Trinity fight-back to win by 30-24
by S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Correspondent
In one of the finest school rugby matches witnessed this season,
Trinity College staved off a strong challenge by Kingswood College to
pull off a great 30 points (2 goals, 2 tries, 2 penalties) to 24 (2
goals, 2 tries) victory in their Schools Singer Shield Under 19 Division
'A' Rugby Tournament match played at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy
yesterday. At half time it was the Kingswoodian who led 17-7.
There was no doubt that the Kingswoodians dominated the first through
some power play and the lions had very little answer in the 14th minute
of play Kingswood College opened scoring when scrum half S. Piumal
slipped a pass to winger Ravindu Kumara who went over for an unconverted
try. Kingswood 5-0.
In the 20th minute Trinity College took over the lead through No. 8
Ryle Madena who scored by the left corner flag and centre Thisila
Karunatillake added the extra points. Trinity 7-5.
Thereafter it was all Kingswood in this half. They kept the pressure
on and a desperate clearance by Trinity's fly half Tharinda Ratwatte was
collected by centre Piyasena who had only to touch down far left and
this try too went unconverted. Kingswood 10-7.
In the 39th minute Kingswood skipper No. 8 Uwin Ariyaratne displayed
that he had both power and pace and went past 4 defenders and with the
tackle scored. Kosala Perera added the extra points. Kingswood 17-7. But
the Kingswoodians lost their grip in the game early in the second half
through some lapses.
Trinity reduced the lead through a penalty fired by stand off
Tharinda Ratwatte who repeated this three minutes later to reduce the
gap to 13-17.
In the 13th minute a try by winger Dharshana Udalagama which was
goalled by Tharinda Ratwatte saw Trinity wrest the lead 20-17.
In the 17th minute Trinity scored again this time through full back
Halique Wadood who joined the three quarters. Trinity led 25-17.
In the 20th minute Kingswood closed the gap to 24-25 when their prop
Ravindu Illangandera pounded his way to score far left.
Shortly afterwards Trinity College went ahead when winger Dharshana
Udalagama sprinted across to touch down far left Trinity 30-24.
During the last 10 minutes of play the Kingswoodians made a strong
bid to score but the lions defence held.
Dinko Peiris refereed.
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