Joes prevail over Trinity in try fiesta

By Shamzeer Jaleel in Pallekele

A pulsating second half display enabled St. Joseph’s College to overcome Trinity College by 32 points (2 goals, 3 tries, 1 penalty) to 25 (5 tries) in their Singer Under 19 league rugby encounter played at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele yesterday. At the breather Trinity led 15/10.

The game was played at a hectic pace with the Trinitians dominating proceedings early on. Joes took time to settle down. In lose play Trinity stood out in the early part of the game. After the turnaround Joes looked a much different outfit with Tharindu De Alwis and Gemunu Chethiya excelling. They split the Trinity defence with some powerful runs. For Trinity winger Vishwa Ranaraja, skipper Avishka Sheik, centre Warren Weerakoon stood out. On attack Warren gained much needed ground for the home team. In the second half Trinity replacement, Zaid Faizal landed some superb cover tackles which kept the visitors from scoring freely.

Joes drew first blood in the 12th minute when Trinity were penalized for a high tackle. Fly half, Santhush Algama was on target with the 25 metre penalty. But Trinity hit back immediately when their prop forward, Pravinda Wijethilake went over off a forwards rush. Four minutes later Trinity scored their second try through flanker Mohamed Ikram. Joes came back through their winger, Akila Shan who scored a try which was converted by Santhush to draw level. On stroke of half time it was Trinity winger Vishwa Ranaraja who in an exhibition of individual brilliance covered nearly 40 meters to touch down.

After the turn around Joes ran the ball wide and thereby created gaps in the Trinity defence. Trinity missed a number of first tackles which allowed the three quarters a free run. Joes equalized through Nimesh Kavinda and then a try by Kavinda Keshan took them to a 20/15 lead. But Vishva Ranaraja's second try equalized the scores at 20 apiece. Thereafter through a three-quarter move Avishka Sheik handed off a few defenders before touching down for a try and taking the lead 25/20. Trinity's place kicking was a pathetic site. Arguably the player of the game Gemun Chethiya and Tharindu De Alwis scored a try a piece to give the Joes to a 7 point lead.

Referee Rohan Fernando

St. Joseph's won the Under 16 game 24/7 while took the Under 18 encounter Trinity 10/5.

Kingswood in easy win

Kingswood beat S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia by 24 points (2 goals, 2 tries) to 05 (1 try) in another game of the same tournament at Digana yesterday. At the breather Kingswood led 19/5.