The inter school Dialog league rugby match between DS Senanayake College and St. Joseph’s College ended in a thrilling 29-16 win for the Joes who crushed the hopes of their rivals from securing a place in the Super Six stage at Havelock Park yesterday.
St. Joseph’s dominated the game from the early stages, putting immense pressure on DS Senanayake. In a must-win game for the latter, the Joes displayed their prowess by scoring five tries and two conversions against DS’s one try, one conversion and three penalties, ultimately establishing a comfortable 24-6 lead by half time. The match kicked off with an explosive start for St. Joseph’s scored the first try in the fourth minute following a well-executed lineout maul.
The try was successfully converted giving the Joes an early 7-0 lead.
St. Joseph’s added to their advantage with a second converted try in the first 15 minutes, taking the score to 14-0 and piling the pressure on the favourites, DS Senanayake College.
However, the latter managed to get on the scoreboard with a penalty kick, reducing the deficit to 14-3.
The game took a turn in the 25th minute when DS Senanayake’s key player, Sehanda Umagiliyage, was yellow-carded by referee Gihan Yatawara, leaving them temporarily down to 14 men.
Seizing the opportunity, St Joseph’s winger Tharushika Kayasuriya scored a try in the far corner extending the lead to 19-3 and further dampening DS’s hopes.
DS Senanayake showed resilience and managed to add some points with a penalty kick by winger Janadiu Wijeratne, making it 6-19 just before half time. However, St. Joseph’s wasn’t done yet and Beeshma Jayasekara’s try in the left corner secured a bonus point.
The second half saw DS Senanayake launching a spirited attacking display, resulting in a try and a couple of penalties. In the 44th minute, DS’s Manura Peiris made an impressive run through a gap and touched down under the posts, bringing the score to 13-24 after Janidu Wijeratne’s successful conversion.
Unfortunately for DS, their key player JC Wijeratne had to leave the field due to a shoulder injury, further affecting their chances of a comeback.
St. Joseph’s winger Kayasuriya showcased an outstanding performance by scoring the final try for the Joes triggering scenes of celebration among the Darley Road school supporters.