Science ‘Maroons’ SC became the proud holders of the SLR Nippon Paint Under-24 League Rugby Tournament when they defeated the Western Province Team 26-8 in the Cup final played at the Police Park in Colombo.
This inaugural tournament, with the participation of four clubs and six provincial teams turned out to be a great opportunity for those promising players to prove themselves and warm-up ahead of the 2022/23 Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League, which kicks-off on Friday.
This month-long tournament produced some exciting rugby, not only in Colombo but also in different venues like Kurunegala, Badulla, Matale and Galle, although the first few games turned out to be somewhat one-sided encounters.
Even then, Science ‘Maroons’ SC always looked the better side from the start of this inaugural tournament, and they kept to that promise by emerging as unbeaten Under-24 League champions.
No doubt, they had a bit of a scare in the final with the Western Province giving their best shot to topple the favourites after both teams had completed their first-round games with an unbeaten record.
In fact, the Cup Championship final proved to be one of the most fascinating games as both teams made an early claim for the title with Science ‘Maroons’ enjoying a slender 7-5 lead at half time.
They were able to double that lead soon after the turnaround and added two more tries to their tally shortly before the final whistle while conceding just a solitary penalty to their opponents.
Former Science College flanker Dineth Pasindu had a memorable game, and he was selected as the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament. In addition, fly half Nadun Kaveesha was another stand out player for Science ‘Maroons’ with his booming kicks to touch and conversions, which helped his team to swell their total in every game.
Plate final
North Western Province produced a stunning performance to overcome the Old Wesleyites SC (OWSC) 22-13 in the Plate Championship final played at the Maliyadeva College Grounds in Kurunegala.
This was certainly the best performance by the North Western Province Team in this tournament as they lived upto expectations as the giant killers with another major upset on their home grounds.
Southern Province also had the satisfaction of creating an upset as they brought down the more fancied Petersons SC 16-0 in the Bowl Championship final played at St. Aloysius’ College Grounds in Galle.
Southern Province really made amends for their earlier setbacks in the tournament and dominated the proceedings with two unconverted tries and two penalties.