Antonians too hot for Kingswood to handle

St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, continued with their glimmer of hope of qualifying for the Super Round when they beat Kingswood College by 26 points (four tries, three conversions) to 10 points (one try, one conversion, one penalty) at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele today.

Both teams missed out on scoring opportunities due to poor ball handling in the first half. The Antonians, who took time to settle, missed out twice on crossing the try line, while the Kingswoodians missed out on a solitary try in the initial half.

The boys from Randles Hill put over a penalty in the 17th minute of the game to draw first blood. Antonians got their act together in the 22nd minute of the game through a beautiful three-quarter move with Randeer Perera joining the line. Sahan Keerthisiri added the extras. Imanka Ishara missed out on a penalty conversion.

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At lemons, the Antonians led 7-3. After the turnaround, the Antonians looked the better side, touching down through Rakesh Pillai, Roshen Kumara, and Thisara Galanga. Two of them were converted by Sahan Keerthisiri.

Kingswood’s number 8, Ishan Inoon, touched down their solitary try, which was converted by skipper Imanka Ishara. Hasantha Weranga officiated the game.

The Antonians, who collected a bonus point, will need to beat S. Thomas’ College in their final encounter while also expecting D.S. Senanayake College beat St. Joseph’s College in the other encounter in order to qualify as the second-best team after Isipathana. But for the time being, they are in contention for the Super Round along with D.S. and the Thomians. (Shamseer Jaleel)