St. Joseph’s overcome Wesley in thriller in semi-darkness

St. Joseph’s College came out victorious against Wesley in an entertaining second semi-final thriller of the Dialog Schools Rugby knockout tournament 2022 after the regular time score read 13 points apiece at Havelock Park on Sunday.

The match went into extra time of 5-1-5 with the side making the first scoring to be declared winners. The Josephians in the first session of extra time got an opportunity after being offered a penalty but failed to capitalize.

The second five minutes of extra time too saw the sides digging deep in fading light. With two minutes away from the extended end the Josephians was again offered a penalty and a Wesley player being sin binned, but centre Ruchitha Rodrigo’s kick struck the post and play continued.

However, in the last-minute Ruchitha Rodrigo booted over another penalty offered which ensured the Josephian ticket to the final.

It was the Wesleyites who drew first blood in the seventh minute through an unconverted try by winger Nithila Rodrigo which stood the score at the short whistle.

On resumption the Josephians took over the lead within 15 minutes with back to back penalties by fly half Dilhara Subash.

Playing under soggy conditions the Josephians extended the lead in the 22^nd minute with prop forward Jehan Athukorala going over for a try and Dilhara Subash adding the extra points.

Wesley undeterred and time running out they gave their opponents some anxious moments that ended in them forcing a penalty with which fly half Shaveen Jayawardena made no mistake.

It seemed the penalty came in too late, but the skipper and full back Tharusha Jayaweera in a last ditch effort had the Wesley supporters delighted when he scored a peach of a try down the left corner flag.

The corner flag conversion as expected went astray and the score stood at 13 points apiece at the end of regular time.

Referee – R. Alexander