Pulsating draw at Pallekele overshadowed by alleged ineligible Dharmaraja player

Trinity College ruggerites lived to their College motto “Respice Finem” (Look to the end) to force a 34 all draw in their Schools under 19 ‘A’ Division rugby tournament match against Dharmaraja College played at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium at Pallekele, yesterday. At half time Dharmaraja College was in command leading 22-17.

Dharmaraja College scored their points through 3 goals, 2 tries and 1 penalty while the Lions collected their points from 2 goals and 4 tries.

Before the commencement of the match both teams lodged their written protest to the Match Commissioner W.D.O. Wijewansa alleging that their opponents were fielding ineligible players who had not obtained the written consent from their respective previous schools. On checking Mr. Wijewansa found that the name of the player mentioned by Dharmaraja College was not in the team list of Trinity College. On the other hand the player alleged by Trinity College played for Dhamaraja College as a substitute in the second half. If this allegation is proved, the Rajans could be subject to an inquiry which will be a serious one.

With the game barely 12 minutes old the Trinitians through some fiery play had totted up 12 points through tries scored by centre Dureka Aluwihare and fly half Tharinda Ratwatte who also added the extra points to one of them.

The Rajans hit back through some good loose play and in the 14th minute centre M.D. Madusanka scored mid right and full back and skipper Tilina Wijesinghe added the extra points. Rajans 7-12.

In the 23rd minute it was centre Dureka Aluwihare who scored again and this try went unconverted for the Lions to lead 17-7.

But the Rajans continued their fight and were rewarded in the 30th minute when skipper and full back Thilina Wijesinghe joined the three quarters to score mid left and added the extra points himself to reduce the lead to 14 – 17.

The Rajans equalised thereafter through a 48 metre penalty fired by full back Thilina Wijesinghe. With a minute to go for the short break the Rajans shot into the lead for the first time in the match when centre B.K.T. Kumara went over far right and this try went unconverted. Rajans 22 – 17.

The Rajans continued their attack into the second half and in the 10th minute their scrum half D.M. Weerasekara squeezed his way to score far left and this try went unconverted. Rajans 27 – 17. But the Trinitians did not allow the game to slip away as their winger Lochana Girihagama came out with his best to score two scintillating tries, one of which was goalled by Tharinda Ratwatte for them to lead 29 – 27. Another try by the Rajans winger B.K.T. Kumara which was goalled by Thilina Wijesinghe saw them take over the lead to 34 – 29 till the final minute of play. It was here the Trinitians looked to the end when Tharinda Ratwatte collecting a pass from skipper Halique Wadood who had shifted over to the scrum half’s berth ran along the line a near 35 metres before touching down but narrowly missed adding the extra points. Thus the honours were shared and the rugby fans would await the outcome of the inquiry on the protest made by Trinity College.

Referee Dilroy Fernando did an excellent job.