Antonians beat Science 17-8 for fourth victory

by S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr.

St. Anthony's College, Kandy registered their fourth victory for the season when they beat Science College, Mount Lavinia by 17 points (2 goals, 1 penalty) to 8 (1 try, 1 penalty) in their schools under 20 Division One Rugby Tournament match played at Nittawela yesterday. At half the Antonians led 17-0.

Though the Antonians won they were up against some fiery play by the Science College ruggerites especially in the second half when they kept play in their opponents territory most of the time. They missed at least three chances of scoring. On one occasion after forcing three scrums they were almost on their opponents goal line but over enthusiasm deprived them the chance of scoring.

The Antonians opened scoring in the 5th minute of play when Nirodha Suriyabandara barged over near the past full back Dhanushka Dayan added the extra points.

In the 15th minute of play the Antonians kept deep inside their opponents territory but their forwards could not penetrate the defence put up by Science College. Next the backs took over and Rumesh Ramdas with a short burst of speed west over and came around to touch down under the post. Dhanushka Dayan added the extra points.

A few minutes later a Science College defender was spotted off side and Antonian full back Dhanushka Dayan converted the penalty which was awarded.

The Antonians led 17-0 at this stage a big victory appeared to be in store for the Antonians. But that was never to be. Science College first reduced the gap through a 35 metre penalty fired by Malith Perera and with that the teams changed ends. It was a completely refreshed Science College which took the field in the second half as they put in more power in their play and the Antonians were forced to defend the lead they had already gained.

In the 12th minute of the second half Science College back divisions moved the ball and Ashan Maduranga scored far left. This try went unconverted.

In the period of play which followed Science College made sporadic raids into the Antonian territory and they did everything but score.

Gamini Indrasena refereed.