Skipper Dilruwan pilots Science to commanding win
Skipper and flyhalf Dilruwan Perera piloted Science College record a demolishing 43-12 win against Dharmaraja College in a Bowl Segment game of the Dialog Schools League Rugby 2025 played at Mt. Lavinia yesterday.
In an attempt to make a statement, Science dominated the entire first half to lead the halftime by 26-nil, and scored from seven tries and four conversions to end the game with bonus points. Displaying a great comeback effort, the Rajans scored from two tries and a conversion after the turnaround.
Science won vs Rajans - Pic by Priyanka Samaraweera
Prop Tharusha Gallage, who played a gallant role in Science’s massive win, navigated his forwards to brace the first try in the fourth minute, as skipper Perera added the extra points to gain an early 7-0 lead. Winger Bosith Thilakaratne went over for an unconverted try, following a clean backline effort that gave him the honours to do the finishing touches in the 17th minute, as Science expanded the lead to 12-0. Skipper Perera stunned the Rajans with his solo effort in the 24th minute, by bracing a running try and adding the extra points to put Science further unreachable 19-0. No.8 Demitha Silva’s breach in the 34th minute, and Perera’s conversion gave Science a comfortable cushion as they took lemons with a commanding 26-0 lead.
Centre Vidun Saparamadu made a remarkable breakthrough after the turnaround when Dharmaraja stunned Science in the 47th minute with a running try, and with flyhalf Pavan Manodya’s conversion they entered the fray trailing by 7-26.
But prop Gallage took the charge once again with a similar effort as in the first half to place his second try of the game, which went unconverted as Science extended the lead to 31-7. Winger Rithnuka Dabara added more salt to the Rajans’ wounds, when he broke free in the 54th minute to add Science’s sixth try, which was converted by skipper Perera to see them gain a commanding lead by 38-7.
The Rajans, however, showed interest to make a comeback, and eventually made a breakthrough with a stunner from replacement centre Dumindu Rajapaksha, who braced an unconverted try in the 59th minute, yet Science led 38-12. Centre Sasanka Sandeeth put matters beyond doubt with an unconverted try during the final phases of the game as Science nailed Dharmaraja by 43-12.