Schools’ under-20 Singer League rugby:

Trinity edge out Isipathana 23-20

Anuradha ABEYSEKERA

Trinity College, Kandy beat Isipathana College, Colombo by 23 points to 20 after stiff contest in their under-20 Singer League segment-I ‘A’ division match, worked off at the CR and FC grounds, Longden Place yesterday. Trinity score consisted of a goal, two tries and two penalties while Isipathana tally comprised a try and five penalties. Winger Lochana Girihagama, flanker Randika Alwis and full back Sanchana Shiek scored a try each with center Thisila Karunatilleke put over two penalties and the conversion for the winners. Pathanian winger Isanga Panchama scored the only try for the losers with fly half Hirantha Perera fired across their all five penalties.

Pathanians opened the account first with Hirantha’s penalty from the left side but soon answered by Trinity’s Thisila putting over a penalty to equal the scores. Hirantha added his second penalty after awhile to regain the lead. Thisila missed a penalty when opponent’s Senal Deelaka was given a yellow card before Hirantha executed his third penalty to increase Isipathana lead (9-3). Thisila reduced the gap with another penalty (6-9) but Hirantha widened the gap firing off his fourth penalty after Trinity flanker Umesh Samarasekera was issued a yellow card. Trinity winger Lochana scored the first try of the match just before the short whistle, reducing the gap to a one point. Pathanians were leading at half time (12-11).

Eventhough Pathanians seemed to be strong in the first half Kandy lads tuned up to an aggressive rhythm from the beginning of the second half after flanker Randika touched down from the left corner with Thisila adding the extra points with successful conversion.

Trinity gained the control of the game (18-12) and their full back Sanchana penetrated the rival’s defence and touched down to increase the margin (23-12). Isipathana winger Isanga broke the Kandy defence to score their only try but Hirantha failed to grab extra points with the conversion.

Pathanians fought hard in the latter part of the match, putting over back to back penalties after two Trinitians, Randika Alwis and Heshan Maldeniya were issued yellow cards, but were not fortunate enough to win the game. Kandy boys missed two consecutive penalties, but never allowed their opponents to make inroads to the game. They win the match with a narrow three-point margin.