Wesley College Colombo hosted Prince of Wales (POW) Moratuwa in their second outing of the league and would breathe a sigh of relief as they managed to secure a 28-10 victory with a bonus point, despite playing with a changed line up due to the ban slapped on some of their senior players by the SLSRFA disciplinary committee.
Prince of Wales, the rookies of this year’s schools league managed to put early pressure on the double blues who took time to settle down and get their bearings in a new look outfit that was forced to take the field sans their captain Denister Goonathilake. Cambrians parked themselves in the Welsley half in the opening few minutes of the game and managed to milk a penalty from an unorganized Wesley defence. Cambrian Nalin Tharanga who was entrusted with the kicking duties made no mistake bisecting the post and opened account with the conversion. POW 03 – 00 Wesley
The double blues had plenty of opportunity to respond with a score of their own but they had nobody but themselves to blame as the squandered plenty of opportunity due to unforced errors. However as the game went on Wesley’s relentless pressure had a telling effect on the POW defence as they gave away a penalty which resulted in a line out 10 meters away from the white line. A brilliantly executed front peel from the resulting lineout saw Z.Dole crossing the line for the first try of the game. Avishka Lee was not successful with the conversion. Avishka Lee however extended the lead when he managed to convert a penalty that came their way which allowed Wesley a 2 score cushion. POW 03 – 08 Wesley
With the lead on their side the skipper-less Wesley again went into a slumber and were seen letting Prince of Wales get hold of the momentum. The Cambrians despite lacking the size to match their counter parts however were not short when it came to the skills, game knowledge and the heart. Notably their senior players stepped up and played with heart leading a very young outfit. Skipper Premesh Fernando was a threat around the rucks and had a pin point accurate pass which covered over 20m at times while Heshan Thilakarathne who played Lock/ NO 8 was a strong ball carrier who made important yards whenever he carried.
Prince of Wales however were not able to convert the pressure they exerted on Wesley to points as the zum zum zakey boys were committed in defense and held their ground despite the Cambrians advances. Avantha Lee pounced on an opportunity in a counter attacking move to touchdown for the second try for the double blue. His brother Avishka failed to add the extras and Wesley went into half time POW 03 -13 Wesley
Half Time – POW 3 (1P) , Wesley 13 (2T, 1P)
Soon after the turn of sides Wesley were awarded a penalty when the when an over enthusiastic POW player was found playing in a offside position, taking no chances Avishka opted to kick for points and managed to add three more to their tally POW 03- 16 Wesley
Wesley forwards who did not turn up in the opening game against Trinity found their way in the second game as they were in charge of the opening try of the game and also got their act together to score the first try of the second half when flanker C. Aponsu crossed over for the double blues. Full back Jurampathi sparked a beautiful counter attacking move shortly afterwards and touched down for Wesley for the bonus point try, Avishka missed the first but was successful second time. POW 03 – 28 Wesley
Newcomers Prince of Wales need to be commended for their never say die attitude as they kept on fighting in the latter part of the second half despite having a negative point difference of 25 points. Nalin Tharanga the Cambrian full back was in sublime form as he was the go to man when it came to territorial kicking and showed real promise clearing from difficult positions. Tharanga also has to be commended on his commitment shown when chasing kicks and the fearless defensive attitude he showed. Cambrians managed to get a consolation try in the last move of the game through their flanker Hirushan Fernanado and the man of the match for POW Nalin Tharanga added the extras.
Campbell park boys on the other hand did look rattled initially without the senior players missing in their ranks but found their footing as the game progressed, securing an important bonus point victory. It was a blessing in disguise for Wesley as they managed to give a few of their upcoming under 16 players their first 1st XV starts due to the unavailability of the regulars and will definitely be a valuable investment for the future.
Full Time – POW 10 (1T,1C,1P) , Wesley 28 (4T,1C,2P)
ThePapare.com player of the match – Avishka Lee
Wesley – 28
Tries – Z.R Dole, Avantha Lee, C. Aponsu, Tharique Jurampathi
Conversions – Avishka Lee 1 Penalty – Avishka Lee 2
Prince of Wales – 10
Tries – Hirushan Fernando
Conversions – Nalin Tharanga
Penalty – Nalin Tharanga
