Thurstan College staged a dramatic second-half surge to secure their first-ever win in Division 1 Segment A of the Dialog Schools Rugby League, defeating Vidyartha College 31-24 in a thrilling encounter played at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Coming into the game, Vidyartha was the more experienced outfit, having already registered wins in Division 1 over the past seasons. In contrast, Thurstan, promoted to the top division only last year, were still searching for their breakthrough victory at this level.
Vidyartha began confidently, asserting their physical presence early. They got the scoreboard ticking through a quick tap taken by their scrum half Udana Nilshan, who went over by himself for the first try. The conversion was successful to give them the early lead. (VC 07-00 TC)
Thurstan responded in kind, using a rolling maul that surprised their opponents, and prop Dasun Nimsara opened the account for Thurstan. Although the conversion attempt drifted wide, they were back in the contest. (VC 07-05 TC)
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Vidyartha soon struck again. Vihanga Sathsidu, who had been lively throughout the opening phases, sparked an attacking move, then finished it himself with a clinical touchdown. With the extras added, Vidyartha stretched the margin once again. (VC 14-05 TC)
In the 21st minute, tensions boiled over, leading to a yellow card apiece for infringements at the breakdown. Vidyartha kept their composure and continued to press.
Just a minute later, Vihanga Sathsidu goes over for his second try in similar fashion to score once again for Vidyartha. With the conversion successful, they further extended their lead. (VC 21-05 TC)
Thurstan were under pressure and needed inspiration as the halftime whistle sounded with Vidyartha firmly in control.
Halftime: Vidyartha College 21 (3 Tries, 3 Conversions) – 05 Thurstan College (1 Try)
The second half, however, saw the tide turn in remarkable fashion. Thurstan showed much greater intent and creativity, and it paid off almost immediately.
Fly-half Esitha Apoorwa chipped cleverly behind the defensive line, and Theekshana Heshan sprinted onto the ball to score a brilliant try. Though the conversion was missed, Thurstan were back in the game. (VC 21-10 TC)
Confidence began to grow, and soon after, Yehen Anawarthana gets a lovely inside ball from his fly half to score the third try for Thurstan. This time the conversion was on target, the gap closed further and Thurstan was mounting a comeback in the opening moments of the second half. (VC 21-17 TC)
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Sensing the momentum shift, Thurstan continued to press. Their relentless carries and quick rucks put Vidyartha on the back foot, and the outstanding No.08, Sithija Jayathilaka, capped a dominant passage of play by powering through for a crucial try. The conversion edged Thurstan ahead for the first time in the evening. (VC 21-24 TC)
Vidyartha managed to respond with a penalty to level the scores once again. The kick from Kawindu Hewage brought the tally to 24 points apiece, setting up for a tense final few minutes of the game. (VC 24-24 TC)
Thurstan, determined to finish what they had started, with minutes left, Jayathilaka stepped up again to score the match-winning try and get that all-important win for his alma mater.
Sithija Jayathilaka, whose two tries and relentless work rate inspired Thurstan’s revival, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
This result not only hands Thurstan their first victory since moving up to Division 1 but also sends a clear message that they belong among the top contenders.
Final Score: Thurstan College 31 (5 Tries, 3 Conversions) – Vidyartha College 24 (3 Tries, 3 Conversions, 1 Penalty)
Scoring Summary:
Thurstan College 31
Dasun Nimsara 1T, Theekshana Heshan 1T, Yehen Anawarthana 1T, Sithija Jayathilaka 2T, Esitha Apoorwa 3C
Vidyartha College 24
Udana Nilshan 1T, Vihanga Sathsidu 2T, Kawindu Hewage 2C 1P, Sadew Dilshara 1C
