In spite of rain, Thomians prevail
Rain, mud and bad light didn't matter for the Thomians who beat Wesley without much trouble - Pic by Ranjith Perera
The Thomian-Wesley game, worked out at the Havelock Park yesterday, turned out to be a drab affair, in spite of the Thomians ending up as winners at 21 points to nil.
This was a highly anticipated segment 1A final fixture with many expecting a close finish.
But the game commenced, ten minutes late from the actual time, as Referee Pradeep Fernando, raised the issue on the colour of the jerseys worn by the opposing teams. The match finally kick started after a discussion between the officials.
The heavy downpour, which continued until end of the game did not help the exchanges. The players from both schools could not carry on their game plan.
In the 20 minute of the game, Thomians had a chance of opening the scoring after Wesley was penalised for collapsing the scrum. But Ashvantha Herath fluffed the 25-metre penalty.
In the 30 minute of the game, off a three-quarter move by Thomian centre Shavin Nanayakkara made the finishing touches to a move initiated from Wesley 22. Dion Dias converted.
S. Thomas took the lead at breather 7-0.
In the turn around the downpour came worse. Referee again had a conversation with the match officials and both coaches to call off the match. There was a question on visibility due to semi darkness. But after discussion, the match was worked out under flood lights.
Winger Dion Dias and number eight Sachitra Jayathilake scored for Thomians in the second half. Both tries were converted by Dias himself.
Many spectators thronged to the ground, to witness a great game of rugby, but it was not to be, mainly due to inclement weather.
At the end, Thomians ended the first round maintaining their unbeaten record intact.