Thoras jump Trinity hurdle in the nick of time
Don’t count the Thomians out. That message was hammered by Pandula de Silva’s fighting unit who came from behind to score a fascinating 23 points to 20 win over a distraught Trinity side at the Pallekelle Stadium yesterday.
The Thomian grit was evident - Pic by M.D. Nissanka
The winners scored from a goal, two tries, a penalty and a drop goal. Trinity were satisfied with a goal, two tries and a penalty.
Thomian winger Naveen Henakankanamge had a brilliant game. He hardly got a touch on the ball in the first half. Exasperated, he decided to take a hand in the proceedings and succeeded splendidly. He scored a try, made another and chased back around forty yards to almost prevent a Trinity try.
Trinity dominated the early exchanges with some fiery play. This took its toll on the home team as the skipper was given a yellow card. Thusila Perera failed to put over two kickable penalties, only for Thomians Ashwantha Herath to open their account with a penalty conversion.
Territorially, the first half was Trinity’s. The visitors entered their territory just once or twice. For all the attacking they did, a try had to come their way. It did just before lemons when Shalinda Alahakoon managed to squeeze through a gap and touch down off a five-yard penalty. Perera missed the conversion and it was 5-3 to Trinity at the break.
The Thomians were more aggressive in the second half and threw themselves into the fray. But a dropped pass saw the ball at the feet of a Trinity player who collected and ran. Henakankanamge just about got his man after a furious chase. But the ball was flung back and Abeywickrema had the simple task of touching down under the posts. Thusila Perera put it over and Trinity led 12-3.
Not long after, Lashan Wijesuriya did a good conversion of a 35-yard penalty. At 15-3, Trinity seemed to be in cover. Then came a red card for the skipper, followed by a yellow card to another Trinitian.
The Thomians were galvanised into action now that they had numbers on their side. The Thomians sent the ball down the line and Henakankanamge side-stepped and went over. Ashwantha Herath delivered a try made by Henakankanamge and converted himself to see the scores at 15-all.
Fly Bumindra Dissanaike dropped a goal when he found himself well positioned in front of the posts (18-15). The visitors put the icing on the cake with another try shortly after. There was just enough time for Trinity, who were down to fourteen, to score through centre Avishka Shiek. The conversion was missed but it wouldn’t have mattered.
Both sets of forwards gave a rugged display. Number eight Danuja Wijeratne who was tireless in defence was helped out with an injury in the second half. Trinity winger Geeshan Pethiyagoda also injured his left wrist and is in doubt for the Bradby. On top of that, the skipper will have to miss the first leg because of the red card.
Referee – Aruna Rankothge