The clouds were gleaming black and gold at Havelock park after a sturdy DS lineup managed to outrun their arch rivals Mahanama College 46-09 and re gain the “Gold” trophy for the 8th successive year.

 VISIT SCHOOLS RUGBY HUB 

At half time scores read 27 – 09 in favor of the Dons.

The 11th edition of the battle of the golds’ worked its way under bright lights amidst a packed stadium at Havelock Park. Mahanama College who underwent a ghastly season stepped in to the game with hopes of clinching the silverware which they had not seen since 2009. Things flowed in favor for Mahanama in the start as they earned themselves a penalty in the DS 30 meter mark in the first minute of play, but unfortunately Madhushanka failed to get the kick through the posts. From there on it was the robust DS forwards who strode across and gained territory. Quick hands worked after a quick tap penalty saw No.8 Hasitha Hemasiri cross over the line to add the first points on the board for DS. Hemasiri converted his own try to give DS a lead of 07 – 00.

D.S Senanayake who tried to play fancy rugby in their own red line paid the price by gifting a penalty to the opposition. Mahanama made no mistake in booting the ball through the posts to reduce the lead. (Mahanama 03 – DS 07)

DS Senanayaka had multiple scoring opportunities as the game progressed but egoistic play prevented them from doing so. Post a mid-field scrum DS worked the ball through their 3 quarters and a nip offload from the scrumhalf saw fly half Shimar dive across the touch line for an unconverted try. (Mahanama 03 – DS 12)

A couple of minutes later the vibrant No.8 Hasitha Hemasiri scored another try for his team and took their lead up further (Mahanama 03 – DS 17)

The Donz dominated the set piece plays and kept the ball mingling in the opposition’s territory. Not too far from the first quarter of play another scoring line opened up for DS through their center Wijesiri who picked up a loose ball and touched down for an unconverted try (Mahanama 03 – DS 22)

The forwards of DS who a had a good game showcased their dominance when flanker Rathnayaka powered himself through the Mahanama defense line to score. Hemasiri misjudged the conversion. (Mahanama 03 – DS 27)

Things did not click for the Mahanamians as their set plays were countered by the Donz. But despite that Just before half shows Mahanama managed to put in two penalties through the boots of Madhushanka which gave them a somewhat relief when they went in for half time.

Half Time – Mahanama 09 – DS Senanayake 27

Sturdy defense and quick hand play from Mahanama pushed back the Donz in the beginning of the second half. But the showstopper Hemasiri had his way through when he broke through a ruck and jumped across the line to score his hat-trick try. The young lad added the extras as well which increased the lead for DS. (Mahanama 09 – DS 34)

Skipper Gevin Perera of DS fought hard as he kept on bursting the Mahanama defense line continuously, but sadly DS could not come up with the finishes and convert them to points. 60 minutes down the clock the points door once again opened for the Donz when Samarawickrama ran over for an unconverted try. (Mahanama 09 – DS 39)

DS kept on pressuring the oppositions throughout the later part by playing free fast rugby and managed to add another try through their No.6 Samarawickrama. Hemasiri added the two points which eventually sealed the deal for DS. DS Senanayake who had a rough start in the beginning of the league managed to eventually end the season on a satisfactory note whereas Mahanama could not match up the opposition’s playing skills were left in bereavement.

Full Time – Mahanama 09 (3P) – 46 (8T, 3C,) DS Senanayake

ThePapare player of the match – Hasitha Hemasiri (DS Senanayake College)

  • Match Referee – Deepal Udawattha

The winning skipper Gevin Perera expressed his elation following the win, “It was a hard season for us. But after Mothilal Sir took over the side we kept on progressing game after game. This victory is indeed special for us and I want to thank my team, parents Old boys and the school staff who all contributed towards this”

The Score Breakdown

DS Senanayake College 46 (27) 8T, 3C
Tries: H. Hemasiri (3) W. Samarawickrama (2) V Wijesiri, M Shimar
Conversion: H. Hemasiri (3C)

Mahanama College 09 (09) 3P
Penalty: M. Madhushanka