Ananda College booked their place in the Plate segment with a well earned victory over Mahanama College in their Week 5 encounter of the Dialog Schools Rugby League, played at the Ananda College Grounds in Rajagiriya. In a high stakes clash, Ananda College rose to the occasion with a composed and physical performance, while Mahanama College were left to compete in the Bowl segment.
The match kicked off earlier than scheduled due to weather conditions, with Ananda College getting proceedings underway. Despite the early start, it was Mahanama College who struck first in the 9th minute. A lineout in favour of Ananda College was cleared by the full back but fell into the hands of a Mahanama player. Quick passing and excellent ball handling saw the ball moved wide to winger Mandilu Nemsara, who finished under the posts. Fullback Vihanga Deneth added the conversion to give Mahanama College the early advantage. (AC 00 – 07 MC)
Ananda College responded well in the 13th minute. A lineout deep inside Mahanama College territory led to a rolling maul followed by several phases. Spotting space on the short side, the ball was moved quickly to fly half Rehan Attanayake who caught the defence off guard and crossed over for Ananda College’s first try. Deneth Chamuditha added the conversion to level the scores. (AC 07 – 07 MC)
Momentum shifted in favour of the hosts as Ananda College continued to apply pressure. In the 20th minute, a well executed lineout near the 50 metre mark led to another strong maul and phase play. The ball was eventually worked to fullback Deneth Chamuditha, who broke through the Mahanama College defence and dived over for a fine individual try, though the conversion attempt went astray. (AC 12 – 07 MC)
Ananda College further extended their lead in the 27th minute through their dominant forward play. A lineout deep inside the Mahanama College red zone set the platform for a powerful rolling maul, which allowed number 8 Seymal Wijeywardhane to crash over for another well deserved try. (AC 17 – 07 MC)
Half Time: Ananda College 17 (3T 1C) – 07 ((1T 1C) Mahanama College
The second half saw Ananda College assert further dominance through their forwards. In the 55th minute, a high tackle penalty gave Ananda College an attacking opportunity deep in Mahanama College territory. After finding touch and securing the lineout, a rolling maul forced Mahanama College into conceding a yellow card. Taking advantage of the extra man, Ananda College opted for a quick tap and after a couple of phases, substitute forward Perera crossed the line. Chamuditha added the conversion to extend the lead. (AC 24 – 07 MC)
Mahanama College responded in the 59th minute after Ananda College were penalized for not releasing the ball. Taking a quick tap, skipper Sithum Rathnayake produced a moment of brilliance, slicing through the Ananda College defence with strong running to score. He successfully converted his own try to bring Mahanama College back into the contest. (AC 24 – 14 MC)
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute. After Mahanama College knocked the ball on, Ananda College were awarded a scrum. A clever chip kick created space, which was gathered by the number 8 before being offloaded to centre Senuth Randinu, who went over for the final try of the match. Chamuditha added the conversion from right in front to seal the result. (AC 31 – 14 MC)
Ananda College managed the closing stages well, maintaining control and composure to secure a vital win in a high stakes encounter.
Full Time: Ananda College 31 (5T 3C) – 14 (2T 2C) Mahanama College
Points Breakdown
Ananda College-31
Rehan Attanayake-1T, Deneth Chamuditha-1T 3C, Seymal Wijeywardhane-1T, Perera-1T, Senuth Randinu-1T
Mahanama College-14
Mandilu Nemsara-1T, Sithum Rathnayake-1T 1C, Vihanga Deneth-1C
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Chathura Ariyawansa (AC)
