Four-try Kavindana hurts Pathana hopes
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Wesley were clinical in their effort against Isipathana - Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
Some blistering running by Wesley’s wing three quarter Kavindana Perera set the pace to hand out a 29 points (2 goals, 3 tries) to 18 (3 tries, a penalty) defeat to a terribly lack-lustre Isipathana team at Havelok Park yesterday.
The start gave no indication of Pathana’s fall from grace. Center Ramitha de Silva did a neat run to escape the clutches of the defenders and score. This was unconverted.
For the next fifteen minutes or so, it was all Wesley. They handled the ball very well, were aggressive in intent and willing runners. They spotted tiny chinks in the defence and sent their ‘wonder-boy’ Kavindana Perera on his way to score the first four tries. Perera certainly had speed, and the defence was helpless when he set off, ball in hand.
Isipathana, at this stage, were quite perplexed and seemed to have no answer to the swift running of the Wesley back division. Isipathana did try a couple of times to break through but they were up against some terrific tackling. Wesley’s speed on the ball and the marking were impressive.
Isipathana’s danger-man Manelka Ruberu had an off-day. The situation was such that an attempted conversion by him in front of the posts was charged down by two defenders. Wesley certainly played as a team, that was the essential difference. Pathana was over reliant on Ruberu. Give the ball to Ruberu and he will do the job seemed to be the thinking.
Both teams scored twice in the second half. Akinda Gammanpila leapt in the air pulled the ball down and went over. A substitute who had come on hacked at the ball and missed. The ball was picked up by winger Nadin Basik who had a clear run to the line.
Pathana’s passing left a lot to be desired. A certain try was missed as the pass to the winger went out into touch. There was also a dropped pass or two. In contrast, Wesley’s handling was spot on. Their short snappy passes followed by their speedy advances put the home team on the defensive. This was Wesley’s third win. Watching this display of quick passing and sleek running, one can well understand how the boys in light blue and dark blue were able to defeat the Thomians and earn their spot in the last four.
Two Wesley players blotted the team’s copy book by receiving yellow cards for rough play.
Referee: Pradeep Weranga.