The much-anticipated 2024 edition of the Dialog Schools’ Rugby League commenced with a cliffhanger as Vidyartha College triumphed over St. Joseph’s College, 27-22, at Havelock Park.

It was a case of déjà vu for St. Joseph’s, who similarly lost their opening game to St. Anthony’s last season at Bogambara. Vidyartha College came out all guns blazing, with their experienced and speedy backs dictating terms from the onset. The physicality of the Josephians managed to keep the Tigers at bay during the first half, helping them muscle their way to the try line with the scores reading 17-17 at halftime.

The Tigers started the second half with a bang, scoring a mouthwatering end-to-end try that could easily be the try of the season. The speed and crafty play of Vidyartha’s backs exploited the broken defensive effort of the Joes, slipping past several tackles to score. This try, successfully converted, put the Tigers in the lead with the scores at 24-17 in favor of Vidyartha. Despite many waves of attacks by the Josephians, a disciplined Vidyartha defensive effort thwarted them consistently.

However, perseverance finally paid off for the Joes, as they scored a converted try to level the score at 24-all. When many from Darley Road would have happily settled for a draw, which felt like a win for the lads from St. Joseph’s, Vidyartha proved their determination. They received a penalty in the dying moments of the game, and the Vidyartha kicker duly complied, slotting the penalty through. Referee Gihan Yatawara blew the long whistle for full time, with the final score reading 27-22 in favor of the Tigers.