On a slightly overcast yet nice cool afternoon, St. Joseph’s College took on visitors from Kandy, Kingswood College at CR & FC in the opening clash of the A Division season for 2013.
Kinswood and SJC who have had some close encounters in the recent past, clear sign that this encounter was going to be no different. The lads from both schools gave it their all. However, JOES rallied around to win a hard fought match 27 – 21. In the junior games, Kingwood were able to win the under 14 and 16 matches in style with quite substantial leads.
The Kandy chaps took to the field and certainly looked the more physically intimidating. After winning the toss the Kings kicked off from right to left. The initial minutes were not as great as both sides looked to be anxious and rather nervous. SJC however settled in and through constant pressure drew first blood through veteran, skipper Jason Melder. After some good retaining of the ball, Melder went through to touch down. Dulith Fernando the outside half was unable to convert (5-nil Joes). A few minutes later, Jason went over again scoring a similar try to that of his first one. This time the little Dulith converted (12-nil Joes).
Kingswood tried to get their scoring on the way through fly half KN Perera, but his uncharacteristic drop goal from scrappy play went just wide. Kings were handed another blow as their inspirational winger Aruna Kumara, following continuous infringements in the ruck, was given a yellow card. However this acted as a catalyst for a comeback from the Kandy lads. Prop MA Priyankara scored a nice try after a flowing and jinky run from his team mate. The conversion was out over by fly Perera, who was instrumental in making the try (12-7). SJC however kept on adding to the score through Dulith’s boot, the boy converted a penalty from right in front (15-7).
At the 30 minute mark, Kings had an amazing 3 on 1 chance to score but Shamilka Kurumbulapitiya made a super try saving tackle. Kingswood were definitely the team on the front foot in the last ten minutes of the first half. Their fly half was excellent, making kicks and leading the line. Kingswood scored two tries after some fancy play, but on both occasions they were disallowed due to a knock on and forward pass. SJC could not handle the pressure and young flanker Taariq Salih was sin binned for not rolling away. The half ended with Kingswood on the front foot but Joes leading 15-7.
The second half commenced with JOES kicking off from right to left. SJC began in style as they scored a cracker try through full back Shamilka. A player from Kings kicked the ball into space and though everything looked fine, Janith Perera the SJC winger picked the ball up and stepped his way for about 30 meters and laid the ball off to Shamilka to complete the move. The conversion was unsuccessful (15-7).
The following minutes belonged to Kingswood who really turned the game with sheer determination and line breaking runs. As soon as one sin binned Joesephian made his way back to the field Stephan Grogory the prop replaced him with one of the most ‘hands on head, ‘what did you just do mate’ entries from the side of the ruck. Blatant Yellow card.
Fitness levels seemed not so high for both sets of players as constantly injuries occurred. Kingswood made the extra man count and scored through winger Kosala. The conversion was easily put over(20-14). Kingswood then made the stunning comeback complete through a try by winger Aruna Kumara. The Kandy lads running high and clearly dominating with 10 minutes remaining. The conversion once again successful(20-21). Kingswood ahead and they clearly looked to have pulled off a win. With 7 minutes to go Perera the inform outside- half tried another drop kick but it went wide. Kings also missed a 45 meter penalty which was more in hope.
With 3 minutes to go SJC found their game again and worked themselves all the way over to the 5 meter line. The turning point came when Riza Rafideen was sin binned for slowing the game down. From the following penalty Jason made a final last gasp bombarding run and went over to score the winning try. This was his hat trick and a super start to the season. Dulith took his time but put the conversion over(27-21).
SJC clearly would have felt like they pulled off a great escape and Kingswood can take a lot of positives from this almost winning performance.
