Vidyartha edges out Joes in a thriller

Vidyartha skipper Gayan Perera makes powerful run to score a try

By Shamseer Jaleel

Vidyartha kicked off the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 in grand style when they edged out the much fancied St. Joseph’s College by 27 points (3 tries, 3 conversions, 2 penalties) to 22 points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) win at Havelock Park yesterday.

At the short breather scores were deadlocked at 17 apiece.

It was a game between the Joes forwards and Vidyartha for three quarters. Vidartha’s three quarters were lightning fast with skipper Gayan Perera, Deshan Balasooriya and Tharusha Piyarathne being outstanding. For Joes Ivarno White and Marasinghe played well.

Tharusha Piyarathne scored for the Vidyartha with Kumara adding the extra 2 points while Joes replied through White penalty. Joes took the lead through their burly prop, Induruwa Rodrigo try and Jayasekera converted to take the lead. But the Kandy school hit back on the stroke of half time through Tharusha Piyarathne’s second try and Kumara’s conversion to take the short breather at 17 apiece.

After the turn around Skipper Gayan Perera scored a sensational 50 meter running try. Kumara added the extra 2 points. Joes hit back through Vishika Fernando try. Ivano missed the conversion. The game going into its last 2 minutes saw Vidyartha putting over a difficult 40 meter penalty by Kumara for a winning start by the Dark Horse of the tournament who are all out to topple a few more much fancied sides this season.

Referee was Gihan Yatawara.