Brian Thomas is reporting exclusively for SriLanka sports. Com Edited by Christopher Jordashe.
Must admit Thurstan has proved our speculative win predictor wrong that too after trailing by 21 points to 5 at Lemons, but turned the game on its head by crossing the visitors white wash 4 times , in the second half whilst Vidyartha did all the scoring in the first half, and converting all three tries.
In the second half they were kept out of bounce by a spirited Thurstan defence , which ultimately secured them their first win in the Dialog league after being promoted from B division.
Vidyartha, who did well to draw their game against St Joseph’s at home , had the best opportunity to register their first win in the champions league this season.
Unforced errors were in abundance with infringements that left them with 14 men on the park , which cost the visitors their no-win yet again after an excellent display in the first half.
Vidyartha led 21 points to 5 during Lemons, having scored their first try off a well executed rolling maul , but were kept under check by Thurstan, who struck back almost immediately in a pick and go drive to score almost under the post but the kick at goal went astray.
Score : Vidyartha 7 Thurstan 5.
The Kandy school used their forwards to create phase after phases. They used heavy forwards , worked the three-quarters with the full back helping with the overlap to score their second converted try to lead by 14 points to 5.
The third try was an excellent forward rush, which ended under the post as Vidyartha led 21 points to 5.
Vidyartha and Thurstan were guilty of multiple infringements and scoring opportunities due to poor ball handling errors, sometimes being ignorant in their mistakes, raising eye brows, as if they have forgotten the rules.
21 points to 5 is a big lead , but what Vidyartha did not expect thurstan would take maximum advantage when they were reduced 14 men Vidyartha had to defend with as one of their forwards was given a yellow card just before half time.
Thurstan played fascinating open rugby. Scored twice almost on the trot with two similar three-quarters moves to record a try and a goal to perfection and the score tilted for Vidyartha.
From a comfort zone of 21 to 5 points lead , the scoreboard read 21 points to 17 with Thurstan within striking distance.
Thurstan kept attacking as the panic sticken Vidyartha lads kept making unforced errors, letting the opposition take advantage by setting up phases and to score a try courtesy of their forwards to lead , for the first time by scoring their third try in the second half and booting their effort through the post to lead by 24 points to 21 , almost 25 minutes into the second half.
Vidyartha looked breathless , huffing and puffing, and by now assessed that getting past the Thurstan defence was a near impossibility.
Lady luck helped them to score a penalty to get to even Steven’s scenario 24 points each , and the crowds came to a conclusion, another draw in the cards , for the second time in a group 3 game.
With 3 minutes on the clock , Thurstan was awarded a penalty under the post, which they decided to kick to touch that raised eye brows.
Had they taken the kick the game was done and dusted.
Thurstan must be given credit for their confidence . In the final move , they decided to create waves of phases with a clear intent of scoring and Vidyartha defense got sucked in as Thurstan touched down using their heavy forwards to win by 31 points to 24 , whilst Vidyartha sadly go back home winless .
Well done thurstan as you truly deserve this win as you had the will to come back fighting after being led 21-5..
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