Royal juggernaut kept on rolling
Royal totally capitalised in the second session - Pix by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
There’s just no stopping the Royal juggernaut. They had a hint of mortality in the Wesley game, which they barely overcame. It was back to business when they pulverised Isipathana. Yesterday they survived the brimstone and the fire, the fury that the Peterites subjected them to for more than half the game and ran out winners by a comfortable nineteen points.
Royal’s points came off 2 goals, 3 tries and a penalty. The Peterites scored off a goal and two penalties. This game played at the Royal Complex was worthy of a final, even though it wasn’t actually so. St. Peter’s made a statement of intent early on by attacking their opponents in a series of well-coordinated moves. They were probing for gaps, but couldn’t find many. Having frittered away a kickable penalty by kicking to touch, Shehan Liyanapathirana made excellent use of a 52-yard penalty to put his team on top (3-0).
This was a slightly unusual situation for Royal. But they are an experienced, champion side. They weathered that early storm and quietly gained control. A penalty was well kicked into touch by centre Janidu Dilshan. A line out was followed by that ‘Royal Special’ the Rolling Maul. Hooker Ifham Fareed was the scorer, while full back Dulan Gunewardena got the extra two points.
Late in this half, Liyanapathirana barely missed out on a 45 yard penalty. Just before lemons, skipper Sabith Feroze picked up a loose ball and went through a gap. Dulan Gunawardena latched on to the off load but was held down almost on the line. Scrum half Mubeen Faleel was on hand however to squeeze his way over the line. Gunewardena failed to convert and the winners took lemons at 12-3.
Royal’s cover defence came to their rescue early in the second half when they had a nervy moment. An intended kick to touch miscued and a Peterite who grabbed it found a little gap but was nabbed almost at once.
The Peterites borrowed Royal’s ‘Maul’ and came close. After two attempts at piercing the defence had failed, the ball was sent out for prop Abdullah Faiz to barge over. Liyanapathirana, who was in superb kicking form, put this one over too. At 12-10, things were getting hot under the Royal collar.
Royal retained the Singer Schools League title
However, cometh the hour, cometh the men. Sensing the danger from the fired up Peterites, Royal had recourse to the maul for their salvation. Hooker Fareed went over for his second try (17-10). Liyanapathirana’s penalty conversion made the situation tense once again (17-13).
The Peterites were by now coping well with the Rolling Maul. Two attempts did not succeed. The ball was then sent out. Skipper Sabith Feroze used his speed and expertise to find a chink in the defence and score. Gunewardena warmed Royal hearts by converting. At 24-13, Royal seemed to be safe.
The winners then had the freedom to play from their hearts. Janidu Dilshan who had moments earlier produced a wonderful 40 yard break, now passed to Ifam Fareed who side stepped and then cut in to score Royal’s final try. Gunewardena who missed this conversion, put over a penalty almost at once for their final tally of 32-13.
The Peterites gave it their all, for much of the game. They tackled hard and ran the ball well to put Royal under pressure. They varied the pattern of their play with little chips and the occasional high kick. They can be proud of their effort. Another team may have succumbed, but not Royal.
Thus Royal retained the championship they won last year. While coach Dushanth Lewke was seen shedding tears of joy, it was a case of mixed emotions for the maestro Sanath Martis.