This runaway train is lodged among the frontrunners for the title
View(s):By David Stephens
Shan Weerakkody (Captain)
Throughout the early period of this year’s school rugby league, St. Peter’s College has unquestioningly looked the most threatening team from a fold loaded with class. Even as they lick their wounds after an error-filled defeat to Trinity College, this runaway freight train from Bambalapitiya is still firmly lodged among the frontrunners for the title.
Nevertheless, their 35-25 loss at their home grounds will leave a nasty sting, with it snapping a three-match unbeaten run and pushing them down two places to the league table’s third slot.
This particular Peterite team though possesses a plentiful supply of resilience, as they demonstrated in their spectacular comeback victories against Royal College and St. Joseph’s College, and they are likely to return to the field with even more venom.
So far, the offensive destruction they have wrought in all of their matches has been nothing short of frightening. They massacred St. Anthony’s College Kandy 50-12 to avenge their previous season’s loss to them before burning deficits against both St. Joseph’s College (43-15) and Royal College (31-19) with fearsome displays of fiery attack.
Their ability to leave even the best defense lifeless is amply supported by their prolific scoring statistics. They lead the league in total number of tries scored, notching up 21, three ahead of their closest rival, Trinity College, and six ahead of Wesley College, who sit at number three on this list.
Coach Collin Dinesh Peter, who captained St. Peter’s in 1989 and has been a mainstay in its coaching department, attributes this aggressive style of play to his forwards, who he describes as “mobile and fast” as well as the balanced nature of the team.
This year the side is captained by fifth-year, Shan Weerakkody, who besides directing a fantastically creative flow of offense, also wields a wealth of playing experience. His deputy and fellow fifth-year, Shenal Abeysekara is no slouch either, being one of the league’s 
elite forwards.
Toss in the power and experience of fourth-year Johanne Rodrigo and third-year Niraj Gunasinghe and it is understandable why Coach Dinesh readily cites the ability of his forwards to change games. Furthermore, he also has at his disposal the services of inspired third-year No.8, Anuradha Herath, who has had a spectacular season so far.
However, the strength of this Peterite side lies not in individual brilliance, but in a toxic compound, concocted through the team’s several diverse elements, which has scalded even the most hotly-favoured teams.
With 2 fifth years, 3 fourth years, 5 third years, 9 second years and seven freshmen of the highest caliber, St. Peter’s is the epitome of a balanced squad where each player understands his role. If they can remain consistent and bring their bag of offensive fireworks to each of their games, then the title may well be theirs for the taking.
| Team
Props: Johanne Rodrigo, Udara Hettiarachchi, Rahal Delpachiththra |
Pix by Amila Gamage
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