Trinity in hard fought 34-27 win

S. M. Jiffry Abdeen, Kandy Sports Correspondent

The more fancied Trinity College were given a big fright before they posted a 34 points (three goals, two tries, one penalty) to 27 (two goals, two tries, one penalty) win over Dharmaraja College in their Schools Under 20 'A' Division rugby tournament match played at the Bogambara stadium in Kandy yesterday. At the breather it was the losers Rajans who led 15-14.

Trinity College who went as firm favourites put up a pathetic display as they dropped passes at crucial stages who cost them at least three potential chances of scoring in the second half. If only the Rajans had more finish to their play, they could have ended victors.

It was in the 15th minute that Trinity College set the scoreboard moving when they won a scrum deep inside Rajans territory with fly half Kanchana Ramanayake touching down mid left. Winger Kennon Armstrong added the extra points. Trinity 7-0.

Two minutes later Trinity College scored again when fly half Kanchana Ramanayake made a judicious kick and flanker Idris Omar who followed the ball scored mid left. Kennon Armstrong added the extra points to put the Lions in the box seat leading 14-0.

But the fighting Rajans did not allow the Trinitians a 'one way traffic' as they fought back ferociously giving the Lions as much as they got.

In the 23rd minute, Trinity's three quarters were spotted off side and Rajans fly half Indrajith Wickremanayake put over the penalty to reduce the lead to 3-14.

In the 30th minute, Rajans fly half booted the loose which gained good ground and centre Chanaka Ratnayake collected the ball and touched down far left. This try went unconverted. Rajans 8-14.

Almost on the stroke of the short whistle Rajans skipper and centre Dharshana Ettipola in a surprise move joined the forwards and foxed Trinity's defence with a good 35 metre run to score under the posts. Fly half Indrajith Wickremanayake added the extra points and the Rajans had taken the lead at 15-14.

The second, saw scintillating rugby being produced with both teams fighting hard.

In the 9th minute Trinity grabbed the lead again prop Murad Ramzeen scored off a maul and this try went unconverted. Trinity 19-15.

In the 19th minute winger Kennon Armstrong fired a 35 metre penalty for Trinity to extend their lead to 22-15.

A minute later Rajans hit back through a fine try by centre Dharshana Ettipola who ran a good 35 metres to score under the posts and fly half Indrajith added the extra points to level the scores to 22-all.

In the 23rd minute, winger Kennon Armstrong scored off a three quarter move to put Trinity College ahead once again 27-22.

In the 27th minute, a scrum deep inside Rajans territory saw the Lions winning the ball and fly half Kanchana Ramanayake touched down far right. Kennon Armstrong added the extra points. Trinity led 34-22.

Minutes before the long blast Rajans made a strong effort with centre Dharshana Ettipola once again made a strong run to score by the left corner flag. This was his third try of the match. Wickremanayake failed to add the extra points.

Gamini Indrasena refereed.