Thomians regain the Lady Jayatilleke Shield

By Sajeewa Jayakody

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavina recorded a smashing 39 points (four goals, two penalties, one try) to 17 (two tries, one goal) win over St. Joseph’s College, Colombo in their Lady Jayathilaka Shield rugby encounter played at Havelock Park yesterday after leading 13-12 at the breather.

It was Josephian captain Jason Melder opened scoring through a second phase move from the right corner flag in the 17th minute, which was converted by Dulith Fernando. Five minutes later, Josephians increased the lead when winger Janith Chanaka scored a try through right corner flag. St. Joseph’s led 0-12.

S. Thomas’ opened their account as their captain Devin Jayasinghe made no mistake with a 35-metre penalty in the 26th minute. Josephians led 3-12.

In the 30th minute, Thomians skipper Jayasinghe scored three points as he made no mistake with a 20-metre penalty and reduced the deficit Joes leading 6-12.

In the 35th minute, Thomians snatched the lead for the first time in the match as their vice captain Hasaka Seneviratne scored a superb try scampering through to touch down near the right corner flag, which was converted by skipper Devin Jayasinghe.

On the stroke of half time, the Darley Road school missed a 35-metre penalty. Thomians led 13-12 at the breather.

The second half belonged to Thomians, who dominated play through their hard working forwards, giving a terrific display to completely outplay their counterparts in the loose. However, the Mount Lavina school conceded a major share of the line outs due to some poor jumping. In the 15th minute after resumption, Thomians vice captain Hasaka Senanayake’s scored a push over try, which was converted by skipper Jayasinghe fired across a 25-metre penalty to the lead S. Thomas’ 20-12.

In the 26th minute, Joes skipper Jason Melder scored his second try in the match through the left corner flag to reduce the deficit. Thomians led 20-17.

Thomas’ SJK Perera scored a left corner flag try to give them 25-17 lead in the 26th minute.

Six minutes later, PMS Deshapriya crossed the Joes goal line off a three-quarter move and ran round to score left corner flag, which was converted by fly half skipper Jayasinghe. Thomians led 32-17.

In the last minute, Nayanesh Deerasinghe crashed through for a try with Jayasinghe converting with ease to give the Mount Lavinia school a resounding 39-17 win to regain the Lady Jayatilleke Shield.