Joes hold off spirited Ananda fightback to win thriller 36-29
St Joseph’s College survived a spirited challenge from newcomers Ananda College to clinch a thrilling 36-29 victory in their final Plate Segment fixture of the Dialog Schools League Rugby Tournament, played yesterday at the CR and FC Grounds, Longden Place.
It was a match that tested the Joes’ composure to the very end. The Anandians, playing with passion and fearless intent, pushed their more experienced opponents to the limit, ensuring that the contest remained alive until the final whistle. At half-time, the Joes held only the slimmest of advantages, leading 12-11, a clear indication of the tight battle that was unfolding.
Joes held their nerve to win a thriller. Pic by Eshan Fernando
Ananda set the tone early, drawing first blood in the third minute when their prolific kicker, Deneth Chamuditha, calmly slotted over a 22-metre penalty to put his side ahead 3-0. The Joes, stung into action, responded with a combination of powerful forward drives and slick handling in the backs, eventually breaching the Anandian defence for their opening try.
The Josephians ran in six tries over the course of the match, showcasing their ability to finish when opportunities arose. Flanker Ashen Kumara was at the heart of their attack, crossing the line twice. Hemish Gamage and Malshan Dewmin added further tries, while winger Inosh Silva produced a well-timed finish out wide. Skipper Beeshma Jayasekara also got on the scoresheet, leading from the front. Three of these tries were converted, taking their total to 36 points. But Ananda were anything but overawed. Determined to make a statement in their debut League campaign, they matched the Joes stride for stride for much of the encounter. Number eight Semal Wimalasuriya barged over for a well-earned try, while Chamuditha, the competition’s leading points scorer was once again instrumental.
The closing stages were tense, with Ananda threatening to snatch a famous upset. However, the Joes’ defensive resilience and ability to control possession in the dying minutes ensured they held on to secure a hard-fought win.
| Mahanama storm past St. Anthony’s with 40–15 triumph | |
| Mahanama College swept aside St. Anthony’s College with a dominant 40–15 win in their Bowl Segment clash of the Dialog Rugby League 2025 at the Nittawela ground yesterday. After taking a 19–5 lead at the break, Mahanama unleashed a relentless second-half surge to secure a resounding victory. Mahanama amassed their points from six tries and five conversions, while St. Anthony’s managed three tries. |