Gutsy Thomians continue winning streak

By Shamseer Jaleel

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia continued their unbeaten run and good form this year when they edged out their rivals Royal 21-15 for the Michael Gunaratne trophy thanks to a last minute try by Naveen Henakakanamge. The Thomians regained this trophy after their win three years ago.

The gutsy Thomians prevailed at last after Royal led 15-14 with a couple of minutes to go for the final blast from referee Irshard Cader. It was none other than the Thomian winger Henakankanamge who broke free not only for his second try but also the match-winning one as well.

This was the 52nd encounter between the two schools. Though Royal led 10-7 at the short breather, the Thomians hit back in the second half through some powerful runs down the wing. Royal had the edge in forward play in the initial half but the lads from Mount Lavinia were far superior in their three quarter move. They have one more trophy in two weeks time when they lock horns with Trinity at Pallekele in their Canon De Seram trophy encounter which commenced in 1978 between the two leading Christian institutions in the country.

Science too continued their unbeaten run in the Singer League 2016 when two hat trick tries by Ashan Maumadawa and Udesh Madushanka helped the Mount Lavinia school outclass the Rajans in a one-sided affair at Ratmalana.

The Petrites had a narrow escape when they overcame a spirited Antonian outfit at the Nittawela rugby grounds last weekend. The Peterites though played well in patches but they lacked finishes in their three quarter move. On the other hand Katugastota Antonians defended well but still ended on the losing side for the third consecutive week in the Singer League. They lost to Science, Isipathana in their earlier encounters.

Wesley, after two difficult outings against two strong teams in the Singer League 2016 Trinity and Royal, got their first win on board when they edged out Joes 17-10. Wesley who did well in this game will need to keep their focus in the next two games as well in order to end on top four to qualify for the Cup segment in the second round. With already Trinity, S. Thomas’ and Royal leading the way, there will be only one spot available and the battle will be between Joes and Wesley.

Isipathana continued showing their intentions when they outclassed Kingswood in a one-sided affair 53-5. They had an easy outing leading all the way from scrums, line outs and rucks

Trinity improved in their performance compared to the earlier two games against Wesley and Joes. Their first game in Colombo, Trinity lived up to expected standards when they went passed D. S. Senanayake College in a 11-try blitz where the wooden spoons team in the tournament did not have any answer. Unbeaten Trinity will have two tough outings coming their way against S. Thomas’ (Canon De Seram Trophy) and Royal (Bradby Shield first leg).