Thomians continue their unbeaten run

By Shamseer Jaleel

S. Thomas’ = 23 points

Trinity = 20 points

Thomians kept their unbeaten record intact in the Singer league 2016 when they brought down another unbeaten team, Trinity 23/20 in a tense second half battle where the visitors scored two back-to-back tries to grab the game plus the Canon de Saram trophy after a lapse of three years.

Trinitians kept the Thomians under pressure most part of the first half but failed to score any points during this period. Home team though had ample territorial advantage failed to convert them into points. They missed two easy penalties plus one try scoring opportunity due to poor ball handling in the first 25 minutes of play.

The player who caught every single spectator was the lightning fast Trinity winger, Geeshanth Pethiyagoda and his opposite number Kankanamge. Both of them were threatening in their moves and most likely to score on every given opportunity. 

Geeshanth lacked support but Thomian winger Kankanamge broke free in the later half with some lightning pace moves. Trinity skipper Rahul Karunathilake who got a “yellow” was followed with another high tackle on a Thomian player. He was later on Red carded. He will miss out the first leg of the Bradby Shield on 30 April at the Royal Sports complex.

Thomians on their part never gave up with 15 minutes to go they were 3/15 down. But then came the onslaught with two tries by winger Heenakankanmge and one by Ashwin Herath sealed the game for the gritty Thomians who claimed all trophies came their way starting from the School Sevens, Lady Jayathilake shield, Michael Gunaratne trophy and Canon de Saram trophy. 

Thomians, after their win against Trinity, regained the Canon de Saram trophy after a 3 year wait 

Pathana continue 

unbeaten run

Isipathana = 36 points 

St. Peter’s = 21 points 

Meanwhile Isipathana sent out a warning to the other two unbeaten sides (S. Thomas’ and Science) in the league when they went passed the confident Peterites 36/21, continued their unbeaten run in the league. After leading 17 to 5 at the short breather. Isipathana scored 6 tries with the Peterites replied with 3 plus 2 penalties.

Wesley outclass DS 

Wesley = 64 points 

DS = 12 points 

Wesley kept their hopes alive for the second round with a top 4 ending when they secured their second win this season when they outclassed D.S. Senanayake College by 64/12 in a 10 try blitz which the opponents could reply only with two tries. Wesley is tipped to move forward for the Cup segment along with S. Thomas’, Royal and Trinity. 

Science continue winning form 

Science = 53 points 

Kingswood = 5 points 

Science too continued their unbeaten run when they outplayed Kingswood with an half a century plus (53/5) win over the Randles Hill school who are going through a terrible season yet to get off their mark. Science College will be tested fully this week when they play their last group encounter against Isipathana. Science scored freely by planting 8 tries with the home team replying only with a single touchdown. 

Antonians edge out Rajans 

St. Anthony’s = 31 points 

Dharmaraja = 23 points 

Antonians at last tasted win when they edges out Rajans, 31/23 before leading 22/8 at the short breather. There will be a close call between these two team for the top 4 ending with one game each to come their way. Antonians will have a better chance playing last placed Kingswood while the Rajans will have a daunting task in bringing down the Peterites in a do or die battle to go forward in the Cup segment.

Joes hold Royal in a thrilling draw 

St. Joseph’s =27 points 

Royal = 27 points 

Royal avoided a near disaster before the Bradby first leg when they came from behind to level scores at 27 apiece. Joes led the game till the 60th minute very comfortably by 27/15 later on missed out on a win with Royal making a major second half comeback. But still Joes could have won provided they converted the two penalties in the last five minutes of the game.