Joes enjoy hunting at Ratmalana
St. Joseph's raked up their second win of the season - Pic by M.A. Pushpakumara
St. Joseph’s College recorded a comfortable 47-9 win against Thurstan College in their Dialog Schools Rugby League match played at Air Force grounds in Ratmalana yesterday. Despite leading by only 12-6 at halftime, the Josephians pulled away in the second half, displaying their superior skills and strategy.
This match was a clear demonstration of the Darley Road School’s rugby prowess, as they outclassed Thurstan in every department. The Josephians’ ability to maintain pressure and convert opportunities into points was key to their triumph. Thurstan, despite their early efforts, could not match the physicality and skill of their opponents.They scored from seven tries and six conversions, against the three penalties put over by Thurstan.
St. Joseph’s performance yesterday highlighted their potential as serious contenders in the Dialog Schools Rugby League. Their well-coordinated forward play, accurate kicking, and effective defence were all instrumental in securing this decisive victory. As the tournament progresses, other teams will undoubtedly be wary of facing such a well-drilled and formidable side.
Thurstan started strong, with centre Lesandu Athukorale converting a 35-metre penalty in the third minute to give the home side an early 3-0 lead. However, St. Joseph’s quickly responded. In the eighth minute, prop forward Shehan Manuda touched down after a powerful forward push, with fullback Beeshma Jayasekara adding the conversion to put the Josephians ahead 7-3.
The game remained competitive in the early stages. Thurstan’s fullback Nethupul Lasanda narrowed the gap with a penalty kick in the 14th minute, bringing the score to 7-6. However, St. Joseph’s maintained their lead, scoring another try in the 26th minute through second row Hemish Gamage, with fullback Beeshma Jayasekara again adding the extra points to make it 12-6. The first half concluded with both teams showing resistance and grit.
The second half was a different story, as St. Joseph’s took full control. Prop forward Shehan Manuda scored another try shortly after the resumption, and centre Ivano White added the extra points, extending their lead to 19-6. Ten minutes later, prop forward Induwara Rodrigo scored another try, with centre White converting to make it 26-6.
The Josephians secured a bonus point in the 58th minute when flanker Pramod Perera touched down under the posts. White’s reliable kicking added the extra points, further extending their lead to 33-6. Thurstan managed to add three points through another penalty kick by Lasanda, but it was little more than a consolation as St. Joseph’s continued their dominance.
Hooker Mindulka Perera, who had been outstanding throughout the game, scored the fifth try for St. Joseph’s following a rolling maul. White’s accurate kicking added another two points, making it 33-9. Vice-captain and second row Janith Marasinghe then crossed the whitewash in the 69th minute, and with White’s conversion, the score moved to 40-9.
The final try came in the dying stages of the game, with scrum half Senithu Eran evading several tackles to score under the posts. White completed a perfect kicking performance, sealing a comprehensive 47-9 victory for St. Joseph’s