Trinity College were given a torrid time by robust Dharmaraja College before recording an unimpressive 34-27 victory over the latter in their inter-school division I segment A rugby league encounter played at Bogamabra Stadium, Kandy yesterday.

It was Trinity’s finish that won them the game against the Rajans, who dominated in the loose mostly and as a result led at the breather by 15 points to 14.

Trinity scored off three goals, two tries and a penalty while Rajans who fell short of a goal to bridge the gap could shoot back with two goals, two tries and a penalty.

Rajans despite their defeat should be complemented for the manner in which they displayed their skills as against a disjointed Trinity outfit, who had their lapses at least on three crucial occasions near the post and missed out their potential scoring opportunities.

If there was one man who placed the Rajans in command it was their centre, Dharshana Etipola, who made his contributions by scoring three spectacular tries for his team, while Kanchana Ramanyake in his makeshift fly half position looked equally smart and excelled for Trinity.

Trinity opened their account off a try by Ramanayake after the ball came off from a wheeling maul and winger, Kennon Armstrong put over and Trinity led 7-0. Ten minutes later they increased their lead when Ramanayake booted the loose ball , which was charged by number eight Shannon Armstrong before flanker Idis Omar made a valiant effort to touch down and Trinity led 14-0

From this point onwards it was the Rajans who dominated the affairs and in the process they succeeded in scoring a penalty after Trinity line was spotted off side in the 23rd minute of play and flay half, Indika Wickramanayake fired across a penalty to draw first blood. This was followed an unconverted try by centre Chanaka Ratnayake and another by second centre Etipola and with Wickramanayke’s accurate conversion Rajans led 15 points to 14.

Upon resumption the Rajans despite enjoying prossession failed to place the finishing touches which cost them delay in the end.

Trinity increased their lead off the efforts of prop forward, Murad Ramzeen off a forward charge but Kennon missed in his kick and Trinity led 19-15 in the 10th minute.

Five minutes later Kennon made amends off his boots as he fired a penalty as Rajans were reprimanded for dangerous play and Trinity’s total swelled to 22 points against 15. Then came the second try of Etipola for Rajans who scored in spectacular fashion under the post after sprinting well over 35 meters before touching down and Wickramanyake did the honours off his boot and the scores were leveled at 22 all.

Few minutes later Trinity broke the deadlock off a Kennon Armstrong try as a result of a second phrase three quarter move but he missed his kick, yet Trinity led 27-22.

It was the 27th minute of play and Kanchana Ramanyake of Trinity went over under the post and Kennon himself added the extra point for Trinity to lead 34-22. It was two minutes to go for referee Gamini Indrasena’s long blast when the last try was produced off the efforts of play maker Etipola for Rajans. As Wickramanayake missed his kick the final score read 34-27.