Sports - Trinity hang on to dump Patana

Trinity hung on for dear life in the second half to register a close 17 points (1 goal, 2 tries) to 13 (a goal, 2 penalties) win over Issipathana at Bogambara yesterday.

There was no hint of the drama to come as the Lions ran up a comfortable 17-7 lead at half time. The initial half was dominated by Trinity, and more particularly by skipper Imalka Maddumapatabendi who ran in three tries.

Imalka first scored as early as the fifth minute when, as a result of some power-play by the forwards, the entire Issipathana pack was pushed away like so many leaves in the wind. Kirinde converted for that early lead.

The Patanians stormed back at once. Their forwards grabbed the ball off a Trinity put in near the line and the ball went down to winger Kasun Gamage who touched down. Reza converted well. (7-7)

Maddumapatabendi made a break off a short tap for his next try (12-7). His third effort came after a series of short tops and been taken close to the line. This try too went unconverted (17-7).

Trinity’s dominance of the first half was reflected in the scoreline. Issipathana was always under pressure but to their credit they tackled well abort many dangerous situations.

Issipathana were transformed after Lemons and attacked the Trinity line furiously. In their anxiety they tries drop kicks from way out, grabbed that were wasted and their handling at crucial stages let them down. Skipper Ashan de Costa was terrific whenever he ran with the ball. Number eight Sajith Saranga made a superb break that covered about 40 yards. Fly half Niroshan Fernando too tried his utmost to pierce the Trinity defence.

Trinity entered the Issipathana twenty five only on two occasions in this half. Kenneth Jacobs, their fly half, made a natty break and gained around twenty yards.

Reza’s two penalties conversions were all, the scoring done in this half. Issipathana’s back division was not afraid of running the ball but this was not their day. Trinity probably had more possession from the scrums.

Not to be outdone, the Trinity back division too had their moments when they showed some speed and thrust. All told, the home team, though not setting on their lead, could not add to their tally. But they had done just enough to thwart the Colombo side. Referee – Aruna Jayasekera