Thurstan College edged Science College 33-29 in an exciting ‘Bowl’ Segment match of the Dialog Schools League Rugby Tournament, played at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Tuesday (12).
Thurstan enjoyed a slender 19-17 lead at half-time, in a game where fortunes fluctuated both ways, but managed to keep their rivals from Mount Lavinia at bay, at the nick of time.
The close victory ensured Thurstan the third spot in the Bowl Segment behind Mahanama (second place) and eventual champions St. Anthony’s, Katugastota.
Thurstan number eight Sithija Jayathilake was a standout performer on the day, touching down five times – three of them off superb rolling mauls – as they showcased their strength and clinical finishing.
He opened the scoring in the eighth minute after a line-out and driving maul, with fly-half Esitha Apoorwa missing the conversion.
Prop forward Dasun Nimsara then crashed over in the 13th minute, with winger Chamuditha Munasinghe adding the extras for a 12-0 lead.
Jayathilake struck again in the 18th minute, this time dotting down under the posts. Munasinghe’s conversion extended the lead to 19-0.
Science responded through prop forward Tharusha Gallage, who powered over for an unconverted try in the 22nd minute.
Skipper and fly-half Dilruwan Perera then sliced through Thurstan’s defence on a brilliant 40-metre solo run, converting his own try to close the gap to 19-12.
Flanker Manupa Nethviru went over soon after, but Perera’s fluffed conversion left Science trailing 17-19, at the interval.
Science hit the front early in the second-half, when winger Rithnuka Dabare dived over in the right corner, after a slick pass from Perera.
The conversion was missed, but Science led 22-19 in the 41st minute. Thurstan then struck in the 46th minute, Jayathilake powering over for his fourth try, to secure the bonus point.
Munasinghe’s angled conversion reclaimed the lead at 26-22. Just two minutes later, Jayathilake completed his five-try haul for the day, with Munasinghe’s conversion stretching the lead to 33-24.
Second rower Demitha Silva finally penetrated Thurstan’s defence in the closing stages after a maul, but the missed conversion left the score at 33-29.
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