Colombo University were too good in muddy conditions at the Royal Complex as they got the better out of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura 26(4T 3C) – 08 (1T 1C), winning the Inter – University Rugby Championship for 2024.
Earlier in the day, the University of Moratuwa defeated the University of Kelaniya 25-17 to claim third place in the tournament.
In muddy conditions at the Complex, the first half started with Sri Jayawardenapura having an early opportunity within the first ten minutes. However, Pathum missed from the tee, failing to break the deadlock.
The University of Colombo struck back through Mahanama, making Jayawardenapura pay for the early miss by scoring a lovely try through their backline. Gunasinghe missed the conversion, but Colombo University took an early lead. (Col 05-00 Japura)
Wijesinghe then assumed kicking duties for Sri Jayawardenapura, adding a penalty to cut the deficit in the 35-minute first half of the 70-minute game.
Neither team was able to score any further points in the first half, as they went into the break with Colombo University leading on a muddy outfield at Royal Complex.
Half Time: University of Colombo 05 (1T) leads Sri Jayawardenapura 03 (1P)
The University of Colombo began the second half in commanding fashion, scoring early through five-eighth Gunasinghe, who made a break and headed for the in-goal. However, complacency set in as he took too long to dot down and was tackled, dropping the ball backwards. Fortunately, No. 8 Panagoda was on hand to dive over the ball and score.
Gunasinghe added the conversion, extending Colombo University’s lead and putting the game out of reach for the Jayawardenapura team. (Col 12-03 Japura)
Trailing by 9 points, Sri Jayawardenapura launched an attack and managed to break through the UOC defense, this time through fullback Hasintha, who carved open Colombo’s defense to score. However, the conversion was unsuccessful, leaving Colombo ahead by 4 points.
The University of Colombo stepped up, scoring two more tries in the second half to put the game beyond doubt and secure their victory.
First, former Josephian Weeragoda powered over from close range to extend Colombo’s lead. Gunasinghe added the extras as the game slipped further from Jayawardenapura’s grasp. (Col 19-08 Japura)
Colombo’s outside center Wijesinghe then broke through the Japura defense to score his team’s fourth try under the posts, sealing the game. Gunasinghe made no mistake with the conversion, securing the win for Colombo. (Col 26-08 Japura)
Sri Jayawardenapura made a valiant attempt to score a consolation try, but sloppy handling, combined with Colombo’s stellar defense, ensured they ended the game on the losing side.
Full Time: University of Colombo 26 (4T 3C) beat University of Kelaniya 08 (1T 1P)
 – 08 (1T 1C), winning the Inter - University Rugby Championship for 2024. ){kind=link}