Asoka win inaugural rugby big match vs President’s
View(s):The inaugural rugby encounter between Asoka College and President’s College, Rajagiriya was played at Ananda College rugby ground last Saturday, launching what would be an annual fixture for both teams.
Both teams played for the Maroon Shield, the coveted title up for grabs as Asoka College won the first ever encounter by 19-5 against their rivals. Asoka scored through three tries and two conversions, while President’s had the consolation of scoring from an unconverted try.
After 13 minutes Asoka launched their onslaught, as they took the honour of scoring the first try of the maiden rugby big match, through flyhalf Dewmith Lakpathi, who ran through the President’s defence, evading two tackles, after receiving the ball from a ruck. The conversion also made by the try-scorer himself.
Centre Nishara Roshan entered the frame in the 17th minute, as he put President’s on the board with an unconverted try, as they trailed Asoka by 5-7. The scores remained the same with Asoka holding on to the lead by 7-5 at halftime, promising an exciting second half.
But it was Asoka all the way, as they added two more tries to the tally, while preventing their opponents from adding any points during the second half. Hooker Nethunga Nanayakkara braced a try off a driving maul as Asoka extended their lead to 12-5 by the 47th minute following a failed conversion.
However Asoka had to resist the pressure from President’s during most of the remaining duration, but they eventually found a way to pierce through in the 70th minute. After seven pick-and-go attempts, flanker Sameen Lumansha found a loophole in the President’s defence to clear the try line. With Lakpathi’s successful conversion, Asoka further extended their lead to 19-5 moments before the long whistle was blown.
Despite losing the main game, President’s had the consolation of winning the Under-14 and Under-12 encounters. Asoka too played up to their potential, scoring twice in both games.
Forward Vihanga Pansilu scored a brilliant try for Asoka in the Under-12 game after receiving an offload from scrum half Sasath Sandiv. Skipper and fly half Adhil Ahamed, Thehas Bandara, Sanuj Nethuka and Mahisha Sadew too played their hearts out for Asoka.
The team officials of Asoka included Head Coach Hashan Fernando, master in-charge Wasantha Ratnasiri, Prefect of Games Sagarika Kulatunga, who were well supported by their Principal Buddhika Attanayake. The President’s officials were Head Coach Mohamed Ashrof and master in-charge Chanaka Sandaruwan, who had the backing of their Principal Mrs. H.B.S. Rupasinghe.
