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Sports

Royal scrape through
Royal 3, St. Peter's 0
By Bernie Wijesekera
In a rousing forwards fought battle played in a sea of mud St. Peter's College failed to break the 14 -year jinx lost by just 3 points ( a penalty) to nil, at the Royal College sports complex, last evening. Royal took the lead and the match in the 15th minute when fullback Shiab Baudeen put over a penalty in front.

The last time the Petes won against Royal was in 1990. A torrential downpour just before the start of the game made it a tough forwards battle. Royal were without fly-half Varuna Wiijewardene and forward Fayaz Fazal (injured).

It was a game that the Petes flattered and faltered. They played a hard and robust match against a Royal side who had a mobile back division where Rajitha Jayasundera gave a gritty display. Despite the conditions underfoot he paired off well with scrum-half Sandaruwan. No. 8 Bimal Herath played his heart out in defence, while Baudeen was safe and sure in the last line with some booming kicks to touch.

Lady luck thwarted St. Peter's aspirations they had two successive spot kicks in front with the line staring. The first they opted for a scrum. Followed by another kick in front. Fly half Mohamed Sheriff fluffed the kick at goal. In the second half the Peterites had all cylinders firing in the gloom, but failed to run over the line. Royal was on the offensive for 10 minutes with the fine handling of the wet ball, but failed.
Referee D. Nimal

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