It was a warning shot for their plate segment rivals at a momentum filled energetic game at Rajagiriya, where a spirited first half brawl eventually gave way to an easy home side victory.
Sri Sumangala’s Prop Forward scored first for Sri Sumangala. Samarakoon successfully converted the try to get the hill country lads ahead early in the game. (7-0)
It was Amanda’s talisman and eventual man of the match, Deneth Chamuditha who frequently kept Ananda high and clear of any dangerous phases, regularly prowling the backline for aerial kicks from the Sumangalians, eventually clearing a kick in their own redline- denying SSC their second try, 7 minutes into the game.
Shortly, Thenula Wujewardane found the whitewash for Ananda’s first try, beginning a salvo of the two sides trading tries for well over twenty minutes, with not a second on the pitch spared. (7-5)
Chamuditha then scored a penalty kick for Ananda, subsequently moving into the lead for the points scoring table of the league so far, signifying both his and his team’s rise to the top. (7-8)
The Sumangalians were rampant during this phase of the game however, and Adithya Rathnayake (13) ran a magic 70 meters against Ananda on the wing to score five points to score the second try for SSC. (12-8)
However, it was a tough day with the boot for the Sumangalians from here on out with all conversion attempts from then on being in vain- even a much needed penalty kick to get themselves out of trouble had gone begging.
Soon after, Ananda’s Janithu Perera (2) drove in a well set maul to make landfall on the whitewash. Chamuditha cleared it well for two more points. (12-15)
The forwards could not be kept quiet, as Vishwa Erandaka for Ananda scored the third try Amana Bank try with Chamuditha converting well as the half time whistle blew (22-12)
Dilshan, once again a forward, walked over in the 45th minute for Aman Bank try number 4, Chamuditha converting this one as well. (29-12)
The high tempo game that the lads from the hills had shown was now starting to fade, with the home side picking up steam after lemons.
Ananda’s Vishwa Erandaka was shown the yellow for a risky high tackle, as some hot blood boiled over between the two sides, with a general warning bring issued to both sides.
Nippy halfback Bandara (9) for Sumangala went down for a hard fought five points, with an unsuccessful conversion. (29-17)
It was Ananda College who finished things off however, with Deneth Chamuditha making a massive run in the 66th minute to score all seven points with a try and kick, securing the SWISSTEK perfect player of the match position. (36-17)
For Ananda College, it was a massive step forward in the plate segment where teeth were filed to do battle against tougher opposition such as St. Joseph’s College.
For Sri Sumangala College, it was the silly mistakes that gave away the game- from forward passes, to improper ruck setups, to not rolling away, and fumbles when receiving and not holding onto posession- the list goes on. They will be happy that they are now strong mid-table contenders but will rue an opportunity gone begging. For both sides, tougher assignments await still as one of the most interesting seasons in recent memory unfold.
FT – AC 36 – SSC 17
SWISSTEK Perfect Player of the Match – Deneth Chamuditha
Points Breakdown
Ananda College – 5T, 4C, 1P
Sri Sumangala College – 3T, 1C
Ananda College – 5T, 4C, 1P
Sri Sumangala College – 3T, 1C
