Injury time try gives Vidyartha a 20-17 win

S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Corr.

A try during the injury time by Vidyartha College saw them post an exciting 20 points (1 goal, 2 tries, 1 penalty) to 17 (1 goal 2 tries) win over Kingswood College in their schools singer Division one rugby tournament match played before a large crowd at Nittawela yesterday. At half time Kingswood College led 12-5.

It was game which the Kingswoodians won and then lost as they were leading 17-8 at one stage and appeared to have firmly wrapped up the game but the Vidyarthians fought back like tigers to pip their opponents at the post.

Four Kingswood players were yellow carded at various stages of the game for unwarranted play and one for arguing with the referee over a decision.

It was Vidyartha College who opened scoring in the 13th minutes when centre Kavindu Perera collecting a pass from scrum half Chamath half Chamath Fernando scored far left. Chamath failed to add the extra points.

But six minutes later Kingswood College levelled the scores when No.8 Uwin Ariyaratne scored far left off a forwards change. This try went unconverted. Kingswood 5-5.

Vidyartha College went ahead shortly afterwards through a 30 metre penalty fired by Chamath Fernando. Vidyartha Colleg 8-5.

But the Kingswoodian took over the lead in the 30th when Winger I.D. Ariyapala picking up the ball from a ruck sprinted nearly 60 metre to touch down under the post. Kosala Perera added the extra points. Kingwswood 12-8. With this score the teams went into half time.

Kingswood College scored their third try in the 5th minute of the second when their charged and the Vidyartha defence cracked up for No. 8 Uwin Ariyaratne to score far left. Kosala Perera's kick at goal hit the uprights and rebounded Kingswood 17-8. Vidyartha's disjointed play earlier showed signs of improving as their forwards kept attacking and they were rewarded when skipper and No.8 Jason Dissanayake fludgeoned his way to score mid left Chamath Fernando failed to add the extra points Vidyartha 13 - 17.

Vidyartha College continued to attack while the Kingswoodian desperately clung on to their lead waiting for the referee to signal the end.

Play now drifted into injury time and Kingswood College were on the offensive and were almost near the Vidayartha 22. But the impossible place.

A ruck in the Vidyartha College territory saw the ball coming their way and fly half Ashane Bandara collecting side stepped and drew the Kingswood defence away and sprinted nearly 70 metres to end up under the post. Chamath Fernando added the extra points. Dimithra Gunasekera refereed.