In one of the most exciting and rousing games seen in Kandy this season, the Antonians came from behind (12-13 at the break) to score an emphatic 39 points (2 goals, 5 tries) to 13 (2 tries, 1 penalty) win over the Rajans at Nittawela.
A 10th minute try by flanker Roshan Roche which was converted by skipper Chanaka gave the winners an early lead. Rajan centre Bhanuka Udangawa, who was always a real threat, forced his way over the line to make it (7-5). The Rajans scored again through centre Hewawasam and followed it up with a penalty to make it 13-12 at lemons. Just before the break, centre Dhanushka Aiyapala came inside, received a pass and touched down with the tackle.
Stung to the quick by having to concede the lead, the Antonians played the second half with much more determination. Skipper Tharindu Chanaka kept a cool head, and playing in the pivotal position, distributed the ball superbly.
Centre Jayaweera scored the try of the day when he intercepted the ball just outside his goal line and sped along the left touchline the length of the field to score. He also had another try.
Winger Dananjaya received a long pass from Chanaka and went over for his second try. This was after the winners had shrewdly switched the direction of their attack Roshan Roche also scored another try. Scrum half Tharanga weaved his way through in the dying minutes to touch down.
The margin of defeat looks substantial but the Rajans were by no means disgraced. Their forwards were rugged and combined with the threes to keep attacking. They cut down on the kicks and kept possession. But the Antonian’s defence was exceptional. It was a complete turnaround in the second half as the Antonians piled up 26 points.
Take away the last 15 minutes and the Rajans played a grand game. The change brought about by new coach Hisham Abdeen was evident.
Referee:- Gamini Indrasena
U 13 Dharmaraja 19-0
U 15 St. Anthony’s 12-0
U 17 St. Anthony’s 12-5 |
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