Tharindu helps Antonians to a thrilling 24-21 win

S M Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Correspondent

A try in the dying stages of the game saw St Anthony's College, Kandy scored a close 24 points (2 goals, 2 tries) to 21 (1 goal, 1 try, 3 penalties) win over Science College, Mount Lavinia in their schools under 20 division one segment ‘A’ rugby tournament match played at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy yesterday.

At half Science College led 13-10.

This was Antonian third win for the season in addition to a drawn game against St Joseph's College, Colombo and they could now feel comfortable that their participation in the top segment next season is certain. Heavy rains before the match cast some doubts whether the match could be played as the ground was muddy.

The ground staff filled up the muddy areas with sand and the match got underway. But still the ground resembled a paddy field.

Science College opened scoring in the 6th minute through Prop Chethiya Dharmapriya who touched down mid left and centre Chatura Gomez added the extra points. Science College led 7-0.

The Antonian reduced the lead through a try scored by hooker and skipper Yakoob Ali and this went unconverted.

But Science College increased their lead through two penalties put over in quick succession by centre Chathura Gomez.

Just before lemons Antonian Skipper Yakoob Ali scored off a maul to narrow the gap to 10-13.

The Antonian after changing ends showed more aggression in their attack and in the 10th minute scrum half Dulaj Jayatissa crept through to score under the post.

Full back Roshan Hemantha added the extra points St Anthony's College led 17-13. But the Science College team fought back to take over the lead once again through a try scored by winger Thanuja Sampath which went unconverted. Science College led 18-17.

Centre Chathura Gomez put them further ahead through a 35 metre penalty fired by him. Science College 21-17.

The game now drifted into the final minutes of play and a ‘do or die’ effort Antonian Prop forward Tharindu Sahabandu powered his way to score mid left and full back Sajith Hemantha added the extra points.

D Nimal refereed.