In an intense opening game of Week Five in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023, D.S. Senanayake College emerged victorious with a thrilling 31-27 win over Kingswood College at Havelock Park. The home team secured their third win in four games, while Kingswood suffered their fourth consecutive loss.

The Donz started the game aggressively, scoring their first try within the opening minute. Fullback Menura Perera executed a remarkable kick and chase, although he was tackled just short of the try line. Halfback Manura Peiris provided excellent support, taking the ball from Menura and crossing the try line. Janidu Wijeratne, who took over the kicking duties in the absence of Shehanda Umagiliyage, easily added the two extra points.

Shortly after the first try, the Donz struck again as their Captain Jayathu Rajaratne embarked on an unstoppable kick and chase. Wijeratne successfully converted the try, extending their lead.

Before the 20-minute mark, D.S. Senanayake College scored their third try of the day. Utilising a scrum inside Kingswood’s half, No. 8 Thiven Perera made a powerful run and delivered a solid offload to Manura Peiris, who scored his second try. Wijeratne maintained his perfect kicking record, adding two more points.

Kingswood struggled in the early stages, but their skipper Imanka Ishara displayed a moment of brilliance, embarking on a tremendous run and setting up Anuda Sikurajapathi for Kingswood’s first try. Ishara successfully converted the try, providing his team with much-needed points.

Despite having an opportunity for a penalty kick before half-time, Kingswood opted for the three points, which Ishara unfortunately missed. The teams headed to the break with D.S. Senanayake College in control.

Kingswood started the second half strongly, scoring their second try within the first five minutes. After receiving a penalty, Afthab Asmi swiftly tapped the ball and passed it to Ihsan Inoon, who powered his way over the try line. Ishara converted the try, reducing the gap to just seven points.

Building on their momentum, Kingswood capitalised on another penalty and Ishara added three more points, bringing the visitors within striking distance of taking the lead.

However, D.S. Senanayake College responded with a remarkable play by Manura Peiris. He kicked the ball towards the left corner and chased it down with exceptional speed, collecting it after the first bounce and scoring a hat-trick of tries, his third of the season. Wijeratne’s successful conversion reinstated the Donz’s double-digit lead.

Shortly after the Donz secured their bonus point try, Kingswood fought back with Inoon scoring his second try of the game. Ishara missed the conversion, depriving Kingswood of two valuable points.

With Kingswood just one converted try away from taking the lead, D.S. Senanayake College desperately sought an opportunity to score. They found it when Kingswood conceded a line offside advantage, allowing Rajaratne to opt for a three-point penalty kick. Wijeratne maintained his flawless kicking record, adding the crucial points.

In the dying moments of the game, Kingswood managed to score their fourth try through Dewmin Hewage’s brilliant run, courtesy of Pramod Fernando’s disruption of the Donz’s defence. However, the conversion attempt fell short, leaving Kingswood in need of another try to turn the tide.

Kingswood had one final chance, entering the D.S. Senanayake half and receiving a penalty. Unfortunately, they couldn’t orchestrate a memorable comeback as they conceded a penalty themselves. D.S. Senanayake College, opting not to take any risks, kicked the ball out of play as the referee blew the final whistle, securing their hard-fought victory.

In summary, D.S. Senanayake College’s home advantage and their early dominance, highlighted by Manura Peiris’s exceptional performance, paved the way for their nail-biting 31-27 win over Kingswood College. While the visitors displayed resilience and mounted a comeback, the Donz held their ground and secured their third win of the season.

Full time: 

D.S. Senanayake College 31-27 Kingswood College