Antonians salvage some pride
It was a must win game for both teams. But St. Anthony’s seemed to be in a better place throughout the match and duly triumphed by 30 points (2 goals, 2 tries, 2 penalties) to Dharmaraja’s 17 (1 goal, 2 tries) at Nittawela yesterday. At the break, the winners were in the lead at 15-5. The first half was nothing to shout about. No constructive movements were seen. Maduwantha Kumara’s penalty in the seventh minute gave the Anthonians the early lead. He missed a second a little later. The Anthonians were making the moves. On two occasions, the Rajan defence was split open but handling mistakes prevented a score.
The Rajans got their first points when skipper Viraj Weerasekera kicked a little grubber and the Antonians fumbled on the line. Weerasekera followed up and fell on the ball. Dharmaraja led 5-3 at this stage. Almost at once a Weerasekera penalty conversion just dipped under the bar.A Rajan used his boot to control a ball that came his way. He didn’t succeed and flanker Shenal Dias scored an unconverted try. Just before the break, skipper Dilan Neuman broke free from a clutch of defenders and went over. This too wasn’t put over.
The Rajans came out after the break, seemingly recharged and went on the attack. The ball was sent down the line and diminutive yet speedy Hurigolla, the winger, took a long pass and cut into score. Weerasekera added the extra points (15-12).A Maduwantha penalty then widened the gap (18-12). The Anthonians were gifted a try when the last Rajan defender slipped and fell in the act of collecting the ball. Dinuk Amarasinghe breezed through after collecting.
D.E. Piyatissa, the Rajan winger, pulled one back for his school by going over in the far corner (23-17).
A few seconds before the long blast, Dinuk Amarasinghe touched down for his second try, and this, too, was goaled by Maduwantha.
Referee – Pradeep Fernando.