A convincing second half helped Trinity College defeat S. Thomas’ College by 31 (4T, 4C, 1DG) – 8 (1T, 1P) up at Pallekele, meaning the hosts retained the Canon R S de Saram shield for yet another year in their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 encounter played on the 15th of June.
The first half was closely contested as both teams were equally matched on a lovely evening at Pallekale.
The home team opened the scoring through Thisanga Dissanayake as he managed to get the first score for 2024. His try was converted by Yevan Hulangamuwa to make it a perfect 7, giving the home team the early advantage. (TCK 07-00 STC)
It took the visitors more time than expected to settle, however, once they did they managed a try of their own through Sithil Perera. The youngster managed to score as Trinity seemed to take their foot off the gas.
The try went unconverted as the home team continued to lead by 2 points. (TCK 07-05 STC)
The half was tight as both teams went hammer and tongs at each other, however, neither managed to get another score until the 30th minute when the Thomians punted over a penalty off the boot of Udan Bulathsinhalage.
The youngster added the penalty, meaning the visitors went into lemons with a solitary point lead.
Half time: Trinity College 07 (1T 1C) trail S. Thomas’ College 08 (1T 1P)
A drastic change in the season half saw the home team rise to a mammoth lead, leaving the visitors in the dust.
The momentum of the game changed when Shan Althaf knocked over a dropkick to kick-start the home side’s revival of sorts. (TCK 10-08 STC)
From then on it was one-way traffic as the Thomians had no answers to the Trinity attack. Tries from Udeesha Rathnayake, NDB Player of the Match – Shan Althaf and Akesh Fernando meant the visitors had no answers to the Trinity attack.
All 3 second-half tries were converted by Shan Althaf as he showed great control and precision to lead his side to a convincing victory in their season opener.
Full time: Trinity College 31 (4T 4C 1DG) beat S. Thomas’ College 08 (1T 1P)
- NDB Player of the Match: Shan Althaf (TCK)
Points Breakdown
- Trinity – Shan Althaf 14 points (1 Try, 1 Drop Goal, 3 Conversions), Thisanga Dissanayake 5 points (1 Try), Udeesha Rathnayake 5 points (1 Try), Akesh Fernando 5 Points (1 Try), Yevan Hulangamuwa 2 points (1 Conversion)
- S. Thomas’ – Sithil Perera 5 points (1 Try), Udaan Bulathsinghalage 3 points (1 Penalty)
 - 8 (1T 1P) up at Pallekale, meaning the hosts retained the Canon R S de Saram shield for yet another year. ){kind=link}