Joes withstand Thomians' second half rally easily

St. Joseph’s won the Lady Jayatilleke Shield with a 26-12 win over S. Thomas’ in their Inter- School second round rugby game at Havelock Park yesterday.

The Joes collected their points through three conversions and four tries whilst the Thomians had two tries and a conversion.

Since the clash for the Lady Jayatilleke Shield began in 1965, the Thomians have 36 wins to the 11 by the Josephians.

At the breather the Josephians had a comfortable 26-7 lead.

The Joes had a tough second half as they went hell for leather against the Thomians, but the lead that the Joes had collected in the first half held them in good stead. In fact the Thomians remained pinned on the Josephians territory on several occasions but were unable to get through the tight Joes defence.

St. Joseph’s opened scoring in fantastic fashion when winger Sajith Silva made a serving run and scored under the posts. He himself converted to give them a 7- 0 lead. A few minutes later No 8 Gihan Madusanka touched down and Sujith Silva was spot on with his boots to give the Joes a commanding 14-0 lead. Gihan Madushanka scored again and the Josephians were well ahead at 19-0.

It was at this stage that the Thomians awoke from their slumber when centre Shantha Nanayakkara scored enabling Dion Dias to convert (19-7). The Joes retaliated through a try by Dathu Seneviratne which was put over by Sajith Silva (26-7). Half time was taken at this score.

The Thomians dominated the second half but the lead that the Josephians had taken was far too big to overtake.

T. J. Deline scored for the Thomians on resumption to take their final tally to 12 and the Joes tally to 26. Referee – Irashad Cader. Earlier in the Under- 17 game St. Joseph’s beat the Thomians 17-0.