The first semifinal of the Inter-University Rugby XV’s Championship unfolded between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Sabaragamuwa University at the picturesque Nittawela Rugby Fortress recently. Runners-up of the previous edition, the Ja’pura lads dominated the game by successfully overcoming the Sabaragamuwa challenge to seal their spot in the prestigious final encounter.
Though the Sabaragamuwa lads managed to keep the Ja’pura players under pressure during the initial minutes, Ja’pura counter-attacked with their vibrant three-quarters. They managed to break through the defensive line in the middle of the pitch, with fullback Pathum providing excellent support to collect an offload and run all the way to score the first try of the game. (USJP 05 – 00 SU)
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A few minutes later, the Ja’pura brigade invaded Sabaragamuwa territory and earned a scrum in their favor. There, the nippy fly-half broke the defensive line with a show-and-go move and advanced close to the try line. The ball was then worked to the left side, and the big second-rower powered over the line despite a tackle to score back-to-back tries for Ja’pura. (USJP 10 – 00 SU)
Shortly after, Ja’pura launched another aggressive attack through their backs, supported by excellent team play. After some well-executed ball movement, winger Pushpawila sprinted to the far end, cut back inside, and planted a brilliant solo try, aided by several missed tackles from the Sabaragamuwa defense. (USJP 15 – 00 SU)
Sabaragamuwa then managed to halt Ja’pura’s try fest and fought back with renewed energy. However, the side led by ex-Maliyadeva captain Kaushalya Gunaweera couldn’t convert their efforts into points due to handling errors and other mistakes. After a scoreless 20-minute period, Ja’pura once again came close to the try line as Sabaragamuwa were penalized for collapsing a scrum. Their powerful prop forward then barged over to score the fourth try in front of the Kandy SC clubhouse. (USJP 20 – 00 SU)
Half-Time: University of Sri Jayewardenepura 20 (4T) – 00 Sabaragamuwa University
In the second half, Ja’pura earned a scrum at the center of the field and launched a blindside attack through their three-quarters. As the Sabara brigade failed to stop the rally, powerful center Pieris went over for another try. After four failed attempts, fullback Pathum finally nailed the conversion to add the extras. (USJP 27 – 00 SU)
Later, Ja’pura advanced near the try line with a well-placed punt kick, but the Sabaragamuwa skipper failed to collect it cleanly, resulting in a knock-on. From the advantageous scrum position, Ja’pura forwards joined the scoring spree with a try from a pick-and-go phase. Pieris made no mistake with the conversion. (USJP 34 – 00 SU)
While Sabaragamuwa enjoyed some possession, Ja’pura’s prop forward did well to steal the ball in a tackle and launched a strong counter-attack. Their backs displayed excellent ball-handling and support play, reminiscent of the sevens format. The fly-half then finished it off with a show-and-go and a side-step to deceive the defense and score yet another try. (USJP 39 – 00 SU)
Sabaragamuwa were awarded a penalty for offside play by Ja’pura and opted to go for the posts to get on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, the penalty kick narrowly missed the target.
During the final fifteen minutes of play, both teams had scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize due to tired bodies and a few unforced errors. In the dying moments, Ja’pura’s forwards applied tremendous pressure on the Sabaragamuwa defense, who eventually knocked the ball on—bringing the game to a close.
At the end of the day, Ja’pura dominated the proceedings. The outfit, led by former Royal College fly-half Raveen Shenuka, will now face defending champions, the University of Colombo, in the final.
Full Time: University of Sri Jayewardenepura 39 (7T, 2C) – 00 Sabaragamuwa University
