The cool city of Kandy heated up today at Nittawela Rugby Stadium, where the much-anticipated Plate Segment clash between the gritty St. Anthony’s College outfit and giant-killers Thurstan College unfolded. In a contest that lived up to its billing, the visitors edged out the hosts in a low-scoring thriller to secure a crucial away victory.
From the outset, the atmosphere was electric as the Antonians looked to assert their dominance on home turf. The hosts applied tremendous pressure on the visitors straight from the kickoff, pinning Thurstan deep inside their own territory. However, displaying the resilience that has defined their season, Thurstan absorbed the pressure brilliantly and managed to escape danger through a fine clearance kick.
- Antonians sink at Pallekele as Trinity Lions roar on their home soil
- Giant-killers, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala stun D. S. Senanayake in nail-biting season opener
- Thriller in the hills as Kingswood edge-out Science College in nail-biting battle
A few minutes later, the Thurstan brigade worked their way into the Antonian half, and an offside infringement by the hosts handed them an excellent attacking opportunity just 15 metres from the try line. After several phases of play, Thurstan spread the ball wide, only to be met by a resolute Antonian defensive line. However, Thurstan captain Nehad Sally appeared in a flash, hitting a superb running angle and slicing through a gap in the defence. Although an Antonian defender managed to get hold of him, Sally showed great determination to power over the whitewash for a spectacular opening try. Amindu Rajapaksha added an excellent conversion. (TC 07-00 SAC)
St. Anthony’s response, however, was immediate and clinical, as the visitors’ discipline came under scrutiny following a series of penalties conceded inside their own half. Just five minutes later, the Antonians made effective use of their forwards. The hosts earned a lineout around 10 metres from the try line and launched an excellent rolling maul. Although Thurstan’s forwards mounted a valiant resistance, front-rower Lakwin Manthilake barged over for St. Anthony’s first try. Fullback Daham Perera produced a superb conversion from the left touchline to level the scores. (TC 07-07 SAC)
During the final six minutes of the half, both sides had golden opportunities to score, but neither could capitalise. Thurstan knocked the ball on after reaching the try line, while the Antonians were penalised for going off their feet at a ruck when they were inches away from scoring. At the break, there was nothing to separate the two sides, with the teams heading into half-time locked at seven points apiece – a fair reflection of an evenly contested opening period.
Half-time: St. Anthony’s College Katugastota 07 (1T, 1C) – Thurstan College 07 (1T, 1C)
The second half began with both teams eager to break the deadlock and gain control of the contest. Attacks were traded at either end, but disciplined defensive displays ensured the scoreboard remained unchanged for the opening 15 minutes of the half.
The Antonians eventually launched a promising attack and steadily made valuable ground, lifting the hopes of the home supporters who had gathered in large numbers. Their persistence paid off as the forwards engaged in a prolonged series of pick-and-drive phases. The sustained pressure finally yielded results, with Dinuka Jayasundara crossing for the hosts’ second try to the left of the posts and giving St. Anthony’s the lead. However, the conversion attempt struck the left upright and bounced away, proving to be a costly miss. (TC 07-12 SAC)
As the clock ticked down, the tension continued to build. In the dying stages, Thurstan College displayed immense character to mount one final comeback. Their task was aided by a series of penalties conceded by the hosts. Just when the game appeared to be slipping away, Thurstan launched a decisive attack. Awarded a five-metre scrum, they opted for a No. 8 pick, gaining valuable territory. Following a series of powerful pick-and-drive phases, the visitors inched closer to the line. Eventually, powerful forward Ruchira Hishan crashed over near the posts with assistance from his latchers. The resulting conversion proved to be the defining moment of the match. With the weight of the game on his shoulders, Amindu Rajapaksha held his nerve to slot the kick over and restore Thurstan’s lead by two points. (TC 14-12 SAC)
In a dramatic twist during the closing minutes, the Antonians were awarded a kickable penalty well within range. In a bold decision that ultimately shaped the outcome of the match, the hosts declined the opportunity to take the three points and level the scores. Instead, they kicked for touch and set up a lineout in search of a match-winning try.
With the contest already on a knife-edge, the gamble failed to pay off. Despite several thrilling phases near the try line, the Thurstan defence stood firm and refused to be breached. When the final whistle sounded, it was the visitors who had every reason to celebrate.
Although the Antonians were left to rue their late tactical gamble, there was no denying the quality of the contest. It was a low-scoring encounter in which defence reigned supreme, and the spectators who braved the Nittawela winds were treated to a tough, exhilarating battle that fully justified the hype.
Full time: Thurstan College 14 (2T, 2C) – 12 (2T, 1C) St. Anthony’s College Katugastota
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Amindu Rajapaksha (Thurstan College)
Points Breakdown
Thurstan College Colombo – 14
Nehad Sally 1T, Ruchira Hishan 1T, Amindu Rajapaksha 2C,
St. Anthony’s College Katugastota – 12
Lakwin Manthilake 1T, Dinuka Jayasundara 1T, Daham Perera 1C
Match Referee – Jeewaka Fonseka
Assistant Referees – Kanishka Herath & Suranga Arunashantha
