St. Joseph’s prevail with close win

St. Joseph’s College were made to fight hard by Science College, Mount Lavinia before pulling off a close 20 points to 14 points victory in their Under-19 Inter-Schools Rugby Tournament encounter played at Longden Place.

The Josephians having taken a 15-9 lead at the breather made up their points through a goal, two tries and a penalty against a try and three penalties scored by Science College.

The Josephians drew first blood in the very first minute with wing three quarter Tharindu Maduranga going over for an unconverted try.

But Science College reduced the deficit with Hasaranga Mudalige booting over a penalty four minutes later. 

A minute later, Hasaranga surprised the Josephians when he booted over another penalty for Science College to take over the lead. 

But that was short-lived as the Josephians playing with more cohesion were awarded a penalty for an infringement and fly half Santush Algama made no mistake with the kick.

Skipper and number eight Tharindu de Alwis increased the lead when he went over for a try in the 20th minute.

Algama added the extra points and the Josephians led 15-6 before Akash Madusanka booted Science College’s third penalty two minutes away from the short whistle (15-9).

On resumption, the Josephians missed an opportunity of further increasing their lead when a penalty was fluffed in the 12th minute but they made amends four minutes later with Skipper Tharindu going over for his second try.

Science College provided some anxious moments to their opponents before they penetrated the Josephian defence through Tharindu Dhananjaya. 

The conversion went awry and the Josephians managed to secure a win with a six point margin.

Referee: Dinka Peiris