St. Joseph College managed to hold out a Thurstan scare to record a thrilling 22 (4T 1C) – 24 (4T 2C) win in the Dialog Schools Rugby League, laying one hand on the Plate championship.
The visitors kicked off the game without their pivotal playmaker Bryan, leaving Nisith Aswella with big boots to fill.
It was the hosts who struck first through winger Akeesha Pushpakumara, as favourites St. Joseph’s were left shell-shocked. Amidu Rajapakse failed to add the extras. (TC 05-00 SJC)
The visitors responded immediately through skipper Inosh Silva. Adriyano Candappa added the extras as the visitors took the lead for the first time in the game.
Thurstan hooker Tharindu Senarathna scored a scintillating try from a back-peel move off a maul, catching the Josephian defence at sixes and sevens as he went over untouched on the blindside.
The try went unconverted, but the hosts still took a slender three-point lead into the break.
Half-time: Thurstan College 10 (2T) lead St. Joseph’s College 07 (1T, 1C)
The visitors began the second half with a try of their own as Dion Fernando was sent through by a sublime inside pass from Nisith Aswella. Adriyano added the extras as St. Joseph’s regained the advantage. (TC 10-14 SJC)
Thurstan responded through their No. 8, Rasanjana Nirmal, who came off the bench to add his name to the scoresheet. Pushpakumara added the extras as the lead changed hands yet again. (TC 17-14 SJC)
The visitors then scored twice in succession, breaking the back of the home side and giving the Josephians a crucial edge heading into the final stages. First, lock forward Sithanga Liyanage crashed over from close range.
Minutes later, Thurstan’s Sanul De Silva was shown a yellow card, further aiding the Josephian cause. The visitors capitalised through winger Theekshana Jayasinghe. Adriyano failed with both conversions, but the lead had grown to a substantial margin with eight minutes remaining. (TC 17-24 SJC)
With time running out, the hosts launched one final attack and found Akeesha Pushpakumara, who scored a sensational try after beating five would-be Josephian defenders to dot down in the far corner.
Rajapakse had the opportunity to level the scores with the conversion, but his effort sailed astray as the final whistle sounded. The Josephians held on for a dramatic two-point victory and, with it, laid one hand on the Plate Championship of the Dialog Schools’ Rugby League.
It is not completely over for Thurstan, however, as they still have a chance. Their fate, though, is no longer in their own hands.
Full time: Thurstan College 22 (4T 1C) lost to St. Joseph’s College 24 (4T 2C)
- Swissteck Perfect Player of the Match: Sithanga Liyanage (SJC Lock Forward)
Points Breakdown:
Thurstan College: Akeesha Pushpakumara 2T 1C, Tharindu Senarathna 1T, Rasanjana Nirmal 1T,
St. Joseph’s College: Inosh Silva 1T, Dion Fernando 1T, Sithanga Liyanage 1T, Theekshana Jayasinghe 1T, Adriyano Candappa 2C
 - 24 (4T 2C) win in the Dialog Schools Rugby League, laying one hand on the Plate championship. ){kind=link}