Close call for Trinity

It couldn’t have been any closer as Trinity pulled off a last gasp 25 points (1 goal, 3 tries, 1 penalty) to 24 (1 goal, 1 try, 4 penalties) win over a rejuvenated Antonian side in a rousing game of rugby at Nittawela yesterday.

When it comes to Trinity the Antonians pull out all the stops and this game was no exception. They started by attacking straight away but it was Ruzmi Ramzeen Trinity’s dashing number eight who took charge of the ball from the forwards and went over. Imad Reyal, the Antonian scrum half, who had a superb game, reduced the deficit with a penalty.

Shortly after Chanaka Gunaratne, the Antonian winger and skipper, unleashed a scorching run, side-stepping many defenders to touch down and give his team the lead. Trinity came back in style and forced a five yard scrum from Ruzni Ramzeen to dive over for his second try.

Three fairly simple penalties by Reyal made the half time score 17-10 in favour of the Antonians. A turn up for the books seemed to be in prospect The Trinity line swung into action and centre Shameer Sameeran spotted a gap and went through to score. The Antonians were ahead 17-15, and they were looking to close it out.

Trinity came back from the dead as it were with a dandy try by Hameed, the scrum half, who wriggled over after a couple of futile attempts at going over by their threes. Mohammed Riazi converted and the Lions were now clock-watching at 22-17.

The Antonians had other ideas and fly half Thananga Bandara sped 40 yards along the flank and cut in to give Reyal a simple conversion, 34-22 to the Katugastota lads.

With seconds to go, the Antonian line was spotted off side by referee Pradeep Fernando. All eyes were on the Trinity full back Riazi, who, cool as cucumber, took the kick and sent it sailing between the uprights to give Trinity their second come from behind win in two games.

Trinity who were minus their skipper, seems to be living on borrowed time. They will have to look to the end as both St.Peter’s and Kingswood put it over them on a good day.

Under 18 – Trinity 12, St. Anthony’s 5.