By Aubrey Kuruppu Royal almost lived up to their Bradby rival’s motto (Respice Finem) but it was not quite enough to bring them a last gasp win over St. Anthony’s at Bogambara yesterday. Led 21-8 at the break, and then 24-8 shortly after, the Royalists fought their way with great ferocity and determination to end [...]

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

SACK stun Royal

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By Aubrey Kuruppu

Royal almost lived up to their Bradby rival’s motto (Respice Finem) but it was not quite enough to bring them a last gasp win over St. Anthony’s at Bogambara yesterday.
Led 21-8 at the break, and then 24-8 shortly after, the Royalists fought their way with great ferocity and determination to end the match losers at 22-24. The Antonians had three goals and a penalty to two goals, a try and a penalty scored by Royal.

A heavy shower 90 minutes before the start of play meant that open play was out of the question. The wetness notwithstanding, the Antonians handled the ball well at times and at times gained yards with some speedy breaks.

Until late in the second half, the Royalists opted for a total approach with the forwards. With time running out skipper Rimze Jamaldeen used the back division much more.
Scrum half Dulaj Jayatissa opened scoring for the winners when he picked up a loose ball and dived over. Sajith Hemantha converted. Fazhur Rahuman, the fly half, booted the ball ahead and fell over for the second Antonian try which too was converted.

Shuaib Jabbar, the hooker, pulled one back for Royal when he scored a push over try. This was not converted.

Antonian Hemantha who enjoyed a tremendous game, then joined the line, took a short tap and fell over. He converted himself for the winners to lead 21-5. Jamaldeen’s penalty made the half time score 21-8.

Hemantha was in the picture shortly after resumption when he converted a penalty.

Trailing by 16 points, the Royalists launched a furious revival and scored tries late in the game through Udesh Ranaweera and Azman Khan. However the Antonians display true grit to deny the visitors another score.

With this win, their second, the Antonians have continued their rugby revival. Next Saturday’s game against Trinity awaits.

Referee: Charith Kodagoda.




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