Gallant Vidyarthians hold Isipathana to a 19 all draw

Anuradha Abeysekera

Vidyartha College, Kandy came up with a stupendous performance to hold the more fancied Isipathana College, Colombo 19 all draw in their Singer League segment one 'A' division rugby match played at the Royal Sports Complex, Colombo yesterday. At the breather Isipathana led 14-10. Isipathana points came off from two goals and a try while Vidyartha points comprised a goal, three penalties and a drop goal.

Vidyarthians seemed aggressive in the beginning as they opened the account first with a penalty, followed up by a goal.

A. G. R. Amarasiri scored the first and only try for Vidyarthians where C.J. Fernando added the extra points with a successful conversion.

They kept strong Isipathanians under control most of the time in the first half, not allowing them to grab a point.

Isipathana boys got into their usual rhythm later with Sithum Chathusanka and Arun Kumar scoring two back to back tries where Kavindu Costa made no mistake with the conversions.

Isipathana got into the lead just before the half time.

Kandy boys fought back strongly in the second half and reduced the gap with an early penalty (14-13).

They continued their attacking plying style and regained the lead with fly half Ashen Bandara dropping a goal (16-14). Vidyarthians maintained their lead in the latter part of the game till Isipathanian Arun Kumar broke Vidyartha defense for the second time and touched down the line in the last minute, pulling the Kandy boys to the back seat again (19-16).

Vidyarthians put over the last penalty in injury time to make it 19 all much to the joy of their supporters. Referee - Irshard Cader.