S. Thomas’ College hosted St. Anthony’s Katugastota at S. Thomas’ College rugby grounds in Mount Lavinia on the 22nd of June in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 week 2 fixture. The Thomians emerged victorious in their second game of the season in a closely contested encounter, beating the Antonians by 24–17 points to regain the Angelo Rosati Memorial Trophy.
After suffering major losses in Kandy, both teams were eager to secure a victory to gain momentum in the season. Keeping that in mind, S. Thomas’ got off to a flying start by scoring their first two converted tries within the first 12 minutes of the game. The heavy rain at the beginning of the match tested the players, but the Thomians took advantage of their home ground. Haren Karunaratne scored the first try for the Thomians, and Seneshka Liyanagunawardana scored another try shortly after. Yehan Bulathsinhalage, the captain, converted both attempts to give the home team an early lead. (STC 14–00 SACK)
Some good running rugby and missed tackles by St. Anthony’s allowed them to score their first try in the 21st minute of the game. A lineout from a penalty infringement and a couple of pick-and-go moves after the running maul gave the loosehead prop, Mohomed Faraz, the opportunity to score for the Eagles. Omitha Dissanayake successfully converted it. From that moment onward, no team could score until the first 35 minutes of the game. (STC 14–07 SACK)
Half time: S.Thomas’ College 14 (2T 2C) – St. Anthony’s College 07 (1T 1C)
The fueled-up Antonians entered the second half with a winning mentality, scoring a dashing try within the first five minutes. This was named the try of the match as Lakmina created the try from their half, racing with a couple of dummies and inside steps. The chemistry was on point for this try, with Omitha Dissanayake perfectly positioned for an unthinkable offload, which he carried over for the try. Unfortunately, the conversion didn’t go through, preventing the Antonians from tying the game. (STC 14–12 SACK)
The Thomians got the chance to extend their lead with a penalty, and they didn’t hesitate to kick it to goal. The duties were handed to Udan by his brother, Yehan Bulathsinhalage, and Udan’s boot did the job perfectly, increasing the lead. (STC 17–12 SACK)
In the 62nd minute, Seneshka Liyanagunawardana, the center, scored a crucial try from a powerful pick-and-go, slicing through the Antonian defense. Bulathsinhalage’s boot made no mistake yet again, maintaining a 100% successful kicking rate. (STC 24–12 SACK)
In the dying minutes of the match, Akesh Sampath scored a try using his game awareness for St. Anthony’s College. A failed box kick by the Thomians’ halfback allowed the Antonians to score the easiest of tries. Yet again, Omitha failed to gain points for the team with his boot. (STC 24–17 SACK)
This marked the last try of the game as referee Raveen Alexander blew the final whistle after six minutes of added time. At the end of 70 minutes of thrilling rugby, S. Thomas’ managed to clinch the Re. Fr. Angelo Rosati Memorial trophy by beating the Eagles from the hill country by 24 points to 17. Seneshka Liyanagunawardana’s crucial try-scoring moment and his top-notch defensive work earned him the NDB Player of the Match title.
Full time: S. Thomas’ College 24 (3T 3C 1P) beat St. Anthony’s College 17 (3T 1C)
- NDB Player of the Match: Seneshka Liyanagunawardana
Points Breakdown
S. Thomas’ College – Seneshka Liyanagunawardana 10 points (2 Tries), Haren Karunaratne 5 points (1 Try), Yehan Bulathsinhalage 4 points (2 Conversions), Udan Bulathsinhalage 5 points (1 Conversion and 1 Penalty)
St. Anthony’s College – Omitha Dissanayake 7 points (1 Try, 1 Conversion), Akesh Sampath 5 points (1 Try), Mohomed Faraz 5 points (1 Try)
. The Thomians emerged victorious in their second game of the season in a closely contested encounter, beating the Antonians by 24–17 points.){kind=link}