Sports - Kingswood find their feet

Defending schools “A” division champions Kingswood College, who were under pressure to perform well after their dismal performances in their first two games got back into rhythm when they completely dominated and outclassed S. Thomas’ by 43 points (5 Goals, 1 Try and 1 Penalty) to 12 points (1 Goal and 1 Try) at Police Park yesterday.

At the short breather the winners led 24-7.

Though Kingswood won this was not a complete performance. They looked dangerous when allowed to attack, but missed at least 4 try scoring opportunities with poor ball handling.

On the other hand Thominas made mistake after mistake with their ill disciplined in ball handling and the inability to last the pace for 60 minutes. Though their forwards played their hearts out with skipper Yoshitha Rajapakse leading from the front, their three quarters let them down with poor passing and tackling, which allowed the opponents to punch gaping holes on their defence.

Kingswood drew first blood in the very first minute of the game with flanker Aravindhu Udangamuwa going over for a try. Dev Anand was on target with the conversion. In the 10th minute of the game Thominas hit back through nippy scrum half Thianka Bulankulame who covered nearly 40 meters to score under the posts. Sadeeva Dharmadasa was on target to equalize the scores. Next 15 minutes saw even exchanges between the two sides with the Thomians dominating territory but lacking the finishing touches.

Afterwards Kingswood came back through prop forward Peumal Manchanayake who brushed aside a few defenders for a magnificent forwards try. Once again Dev Anand was on target to take the lead 14-7. Two minutes latter Kingswood centre Chamidu Bandara dashed through to score after the Thominas fail to find touch. Dev who had a fine field day was on target to take 21-7 lead. On the stroke of half time Dev Anand was on target with a 30 meter penalty to take a 24-7 lead at “Lemons”.

In the second half Kingswood pilled up 3 more tries through Roshan Weeraratne, Asela Abeysinghe and Gayan Weeraratne. The Thominas scored a push over try courtesy Rohitha Rajapakse.

Referee Nizam Jamaldeen

In the junior games St Thomas’ won the under 16 and under 14 with Kingswood winning the under 12 battle.