Saturday Apr 20, 2024
Saturday Apr 20, 2024
Wednesday, 12 June 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
Wesley stunned the much-fancied Isipathana with the help of 4 tries by Kavindana Perera in a 29/18 win at Havelock Park.
The Wesley winger had a grand game scoring 4 magnificent tries, while his team mate lanky Akinda Gamanpilla too stood out in defence. Wesley scored their fifth try through Akinda Gammanpila, with Mursheed Zubair on hand to convert.
For Isipathana, Manilka Ruberu had a disappointing game by his standards, constantly kept under pressure. He however did manage to get on the scoresheet alongside Nadeen Basik and Ramitha Heshan.
Joes continue winning streak
St. Joseph’s College continued their winning streak, ensuring the Lady Jayathilake Shield stays at Darley Road for yet another year, following a brave second half effort to see off St. Thomas’ College 10-22 in Mount Lavinia.
Joes looked a bit unsettled early in the game but settled well as the first half wore on. The Thomians by contrast had an impressive start but failed to make their momentum count in front of an appreciative home crowd.
Shehan Rajapaksa drew first blood for the Thomians, before the Joes took the lead through a Shevon Gregory try which was duly converted by Santhush Algama. Joes’ nippy scrum half Reshan Gunawardena, who is always handful, danced his way through the Thomas defence for a try to help his to a 5-12 lead at the break.
After the turn around Reshan was on the scoresheet again, another moment of class, as a move initiated close to midfield saw him brush aside a couple of defenders to touch down near the corner flag. Santhush, however, missed the difficult conversion.
By then the game was pretty much out of St. Thomas’ reach, though there was time for a consolation try through Shenuka Fernando.
Peterites outclass Trinity
St Peter’s College, one of the top contenders for the Singer League, lived up to the high standards expected of them in front of a buoyant home crowd at their beautifully laid down stadium in Bambalapitiya, beating Trinity 32-7. In the process the Peterites kept the General Dennis Perera trophy for a fifth consecutive year.
The Peterites were simply outstanding, playing an expansive brand of rugby, as time and again they managed to spread out their speedy three quarters. It was unsurprising therefore when they went into an early 20-0 lead, which stood until halftime. Trinity could have hit back before the break but missed out on a few penalty kicks at goal.
On the whole Trinity, who had brought in Janidu Ratnayake for the out of form Geeshapa Kulatunge, were guilty of playing too straight, and would have been better served dropping back in attack and allowing the three quarters to show their ability. Their decision to drop regular fly half Minidu Subasinghe Thamuditha Dodanwatte also looked ill-advised, as he was too slow and put the line under pressure regularly.
For Peters, Diyath Fernando (2), Ravin Fernando, Janindu Fernando and Nilar Nizran scored, while Dilshan Madushanka scored one penalty and made two conversions. Trinity’s sole try was scored by Mecan Yashwanth which was duly converted by Dodanwatte.
Second half rally takes Royal through
Royal College hit back after an unsettled start to register an easy 41-20 win over Science College before their second leg next weekend. At the short breather Royal led 19-13.
Royal’s tries were scored by Kevin Samarasekera (2), Thulaib Hassen, Achintha Radeeshan, Radesh Wijeratne and Migara Mihishanka. Dulan Gunawardena converted four of the tries plus put over a penalty, while Navinda de Silva and Binusha Fernando scored for the Science lads.
Kavinda Cooray was on target with two try conversions and two penalties.
Elsewhere, St Anthony’s Katugastota edged out Dharmaraja 24-21 in the Hills and Zahira had to settle for a draw against Vidyartha 24 apiece at Nittawela.
