S. Thomas’ in shocking win over fancied St. Peter’s
The second half rally put in by S. Thomas’ saw them record a shocking 25 points to 17 win over fancied St. Peter’s in a second round encounter of the Singer U-20 Schools Rugby league tournament played at Bambalapitiya yesterday.The Thomians after conceding a 8-10 lead to host Peterites made up their points through a goal, three tries and a penalty as against to a goal and two tries scored by the Petes.
The Peterites who came into the game as favourites drew first blood with an unconverted try scored by center Harshana Peiris while few minutes later the Thomians reduced the deficit from a penalty booted over by Dion Dias. The Thomians went into the lead in the 17th minute through an unconverted try scored No.8 Sachintha Jayatilleke. From there on the game saw the two teams exchanging honours before the host side succeeded to grab the lead in the 35th minute from an unconverted try scored by deputy skipper Nishon Perera with which the score remained at the lemons.
On resumption the Peterites went into the attack and was rewarded immediate success when Nishon Perera went over for his second try of the match which was converted for them to 17-8 but that was short-lived as skipper and second row Hasitha Senanayake’s unconverted try helped the Thomians to reduce the deficit.
The Thomians playing with more cohesion put the Peterites under tremendous pressure and two tries within a space of eight minutes put the issue beyond doubt for the Mt. Lavinia boys. The first was in the 29th minute with No.8 Sachintha Jayatilleke going over for his second try which was converted and the other in the 37th minute through an unconverted try scored by Naveen Henakankanamage which saw them record their first win in the second round and also regain the Archibald Perera Trophy.
Referee – Anura Rankothge