By Sandun Kodithuwakku

D. S. Senanayake College missed out a golden opportunity of creating a major upset when they went down fighting 24-25 against Isipathana College in a thrilling Singer Inter-Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament first-round match played at Havelock Park on Wednesday (07).     

Isipathana collected their points from four tries, one conversion and one penalty while D. S. Senanayake responded with four tries, two conversions after having led 17-12 at half time.

D. S. Senanayake planted their fourth and deciding try of the match during the last few minutes of the game when their dynamic scrum half C.T. Kalhara broke through the blind side and barged over to score a spectacular try to make it 25-24 in favour of the home side.

However, to the dismay of D. S. Senanayake fans, number eight H. D. Hemasiri fluffed the vital conversion and with that their chances of recording a stunning victory simply disappeared.  

Earlier, Isipathana drew first blood in the 10th minute when their centre and Skipper Manika Rubery broke through the blind side after covering nearly 30 metres before giving out fabulous offload to winger Ravindu Anjula who touched down near the right corner flag.

In the 17th minute, D. S. Senanayaka number eight Hemasiri collected a ball and set their line in motion where the ball passed into several hands from fly half V. Akalanka who sprinted his way through to score far right and Hemasiri made the conversion to take the score to 7-7.

Within a couple of minutes D. S. Senanayake took back the lead when they moved the ball wide from right to left where ball changed several hands and finally number eight Hemasiri dived over for a try near the left corner flag. Hemasiri missed the conversion and D. S. Senanayake led 12-7.

In the 24th minute Isipathana scored again, when winger R. H. de Silva crashed through for a try. But Ravindu Anjula missed the conversion.

One minute before the half time T. Kulasekara scampered through and when challenged offloaded to Ruberu who crashed through three defenders to touch down for a brilliant try.

In the 11th minute of the second half D. S. Senanayake scored again through their speedy number eight Hemasiri who darted across the left flank to score a fantastic try near the left corner flag. Hemasiri made a spectacular touch line conversion to increase the lead to 19-17.

Soon after, Isipathana number eight Anjula put over a 25 metre penalty to snatch the lead to 20-19.

In the 60th minute, Isipathana’s Anjula scored his second try after he darted across the left flank to score a fantasist try near the left corner flag. Ravindu made the conversion to take the score to 25-19.

Referee: Aaqil Jamaldeen