St. Joseph’s College beat Wesley College on the third time of asking, winning 43-29 in the quarter finals of the Milo President’s Knockouts, at Sugathadasa Stadium earlier today.
St. Joseph’s came into this game after having lost a warm up and the league game against the same opposition.
In a game in which 11 tries were scored, the Josephians managed to get the last laugh even though the score did not do justice to how well the Double Blues played.
The first few exchanges saw both teams testing their back three with kicks from hand however a chance for points went begging off the boot of Avishka Lee.
Thereafter, both teams scored a combined seven tries in a exuberant first half.
Both teams traded converted tries, first Wesley through Sashika Fernando and soon after Chathura Seneviratne for the Joes. (SJC 7-7 WC)
Tries kept coming, this time it was Erandha Harshana who dotted down to take Wesley into the lead as Lee added the extras with ease. (SJC 7-14 WC)
The Josephians were dealt a double blow as the points continued through tries. Avantha Lee was brought down high in goal and Shehan Eranda of the Joes saw yellow. However Avishka failed with the conversion. (SJC 7-19 WC)
Ground and weather conditions were at its best as Gemunu Chethiya scores to pull the game back on the score sheet even though Wesley had a stranglehold on the game.
Highest points scorer of the League, Sachith Silva converted to make it a five point game. (SJC 14-19 WC)
With halftime fast approaching, Avishka scored an unconverted try however when Gemunu Chethiya touched down for a converted try the lead was shaved to just three-points.
Half Time: St. Joseph’s College 21 (3T 3C) trail Wesley College 24 (4T 2C)
Similar to the first half Wesley miss, Chathura strayed wide for the Josephians with the chance of getting level in the game.
The Josephians did not have to wait long to get the lead as Chethiya stepped up for his third after Sameesha broke. Sachith failed to add the extras as the lead was extended to two points. (SJC 26-24 WC)
Gemunu saw yellow soon after for a cynical high tackle spreading the game wide open.
Chathura used his superior vision, running in his own 22 to set up captain Vinul. A penalty soon after the conversion seemingly put the game out of reach of the Double Blues. (SJC 36-24 WC)
The final ten minutes of the game saw two tries and a knock on in goal as an action packed game drew to a close.
Murshaid Subair scored giving the Wesley fans and players a ray of hope even though Lee missed a vital conversion. (SJC 36-29 WC)
Gemunu squandered his opportunity of scoring his fourth as he knocked on in-goal following some excellent buildup play.
However Nimesh Kavinda scored a poacher’s try, picking off a lost line out, diving from five meters away to seal proceedings in favor of St. Joseph’s.
Chathura added the extras as the game slipped through the Wesley lads’ hands, sending the Saints through to the semi final against the Rajans.
Full Time: St.Joseph’s College 43 (6T 5C 1P) beat Wesley College 29 (5T 2C)
ThePapare.com Player of the match – Chathura Seneviratne (SJC #10)
Points Breakdown
Joes – Chathura Seneviratne 1T 2C 1P, Sachith Silva 3C, Gemunu Chethiya 3T, Vinul Fernando 1T,
Wesley – Sashika Fernando 1T, Erandha Harshana 1T, Avantha Lee 1T, Avishka Lee 1T 2T, Murshid Subair 1T
