowed big centre Chathura Gomes to score the third try. Fernando nailed the conversion (Science 22 – St. Anthony’s 03)
Then came a bit of football as both teams started kicking, a lucky bounce was picked by the Antonian wing V. Jagoda who sprinted all the way to score the first try for the visitors. Scrum half Jayatissa missed the conversion. (Science 22 – St. Anthony’s 08)
After a great passage of play Prasad Malinda’s kick from 40m was chased by Chathura Gomes, it was a one on one race between him and the opposite wing Ranaraja in the left corner which ultimately ended up in Science favor as Gomes scored his second try. Fernado added the extra points from a tough angle.
FULL TIME (Science 29 – St. Anthony’s 08)
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Lasindu Ishan
‘Quotes’
“I think we worked on our game plan, forwards doing a great job which made the three quarters to ease through scoring opportunities.” Science coach Amila Chathuranga expressed his view to ThePapare.com.
“We lacked communication that is what put us down, hopefully we will come stronger in the coming weeks” Dilan Wijesuriya, captain of St. Anthony’s College speaking to ThePapare.com .
