Thomians prevail in a thriller

• S. Thomas 32 points
• St. Anthony’s 25 points

By Shamseer Jaleel

Thomians registered their first win this season when they beat the Antonians by 32 points (four tries, three conversions, two penalties) to 25 points (three tries, two conversions, two penalties) at the Havelock Park yesterday. This encounter was played for Father Angelo Rosati Memorial shield.

At the short breather Thomians led 15/10.

The game was played at a hectic pace with both teams dishing out some good bran of open rugby. Thomians did well to convert their territory advantage in to points but the Antonians lacked finishing touches for majority of their super moves. After an equal first half by both sides things started to change and the pace of the game too changed with the replacement scrum half, Malith Perera of the Mount Lavinia outfit coming in. 

The nippy scrum half combined well with their forwards and three-quarter line. Thomian skipper, Chariya Kurukulasuriya and Yehan Bulathsinhalage both had grand outings at this encounter.  Meanwhile the Antonians play maker was none other than their fly half, Shahan Keerthisiri who had a magnificent outing. His kick to touch and conversions were accurate. 

Thomians drew first blood in the ninth minute of the game when their winger, Jaden Koch split the Antonian defense to touch down. Antonians hit back through a dandy try by Somitha Dissanayake which was converted by him to take the lead 7/5 in their favor. Keerthisiri penalty took Antonians further ahead at 10/5. Yehan Bulathsinhalage reduced the gap with their first penalty. Viyaan de Silva dummied his way for the Thomians 2nd try to take the lead at 15/10. 

With five minutes into half time an unruly spectator who threatened Assistant Referee, Raveen Alexander was removed from the ground. This drama spoilt the party with five minutes. On stroke of half time Yehan had time for one more penalty for the hosts.

After the turn around, Thomians scored through Shanal Fernando and Malith Perera both were converted by Yehan Bulathsinhalage. For the Katugastota lads they scored through skipper, Jeyan Amarasinghe and Sahan Keerthisiri. One of the conversions was accurate along with a solitary second half penalty.

Both teams received a few yellow cards but referee Gihan Yatawara had full control of the game.