Science College powered their way to a satisfying 15-8 win over the St. Joseph’s College when the White & Maroon boys from Mount Lavinia hosted Blue & White boys from Colombo 10 in a crucial relegation battle at Royal Sports Complex today on a perfect day for great fast Rugby.
Joes kicked off the proceedings from left to right of the ground and from the first whistle itself the Josephians had a clear plan of attacking with their big built heavy forwards. Science college were defending tirelessly preventing the Josephians scoring early in a scrappy start from both the sides. Josephians gained territory and possession through their pick and go plays from the forwards but the Josephians could not complete scoring opportunities when they lost the ball at crucial breakdowns due to the brilliant defense by Science college. Josephians were excellent in Scrums but was very poor in lineouts as Joes lost 90% of their own line out throws.
After 35 minutes of loose Rugby play, St. Joseph’s finally got their act together when the heavy forwards drove a maul from 20 meter range and Josephian captain Jason Melder scored near the corner flag. Fly half Dulith Fernando missed the conversion ( Joes 05 – Science 00 )
Science college couldn’t start adding points to their score before the half time whistle as both teams went into the half time with the intention of making a different game plan to win the much important relegation battle.
Half Time : Joes 05 – Science 00
After the break both teams looked to settle down quickly and dominate the game. Josephians were playing their normal game with their heavy forwards but could not capitalize good possession. Flankers & No.8 of both teams were in thick of things having a busy day at the office. Science college play maker Richard Dharmapala was jailed by the Josephian defenders as he could not make his smart & nippy moves. Twelve minutes into the 2nd half, Science college finally added their 1st score to their points tally when Science place kicker Chathura Gomez put over a penalty due to an infringement done by the Josephians. ( Joes 05 – Science 03 )
After 20 minutes of intense rugby from both the sides, the boys from Mount Lavinia came into the lead for the first time in the game when Science college captain Yasindu Ishan made a magical break from their own 22’ meter line and scored under the post after sprinting away 80 meters. Chathura Gomez missed the conversion. (Science 08 – Joes 05)
Josephians hit back strongly to level the scores with a penalty by Dulith Fernando when the Science defense was caught off side at the 55 minute mark. (Joes 08 – Science 08 )
Both teams tried all their strategies and plans to get into the lead and close down the game as the match was heading for a nail biting finish. Science College worked the ball wide and searched for gaps in Josephian line and St. Joseph’s College aggressively barged forward with their bull dozing pack. With 10 minutes remaining and the scores level, Science College found their ‘ Match Winner ‘ in Chathura Gomez who spotted the weak link in the Josephian defense when he punted a small chip kick from the 22 meter Joes line and grabbed the ball and scored under the posts and he converted his try him self giving Science a 7 point lead over Joes for the last few minutes. (Science 15 – Joes 08)
Josephian forwards who looked out of gas for a late burst gave their best in the last few minutes but could not penetrate the Science defense. The Scientists from Mount Lavinia defended their goal line with great courage and bravery. Referee Nizam Jamaldeen blew the final whistle putting St. Joseph’s College on the brink of demotion to the division 1B and giving another year at the top league for the Dark Horses of Sri Lankan schools Rugby.
Final Score – Science College 15 : St. Joseph’s 08
