Royal College Colombo came from behind 26-35 down to beat St.Anthony’s college Kandy by 48 points (7 tries, 5 conversions, 1 penalty ) to 35 ( 5 tries, 5 conversions) in their Singer ‘A’ Division inter schools league rugby first round final match played yesterday at Royal Sports complex in Reid Avenue.
The Winners led 19-14 at half time.
The Katugasthota Anthonians dished out a superb brand of running rugby and gave a torrid time to Royal throughout the game but three quick tries by captain cum fly half Ovin Askey, winger and vice captain Shabith Feroz and prop forward Rashmal Fernando just before the close of play cost them the match in the end.
Royal college scored three tries through hooker Hamza Reeza, winger Feroz and centre Ganindu Dilshan with full back Sakir Naufer converting two tries , the Anthonians closed the gap with two tries scored by hooker Pulasthi Gunaratne and centre Jehan Seelagama with full back Chamod Wanasinghe firing over two conversions just before half time. After the break St.Anthony’s scored two quick tries through their captain cum centre Dinuk Amarasinghe and replacement full back Janindu Himsara as they pierced the Royal defence to score with Himsara making no mistake with both conversions to take the score to 28-19 in favour of the Kandy school.
Royal cut down the lead to 28-26 when prop forward Rishmal Fernando crashed through for try which Naufer made the conversion.
St.Anthony’s scored again this time through second row forward Savesh Weerakoon which Himsara made the conversion to increased their lead to 35-26.
Royalists took the lead when captain Askey scored a superb try along with Naufer putting over the conversion and the penalty and scores read 36-35.
Royal sealed the match in their favour when winger Feroz and prop Rishmal scored two fabulous back to back tries which Naufer adding the extra points to one try to take the final score to Royal’s 48 points to St.Anthony’s 35.
Referee: Rohan Fernando