Petes hold on to tame the lion in his den
The Peterites withstood a strong second half comeback by Trinity to run out winners by 28 points (4 goals) to 21 (3 goals) at Pallekele yesterday.
The first half was almost all St. Peter’s. They were in the Trinity half for 80 per cent at that time. Came the second half, and there was a sea-change. The Trinitians became more assertive and played some rousing catch-up rugby.
The Peterites who camped in the Trinity 22 for about ten minutes early in the first half were driven back and denied by the excellent ruck defence of the home team. However something had to give. An easy penalty offered to the Peterites was spurned. They had their sights set on a goal. It was provided by centre Rukshan Madushanka who took a long pass and went through a gap. Fullback Shehan Liyanarachchi, who had a wonderful game, converted to give his team the early lead.
The next try was by the product of a bit of a muddle. A Trinity kick was charged down. Then suddenly, lock M.J.V. Fernando got hold of the ball and went through a slightly perplexed defence,
Half time was taken at 14-0 to St. Peter’s.
Trinity had little possession but they could have used it more meaningfully to pressurise the visitors.
St. Peter’s made a few mistakes but Trinity did not punish them for those errors. The Rolling Maul was employed for the third Peterite try which was scored by Chamod Sandaruwan. With Liyanarachchi being on target once more, the Peterites now had a decisive 21-0 lead.
It was Trinity’s turn to hit back. All of a sudden they were swarming all over the Peterite 22. A long pass was sent to Trinity’s “wonder boy” Vishwa Ranaraja who caught it and blazed straight ahead. Akitha Sakalasuriya who had come on in the second half, kicked accurately (21-7).
There was no let up from Trinity. The pack was playing some rousing rugby with a 14 point deficit to make good. The Peterite defence was not as efficient as it had been in the initial half. It may be that their intentions earlier were telling on them.
Trinity had pinned them on their 22. The ball was thrown to the right. The Peterites scenting danger from winger Ranaraja was moving in that direction. Sakalasuriya, astutely ran through at speed to catch them on the wrong foot. He converted his own try (21-14).
The Peterites were able to touch down once more, not off an orthodox move. Substitute Mohammed Nizam latched on and forced his way over. Liyanarachchi made it four out of four and gave his team the point lead (28-14).
Trinity had a shot left in their locker. Fly half Sakalasuriya picked up a loose ball and went over a few minutes before the close. He converted well once again. But it was all over seconds later as Referee Asanga Werange sounded the long whistle.
Trinity paid for their tardiness. They left their come-back far too late. Not for the first time.
Results of other games:
- Vidyartha beat D.S. Senanayake 22-17 at Nittawela.
- St. Anthony’s defeated Maliyadeva 48-36 at Digana.
This was the maiden win by the Anthonians.