Ananda present ruggerites beat Old Anandians 29 - 25
Annual Rugby match of Old Anandians Vs 1st XV Rugby team was held at
Havelocks Sports Grounds on 8 September 2012 for Padma De Silva and
Dharshana Peiris Memorial Shield.
The match started with the arrival of chief guest Gamini
Wickramasinghe (1968 captain) introduced by respective captains to the
two teams.
First XV Rugby team made some early attacks with two tries scored by
Nadun Kodithuwakku and a try scored by Chamuka Savanath during the first
20 minutes.
Old Anandians’ reply came in later with Harshana and Eric Balasuriya
scoring tries. At the half time scores read as 17-10 with the college
team taking the lead. It was an intense battle during the second half
for possession and territory. Some solid defense put up by school boys
denied tries for old boys.
Meanwhile the school team collected marks through a try scored by
Darsha Lochana and a reply try came from Eric Balasooriya for old boys.
The final stages of the game saw some dazzling runs by three quarters
Mindika Jayasinghe, Nadeesha Cahthuranga and Athila Emeshaka supported
by scrum half Ransith Pieris for Old Anandians.
But poor finish and handling errors cost them and a loose ball
collected by the school boys ended up with a beautiful try from Chamuka
Savanath. Last few minutes filled with power packed loose play by Deshan
Liyanage and Gayan Fernando ended up with a try from Anuradha Fonseka
for the old boys.
For the school team Sachin Dilshan and Darsha Lochana made the
conversions.
Charith Mapatuna completed a penalty and Nadeesha chathuranga made a
conversion for Old Anandians. Ananda 1st XV rugby team retained the
shield for the 2nd consecutive time.
The match was followed by a get together at Havelocks club house to
rekindle the past memories of old boys. Junior Rugby Development Group
of Ananda college organized the event with a touch of glory to continue
the traditions in school.
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