Science pip St. Joseph’s at the post
It was almost a repeat ending of last year in the second round of the Singer U20 Rugby league encounter between Science and St. Joseph’s played at Mt. Lavinia yesterday where Science pipped the Josephians by three points by recording 29 points to 26 victory.
Science came back with a late burst after conceding a slender two point lead (12-14) at the breather to turn the game in their favour in the second by posting three tries. They made up their points through two goals and three tries as against the three goals and a try scored by St. Joseph’s.
The three tries scored by Science midway in the second half proved to be the most crucial for the Josephians as upto then they were leading 19-12. Science skipper Viraj Karunatilleke and M. Maduranga were in terrific form with the duo scoring two tries each which made things easy for the home team.
The proceedings began with Science drawing first blood through a try by center W. Weranga with N. Neranjan adding the extra points. But that was short-lived as the Josephians made it seven each with a try scored by winger Vinul Fernando and full back Shamilka Kurumbalapitiya making the conversion.
Science skipper Karunatilleke scored his first of two tries which the conversion was fluffed by Neranjan. However the Josephians managed to surge ahead with No.8 Stephan Gregory going over for a try with Kurumbalapitiya making the conversion. They led 14-12 at the breather.
On resumption the Josephians making sporadic moves succeeded to breach their opponents defense No.8 Gregory going over for an unconverted try in the fifth minute. Science threw away an opportunity of reducing the deficit when a penalty was fluffed a few minutes later.
But undeterred they made some sizzling moves and succeeded in posting three tries within a space of 20 minutes which put their opponents under tremendous pressure.
The first two were unconverted by skipper Karunatilleke and center Maduranga who followed it up with another and with Neranjan making the conversion Science went into the lead 29-19.
In a do or die effort the Josephians reduced their deficit with No.8 Stephan Gregory going for his third try of the match and with second row Dulith Fernando making the conversion the Josephians were near but yet far with time waning away.
But Gregory’s effort proved to be in vain as the home team negotiated the last minute onslaught by Josephians to hold on for a close three point lead.
Referee – Dinka Peiris