Trinity smash Rajans to keep Super Round hopes alive
Trinity College kept their hopes alive to reach the Super Round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 with a smashing 40-14 win against Dharmaraja College at Pallekele yesterday. In an encounter where both teams showcased their skills in possession, it was hosts Trinity who took the upper hand, recording a crucial bonus point win.
Their tally of six tries was sufficient to keep their hopes alive for entering the Super Round from their group. However, the outcome of today’s decider between table toppers Isipathana College and S. Thomas’ College will ultimately determine their path forward.
If Isipathana secures their seventh win today, Trinity will become the second team from the group to reach the next stage. Conversely, if the Thomians manage to upset the unbeaten Green Machine, it would mark the end of the road for the Lions.
Trinity posted six tries in their quest to reach the next level
Yesterday, the Rajans were surprisingly challenging, making it difficult for Trinity to contain them when in possession. But Trinity was even more formidable when they had control. They marched to a comfortable 19-0 lead at halftime and ended with a tally of six tries and five conversions, compared to Dharmaraja’s two converted tries.
Trinity lost their playmaker and skipper Anuhas Kodituwakku early on due to a dangerous tackle just five minutes into the game. Despite this setback, Dharmaraja managed to prevent Trinity from scoring initially, but Trinity eventually broke through with three successful rolling mauls. No. 8 Thisanga Dissanayake scored the first try in the 19th minute, followed by identical tries from lock Dinusha Peiris in the 29th minute and prop Yasiru Ariyawansa in the 34th minute. Fullback Shan Altaf, who played a key role in creating openings for Trinity, successfully converted the first two tries, giving Trinity a solid lead at the break.
In the second half, Trinity added three more tries. Centre Shrayan Sateeshkumar scored in the 37th minute, with a conversion by Altaf. Dharmaraja retaliated with a
try from flanker Prabuddika Madushanka in the 48th minute, and flyhalf Sadeersha Weerawansa added the conversion, making the score 7-26.
Lock Dinusha Peiris scored his second try in the 54th minute, following another successful rolling maul. With centre Rushen Bandaranayake’s conversion, Trinity extended their lead to 33-7. They then demonstrated the strength of their backs in the 65th minute with a well-executed move, ending with fullback Yevan Hulangamuwa diving for a try in the far left. Altaf’s successful conversion from a difficult angle stretched Trinity’s lead to 40-7.
In the dying minutes of the game, Dharmaraja regained some momentum, with winger Vihanga Yapa scoring a try and Weerawansa adding the conversion,
ending the game at 40-14.