Vidyartha in hard fought 28-22 win

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen, Kandy sports correspondent

RUGBY: Vidyartha College, Kandy scored a close 28 points (2 goals, 1 try, 3 penalties) to 22 (2 tries, 4 penalties, win over Dharmaraja College, Kandy after a bruising battle in their Schools Signer Trophy Rugby Tournament match played at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy yesterday. At half, Vidyartha led 12-11.

Referee D. Nimal received a full fisted punch after the match and was in pain. The punch was dealt by an unidentified spectators and Nimal said that he will be submitted a report to the authorities.

Vidyartha College opened scoring in the 5th minute of the first half when No. 8 Buddhika Abeysinghe covered a lot of green and sent a pass to flanker Amitha Perera who scored mid right. Buddhika Abeysinghe added the extra points Vidyartha 7-0.

Rajans reduced the lead in the 7th minute through a penalty put over by centre Lahiru Alahakoon. Rajans 3-7.

In the 7th minute Vidyartha line was spotted off side and centre Lahiru Alahakoon converted the penalty for Rajans to reduce the lead to 6-7.

Vidyartha scored again in the 18 minute when winger Ashan Perera picked up the loose ball and ran from left flank to right while the defence looked on to touch down by the corner flag. This try went unconverted Vidyartha led 12-6.

Just before the short whistle centre Sahan Ratnayake scored for the Rajans off a three-quarter move to reduce the lead to 11-12.

Almost immediately after resumption centre Suranga Dunutilleke fired a penalty for Vidyartha to increase the lead to 15-11.

Vidyartha further increased their lead through a try by look forward Mirinda Migara who touched down by the right post. Buddhika Abeysinghe added the extra points Vidyartha 22-11.

Vidyartha further increased their lead through a try by lock forward Mirinda Migara who touched down by the right post. Buddhika Abeysinghe added the extra points Vidyartha 22-11.

Rajans fought back and they were awarded two penalties in quick succession which were put over by centre Lahiru Alahakoon and the score stood at 17-22 at this stage in favour Vidyartha.

Vidyartha who were defending their small lead went further ahead through a penalty fired by Amitha Perera.

Rajans who came back into the game with some bustling played moved the ball through their three-quarters for centre Sahan Ratnayake to score far left. But they did not take the kick at goal as they were running out of tine.

During the injury time Vidyartha added three more points to their total through a penalty put over by Amitha Perera.

D. Nihal refereed.